BMW uses the ‘i’ brand exclusively for its electric car models as EVs move toward becoming standard vehicle choices. The move targets business goals by separating its electric lineup (such as i4) clearly from gasoline-powered models like 440i. The ‘i’ designation BMW saves for electric cars proves its determination to guide the brand toward electric vehicle power.
Since its beginning, BMW has maintained its own unique pattern to label its vehicles. Each BMW model series starts with a number that determines the engine displacement and plugin efficiency before ending in engine technology letter designation. Gasoline engines that use injection technology receive an ‘i’, marking alongside ‘d’ for diesel and ‘e’ to mark energy-efficient hybrid vehicles. As part of BMW’s electric vehicle transition, the ‘i’ now leads its EV model series.
When BMW introduced the i3 vehicle in 2013, they initiated the ‘i’ symbol to represent electric vehicle design. BMW brings every electric model under its ‘I’ brand name such as i4 i5 i7 and iX. Körber from BMW emphasizes that BMW plans to use ‘i’ as a distinct badge to distinguish electric cars in their lineup.
Car Model Information: 2019 BMW i8 Roadster
Price: $80,790
Exterior color: Crystal White Pearl w/Frozen Gray Accent
Interior color: E-Copper Exclusive
Drivetrain: All-wheel Drive
Transmission: Automatic
Engine: 1.5L I-3 gasoline direct injection, DOHC, VANOS variable valve c
VIN: WBY2Z6C5XKVG97838
Mileage: 23,776 mi.
Summary: The BMW i8 is a plug-in hybrid sports car developed by BMW. The i8 was part of BMW’s electrified fleet and was marketed under the BMW i sub-brand. The production version of the BMW i8 was unveiled at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show and was released in Germany in June 2014. Deliveries to retail customers in the U.S. began in August 2014. A roadster variant was launched in May 2018. Production ended in June 2020.
Get more information about: BMW i8
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BMW fans will discover the new model names this year across 1-Series, 2-Series, and X3 models. Since BMW has released cars without added lettering before, they may stick to basic naming for future petrol vehicles.
BMW continues developing internal combustion engines because their ‘Power of Choice’ strategy avoids ditching this engine style today. The head of BMW Development Frank Weber explained that the company will keep investing in gas-powered and diesel engines because strict emissions rules and Euro 7 standards start in 2030. Weber promised continuing investment in gasoline diesel hybrid and plug-in hybrid engine development to meet global emissions regulations.
BMW has multiple reasons for their extended product range
BMW assesses multiple dimensions for its diverse product strategy. EV charging points remain minimal while green power supply remains low and questions persist about EV material longevity. Automatic EV recycling systems at the end of their life create important management challenges. A reduction in government EV incentives will push customers toward internal combustion engine vehicles according to BMW. BMW creates powertrain options to serve all types of customer demands.
As part of their business plan, BMW intends to introduce a fully electric lineup for MINI and Rolls-Royce by the early 2020s. BMW’s ALPINA business continues to advertise gasoline-powered vehicles because its customer base still prefers these models to electric vehicles.
The BMW factory in Munich will make only electric vehicles from 2027 forwards towards its EV future. Through this massive €650 million investment, the company shows its capability in adapting its production facilities to manufacture electric vehicles. BMW keeps preparing its staff members and updating its production systems to help the Munich plant serve current automotive engineering needs.
By insisting ‘i’ represent EV models, BMW sends more than just a brand message; it marks their vowed dedication to electric vehicle production. The company takes the leadership position in electric vehicles and accepts market conditions today. By combining traditional values with future development BMW sets a direction for sustainable automotive industry progress.
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