BMW targets Tesla Model S with a i5 sedan?

According to rumours BMW might be working on a new plug-in-hybrid sedan to take on the Tesla Model S. The source also claims the German carmaker might display a concept based on this idea at the Frankfurt Motor Show this year. 

The report mentions that BMW’s Tesla Model S rival might be codenamed F18 PHEV, and it would be based on a long wheelbase (LWB) version of the upcoming 5 Series. The idea behind using the LWB version might be to make the i5 seem as a worthy competitor to the Model S, as it is bigger than the 5 Series but smaller than the 7 Series.

The model won’t be all-electric and could utilise the plug-in hybrid technology. Its all-electric range would be 129km (80 miles) and the internal combustion engine in the car will start only after 64kmph (40mph). The car will feature front-wheel-drive and rear-wheel-drive modes as well as an AWD hybrid mode. The engine will be a four-pot petrol mill churning out 241bhp combined with a 201bhp electric unit at the front and a 94bhp rear mounted electric unit. All this power will be transmitted to the wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox. 

The future of motoring is electrifying and increasing number of manufacturers are joining this bandwagon.

With the Tesla Model S being favoured by celebrities and the rich who have abandoned their powerful V8 and V12 powered sedans for it, more luxury carmakers will take a plunge in this new segment.

Source: Car