Olympics 2012 Preview: BMW Shows Off i3 Cars in London Showroom

Jun 16, 2012 11:17 AM EDT | Brice Smith

WIth the 2012 Olympics fastly approaching, German automaker BMW launched the world's first i Store in the heart of the city of London.

The London-based exclusive showroom by BMW features the premium line of electric and hybrid vehicles which includes the BMW i3 and i8, sedan. The BMW i3 is the first totally electric car conceived by the German automaker. The car has been designed for an urban audience and it is completely based on sustainable materials. The latest technology, which involves models with airiness design is further improved by electric technology. BMV makes it clear that the technology being used in the i concept cars are not available in any of the car manufactured in anywhere in the world.

Photos and videos of the i3 concept cars show spacious interiors and allows more leg space for passengers. According to the car company, the i3 is "an unique mix of renewable raw materials." Auto experts believe the concept models look very basic and don't appeal much through its exterior designs. Other features displayed in the i3 are seat covers, which combine responsibly sourced wool and naturally tanned leather. The front seats are without floor mounted transmission and brake levers in the center of the console which means the driver can slide to either side of the car to get parking tickets from the parking machine from the footpath.

The i8 model has a slimmer, sportier exterior. The model is not completely an electric car, but it is more of an extended hybrid version with a three-cylinder gasoline engine which takes over the steering when the battery engine is out of power. The BMW i concept cars are not for sale in showroom at the moment.

See Now: OnePlus 6: How Different Will It Be From OnePlus 5?

© 2024 Auto World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Get the Most Popular Autoworld Stories in a Weekly Newsletter

Join the Conversation

Real Time Analytics