Tesla’s popularity and success have not gone unnoticed – the company is quite popular in the press, and news about them keep coming out all the time, typically in a positive context. It’s pretty clear at this point that they have a good concept for the future, and some major companies on the market have taken note of that too, such as BMW who are apparently planning to build their own competitor to Tesla’s Model X soon.
The new vehicle is claimed to be an electric SUV, and will be specifically designed to rival the Model X, but we don’t have any concrete details on its specifications at the moment. It’s likely going to be produced at the same plant that currently makes the X3, X4, X5 and X6 models, and that plant will also build the X7 when it’s launched in 2017.
What the rumors are currently claiming about the new electric SUV is that it will be the third model in the “i” range of the company, following the i3 electric car as well as the i8 hybrid coupe. The company is likely going to use a specialized chassis for this model, unlike Audi who are expected to reuse one of their current platforms for the Q6 e-tron.
This is how BMW have been doing all of their “i” models so far, which is the main reason most people believe that they will follow their trend and develop something new for the upcoming rival to the Tesla X.
The i3 and i8 had a somewhat different construction in their bodies from other BMW models, or even other cars that are currently being produced. They featured a unique design with carbon fiber reinforced plastic and aluminum, and both models received a lot of praise for this aspect of their design specifically.
Klaus Froehlich who currently heads BMW’s R&D department previously stated that the next “i” model is not going to borrow its platform from an existing model as well, and that’s the best argument that we have in favor of the situation. Of course, times change and it’s entirely possible for the company to change their decision during the development process, but knowing BMW and their approach to this line, that’s not very likely.
Other than that, we’re curious what the next “i” model is going to be exactly – there have been claims that it could be a different version of the X5, as well as possibly a plug-in hybrid sedan with the model number i5, but in any case, the new car likely won’t be here for quite a while.
…. as long as this new speculated vehicle fully electric (no ICE engine) …. The goal is to have other car manufacturers start building some electric-only vehicles.
They’re definitely not going to get an X5 with hybrid to go against a Model X. This thing with gas and electric would weigh a TON. Plus there is no way this is going 0-60 in 3.5 seconds like a Model X.