BMW i5 Concept Images Leaked… We Think
Originally published on EV Obsession.
New insight into the path that BMW will possibly take with its i Series of electric vehicles is now available following the leak of a number of patent images apparently showing a future BMW concept car.
It’s not completely clear yet if these images are of the long-awaited BMW i5, or of a different concept car, but they do seem to resemble expectations with regard to the i5.
This is essentially what I was expecting as far as concept renderings for the i5 — so that’s where my bet would be.
Here’s more via Car Scoops:
We can notice the familiar front fascia, similar to the other two “i” members, with the kidney grille, but that’s where “familiar” terms end. The side profile uses sharp lines, and so is the rear, a possible throwback to some classic BMWs. The taillights have a thin design, we can see the angular diffuser and a small rear wing as well. The lack of an exhaust system is furthermore suggesting that this is fully electric.
Contributing to its unique looks are the wheels too, with their plain design. The side profile is bringing a sloping roofline and the size of the model seems to be compact, suggesting that it will slot exactly between the i3 and the sportier i8, leaving enough room for another possible future “i” car.
All that we’ve got to go on as of right now are renderings of the outside, rather than the inside, so there’s not that much more to be said here. Any comments?
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I wish them luck!
Would the i5 be a two door?
Considering how BMW names things, that’s more likely to be an i2 or i1.
The wheel covers are flat like a Bonneville car. There are no mirrors. The windows are a partial roll down like the Subaru sports car of past years.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/dc/Subaru_SVX_in_parkland_in_the_British_West_Midlands_first_registered_February_1997_3317cc.JPG
The front grille is too large for an EV and probably fake. I can’t see the rear.
Every single one of those feature is a radical concession to aerodynamics and that is good. Will the mirror less design survive to production? Probably not. Too many jurisdictions with old fashioned laws.
IMO, those laws must go. Simple solution for now? Foldable mirrors. When the mirrors fold in, camera rear views automatically replace. They get to pass the rule and still have aero while retracted.
If the front grille was real, it is far too large for an EV. So if it is EV, its faux, a kind of skeumorphism.
I am different, but to me a big grille on an EV is dopey. Why not put fake exhausts, too, while we are at it? That would make about as much sense.
Hey designers, EVs allow a smooth exterior. How about taking advantage of that and designing a smooth form that looks good. The EV-1 looked fine without a big black front grille.
http://icdn5.digitaltrends.com/image/1996-gm-ev1-1-medium-1200×750.jpg
It even had rear skirts. Same with Solectria. But ditch the mirrors. Oh yeah, and make a better aero door handle.
Here is a message to Elon. Push in to release the door handle. It then pops out. Then it works normally by pulling to open the door. When you close the door it retracts and stays flush. No more messing with electricals that fail. At least not without a simple mechanical back up system like that.
http://www.sunrise-ev.com/photos/SolectriaSunriseYellow.jpg
Yuk