2012 BMW i3 Coupe Concept

BMW is launching yet another variation of its i eco-car theme this week at the Los Angeles auto show. The new i3 Concept Coupe complements the five-door i3, as well as the i8 Concept and the i8 Concept Spyder.

2012 BMW i3 Coupe Concept

The previously shown five-door i3 is an electric, high-roof people mover—not something the brand’s current customers are accustomed to seeing in BMW showrooms. BMW will have a difficult time explaining its emotional appeal to those who are not already true believers of the electric car. That's where this i3 Concept Coupe comes in.

2012 BMW i3 Coupe Concept

Like its upright sibling, the swoopier, three-door i3 Concept Coupe features a body fully made from carbon fiber. It is a coupe, but a tall one, with a slightly longer body than the i3. The wheelbase of the two cars is identical. Like the i3 and the i8, the coupe displays the futuristic layered-design approach, which BMW has come up with for its i sub-brand. Unlike previous concepts, this one is clad in orange and black, for a much sportier—if somewhat less futuristic—appearance.

2012 BMW i3 Coupe Concept

The i3 Concept Coupe stands tall on 20-inch wheels. But the tires are skinny: 155/60x20s up front and 175/55x20s in the rear. The narrow rubber is part of the brand's effort to push efficiency to an absolute maximum, and to combat every EV’s worst nightmare: drag.

2012 BMW i3 Coupe Concept

Maximum range is 100 miles with a full battery, after which a lengthy charging session is in order. On semi-extended trips, drivers might opt to choose Eco Pro or Eco Pro+ mode, the latter of which will limit forward progress to a sorry 55 mph. There is exactly one post-war BMW you could overtake at that speed: The very un-sporty Isetta.

2012 BMW i3 Coupe Concept

But for some people, cars are not all about driving pleasure anymore. They are about the fun and practical value of electronics. To that end, the i3 Coupe Concept’s telematics system is permanently connected to the outside world; it downloads your calendar and messages, monitors your driving, and offers tips for recharging. When traffic conditions change, you are informed of changes in range; hints are provided when a switch to the more sluggish modes is advisable in order to reach your pre-programmed destination. The system dutifully directs the driver to the next available charging station. Booking a slot is done through the car as well, opening up interesting new revenue options for BMW.

2012 BMW i3 Coupe Concept

Instead of a traditional analog instrument cluster, there’s a 6.5-inch TFT display; an 8.8-inch center-stack display adds more information for the driver. Of course, that's nothing compared to the 17-inch display in the Tesla Model S, but this one is far better integrated. Plus, it resides in one of the nicest and most interesting interiors BMW has done recently.

If an i3 Coupe comes to market, it will most likely be offered not only as a full electric, but also with a range-extending internal-combustion engine, similar to the Chevrolet Volt. We believe the less-zesty i3 5-door will be launched in 2013 as a 2014 model; a coupe version like the concept could follow shortly thereafter. Figure on prices that begin around $40,000. BMW believes that "sustainability awareness" will be "an intrinsic part of the premium profile." If that is true, the brand’s “ultimate driving machine” tagline may be due for a revision.

Articles Source : caranddriver