The BMW i3, the first-ever electric vehicle by BMW, is iconic due to its innovative use of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic for its structure, revolutionary electric powertrain, futuristic design elements, intelligent connectivity features, and its visionary concept for sustainable mobility. These features have made the BMW i3 a significant influence in the automobile industry and a stepping stone towards sustainable mobility. The i3’s unusual design has also been a significant part of its appeal, paving the way for a new generation of EVs.
What makes the BMW i3 an iconic vehicle in the automobile industry?
The BMW i3, the first-ever electric vehicle by BMW, is iconic due to its innovative use of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic for its structure, revolutionary electric powertrain, futuristic design elements, intelligent connectivity features, and its visionary concept for sustainable mobility. These features have made the BMW i3 a significant influence in the automobile industry and a stepping stone towards sustainable mobility.
The BMW i3, the first-ever electric vehicle (EV) by the renowned car manufacturer, BMW, has been a revolutionary force in the automobile industry. It is due for replacement, as confirmed by BMW board member Frank Weber. However, the i3’s unusual design, which the manufacturer admits made it a bit of an outsider, has also been a significant part of its appeal. As such, this unusual hatchback has paved the way for a new generation of EVs, embodying inventive design, advanced technology, and sustainability. Here, we delve into five crucial aspects that have made the BMW i3 an iconic vehicle.
1. Innovative Use of Carbon Fiber Structure
The BMW i3 was ahead of its time in its use of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) for its passenger cell. This material, typically reserved for high-end sports cars and aerospace applications, has been made affordable and scalable by BMW for the i3. This implementation not only reduced the vehicle’s weight but significantly enhanced its rigidity, adding to its unique appeal.
2. Revolutionary Electric Powertrain
The powertrain of the BMW i3 was a revolutionary aspect of its design. The vehicle offered two options for electric propulsion: a purely battery-electric version and a range-extended version. The range-extended variant featured a small gasoline engine, capable of extending the driving range by at least 80 miles. Equally fascinating was the fact that the BMW i3 REx utilized an existing engine – a twin-cylinder 647 cc motorcycle engine sourced from BMW Motorrad.
3. Futuristic Design Elements
The BMW i3’s design was an embodiment of the future. This vehicle had a unique appearance that made it distinctive on the roads. The design incorporated a tall and narrow body, large wheels, a short hood, and a long wheelbase. The interior was a blend of space and minimalism, featuring a floating dashboard, a digital instrument cluster, and a large infotainment screen. The use of recycled materials and natural fibers for its upholstery and trim lent the car an eco-friendly touch. This distinctive design approach made it a favorite among many, leading us to own four of these since their inception in 2011.
4. Intelligent Connectivity Features
The BMW i3 was also acclaimed for its smart connectivity features. It came equipped with a smartphone app that allowed remote control of the car, including locking and unlocking, pre-conditioning, and checking the charging status. Furthermore, it had a navigation system capable of optimizing the route based on traffic, weather, and the battery level. The i3’s compatibility with smartwatches was another innovative feature. While these features are common today, a decade ago, they were groundbreaking.
5. Visionary Concept
The BMW i3 symbolized more than just a car; it represented a comprehensive vision for sustainable mobility. This visionary concept was designed to be compatible with renewable energy sources like solar panels and wind turbines. Furthermore, it was crafted to align with shared mobility services such as car-sharing and public transportation. This holistic vision of the i3 exemplified BMW’s commitment to innovation and responsibility in the world of sustainable mobility.
While the BMW i3 is set for replacement, its impact on the automobile industry and its shaping of the future of EVs will be remembered as the stepping stone towards sustainable mobility. Its distinctive features, innovative design, and forward-thinking concept have undoubtedly solidified its place as an icon in the automobile industry.
- BMW i3 is the first-ever electric vehicle by BMW, making it iconic in the automobile industry
- Innovative use of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) for its structure, reducing weight and enhancing rigidity
- Revolutionary electric powertrain with options for battery-electric and range-extended versions
- Futuristic design elements, including a unique appearance, minimalistic interior, and eco-friendly materials
- Intelligent connectivity features such as remote control via smartphone app and optimized navigation
- Visionary concept for sustainable mobility, designed to be compatible with renewable energy sources and shared mobility services