Report: BMW sets its sites directly on Tesla with an i5 and i7
BMW isn’t taking kindly to Tesla Motors, especially since they’re working overtime to build a competing brand under their i lineup along with supporting infrastructure, like a network of fast EV chargers to combat Tesla Motors’ Supercharger network.
Now, BMW wants to tighten their aim even more with a Tesla Model S and Model X competitor in 2018. The new models should take the names i5 (crossover) and i7 (sedan) to compete with the California-based firm and should feature all-electric powertrains with range-extending motors.
The setup allows BMW to make either front-, all- or rear-wheel drive cars with a range of up to 80 miles on all-electric power.
Not much else is known about BMW’s future i models, but styling is said to be taken after the new 6-Series Gran Coupe and next-gen 7-Series.
The production models are expected to cost around $100,000 to boot with an annual sales projection of around 30,000 units total annually.
Source: Automobile Mag