BMW has unveiled its i3 Concept Coupe at the 2012 LA Auto Show this week, which forms part of an ongoing process to develop the first ever all-electric BMW i brand model for production. The three-door i3 Concept Coupe features dynamic styling and incorporates the BMW i ‘stream flow’ design philosophy.

??BMW i3 Concept Coupe is electric car of the future

The BMW i3 Concept Coupe utilises the electric version of BMW eDrive technology and is powered by an electric motor that develops 125kW and a peak torque figure of 250Nm. Power is delivered to the rear wheels using a single-speed transmission and the electric motor functions in conjunction with lithium-ion battery cells which are stored in the floor of the vehicle. The i3 Concept Coupe is designed to cover distances up to 160km on a full battery charge.

Efficiency of the BMW i3 Concept Coupe is enhanced with the three driving modes, namely COMFORT, ECO PRO and ECO PRO+. These various modes also help extend the vehicles range by up to 20%.

BMW i3 is serious about style

The passenger cell of the i3 Concept Coupe is made of Carbon Fibre-Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) while the drive system, chassis and energy storage unit are made of aluminium. The i3 Concept Coupe features a steeply raked windscreen while the roofline tapers gently to the rear, defining the overall silhouette of the vehicle. Long doors and frameless windows add to the coupe feel. The body work panels around the wheel arches, doors and rear sidewalls are finished in Solar Orange metallic which was specifically created for this vehicle and contrasts with the high-gloss black finish on the bonnet, roof, boot lid and the lower black body edge.

The side mirrors are specific to this model and are finished with black mirror bases and caps finished in Solar Orange metallic. The i3 Concept Coupe features 20-inch light alloy wheels with double-spoke design fitted with reduced rolling-resistance tyres.

??BMW i3 features mixed material interior

The exterior design is complemented with specific materials used in the interior including a mixture of leather, wood and wool elements. Manually-adjustable seats with integrated head restraints are upholstered in textured wool yarn and monofilament material. The i3 Concept Coupe features two individual rear seats which offer lounge-style comfort. The rear windows are large offering a feel of spaciousness for rear seat passengers.

Two displays are used to communicate vehicle information and facilitate the control of the infotainment and communication system. The navigation system is operated via the BMW i ConnectedDrive. A 16.5cm screen is positioned above the steering column and displays driving related information which appears in digital form. The second display screen, measuring 22.4cm, is positioned in the centre of the dashboard and is used to operate the navigation and infotainment systems. The use of BMW i ConnectedDrive, which was purpose-built for electric mobility applications powered by BMW eDrive technology, has meant that the BMW i3 Concept Coupe can be considered to be ‘the world’s first fully networked electric vehicle’.