Might we soon see an expansion to BMW’s recently unveiled i sub-brand soon after the i3 and i8 go on sale? Word is that two new models will join the i line-up: the i4, a compact coupe, and the i5, a sporty, family-oriented four-door.
Both the i4 and i5 will reportedly be based on the same carbon fiber reinforced plastic “Life” structure found in the i3 and i8 and will make use of adapted versions of the powertrains employed in those vehicles.
Reports suggest the two-door i4 will be based on the i3, but will have a coupe-like sloping roof, a wider track and only two seats. Power is expected to come from the i3’s electric motor, with the same optional range-extending engine mounted out back.
The i5 will be a sporty sedan powered by the same three-cylinder 1.5-liter turbo unit and electric motors found in the i8. The plug-in hybrid i5 will reportedly crank out up 400 pound-feet of torque, making it one of the quickest hybrid sedans in the world.
If these rumors are true, both the i4 and i5 are years away, with concept versions expected to be unveiled in 2014 or later. We don’t expect either to enter the production cycle until 2015 at the earliest.
