BMW Is Not Developing Replacements For The i8 And i3
BMW is set to ditch the i8 and i3 as we know them, integrating its i electric car sub-brand into its mainstream model ranges instead.
According to reports, BMW believe that the i range will have served its marketing and brand-building purpose at the end of the two models’ current life cycles. Following an interview with BMW executives, Autocar said that:
“At the end of their life cycles, their jobs will be considered done, which is why replacements are not formally in development or in BMW’s product plan.”
Interesting electric cars won’t be forgotten. Replacements for the two i-cars aren’t in formal development, but the i division will carry on building one or two bespoke cars for ‘specific demands’. Normally, though, they will work much more closely with the firm’s regular engineering teams, both on electric saloons and a newly-trademarked set of SUV model names.
BMW has just been granted protection for the names iX1 all the way to iX9, suggesting it has plans for a full suite of electric SUVs in the future. It trademarked the monikers i1 to i9 three years before the i3 was officially launched.
The Munich-based company also owns the rights to the designations E1 to E9. The company expects to launch some 11 electric models by 2025.
Source: Autocar
Comments
I thought Peugeot had the E7 right as one of there models have been called it for a few years now.
Let’s be honest here, are we really going to miss them?
No I3 mkII? What a tragedy! - Nobody, 2018
Good
Finally.
The I8 was cool when it first came out, but after time, people just slagged them off and bought proper sports cars instead…
I can already see their prices going through the roof in 20 - 30 years.
Jeremy Clarkson did a perfect job of the overhyped i8. I loved it in until Clarkson did his review.
Of course designations E1 to E9 are protected. E9 and E3 were introduced in 1968
Whew!