The car is expected to be called the i5 and built upon the modular HPLC architecture, which will eventually underpin the company’s full lineup of rear-wheel-drive models. It is said to be similar in size to the current 5-Series, potentially slightly longer but not as big as the 7-Series.
The i5 will integrate a gasoline engine and two electric motors, one for the front axles and another to drive the rear wheels, with a combined output of 640 horsepower, unnamed sources have told Autobild. All-electric range is said to reach up to 78 miles, but the internal-combustion engine will kick in at speeds above 37 mph during normal operation.
The latest information suggests BMW has already previewed the i5′s hybrid system in the Power eDrive prototype, which utilized a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a single electric motor and a smaller integrated battery. A similar configuration is already used for the i8, with a combined output of 362 ponies and 420 lb-ft of torque.
BMW has allegedly blended design elements from the 7-Series sedan with the proportions of the 6-Series Gran Coupe, with a sporty styling that will be aimed squarely at the Tesla Model S.
The new hybrid is expected to arrive as early as 2018, with a price tag around 100,000 euros (~$106,500 USD).
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