BMW to Develop Two New Electric Cars

BMW’s high-efficiency i range will be adding two new cars to its ranks: the i4 and i5.

Earlier this month, the German automobile giant unveiled the i3, an electric car tailored for urban travel, and the i8, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle – both of which are expected to hit the market in late 2013.

Now, news about the launch of two more environmentally friendly models – the i4 and i5 – has been released.

Like their predecessors, these lightweight vehicles will be constructed of carbon-fibre reinforced plastics and aluminum, and feature improved powertrains.

The sporty four-door i4 will be a coupe with a wider track and more powerful electric motors than the i3. It will contain a two-cylinder range-extending gasoline engine that will boost the lithium-ion batteries.

The i5, however, will resemble the sedan shape of an Audi A5 Sportback. It will comprise a three-cylinder 1.5-liter turbo engine and electric motor, but is expected to be less powerful than the i8, which boasts 349 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque.

Source: Auto Express

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