BMW i5 electric car axed: reports

BMW's plans for a mass market electric car have short circuited.

According to reports that have surfaced online, the planned BMW 3-Series-sized i5 electric car has been terminated. BMW Blog, referencing several unnamed sources, claims that the German car maker has cancelled its plans for the theoretical rival to the Tesla Model 3 and instead will develop an electric drivetrain for its mainstream 3-Series.

This represents a massive turnaround of future product ideology from BMW, which late ast year announced, with much pomp and vigour, its BMW Strategy Number One Next which the iNext concept and subsequent i5 production car were supposed to be the centrepiece. 

"Our Strategy Number One Next is centred on consequent lightweight construction, alternative drivetrain technology, connectivity, autonomous driving functions and the interior of the future. The iNext will set the standard from 2021," said BMW CEO, Harald Krueger, at the time.

The move is seen as a cost saving exercise as the current i8 and i3 hybrid and electric cars utilise a unique chassis system that is both expensive and unsuitable for high-volume production. According to the reports, BMW will now focus on adapting its regular vehicle lines, like the upcoming X3, with specific EV models rather than creating a full stand-alone product line which is similar to what the brand already does with its iPerformance plug-in hybrid X5 xDrive 40e and 330e models. At BMW's annual general meeting earlier this month, Krueger said, "From 2020, we want to be able to build electric, plug-in hybrid and combustion-engine variants of each model series on the same line" hinting at the next stage in BMW's electrification plans. In a separate statement earlier this week, Krueger expanded on the BMW group's electrification plans. "The all-electric MINI and the all-electric BMW X3 will mark the beginning of the second wave of electrification for the BMW Group, benefiting from the ongoing technological progress we are making in this area." An electric X3, one of the brand's most popular models, has the potential to significantly boost the brand's electric footprint, with the BMW brand already leading the prestige segment in plug-in hybrid sales globally through the combined sales of its i8, i3 Range Extender and iPerformance 3-Series, 5-Series, 7-Series and X5 ranges.

Although an electric X3, Mini or 3-Series may not have the brand cachet and marketing pull of a totally unique product, it is the best was for BMW as a business to establish its 'e-mobility' credentials and establish itself as a market leader.

Source: BMW i5 electric car axed: reports