BMW i5 Statements From Henrik Wenders — Carbon Fiber, Range Extenders…
Originally published on EV Obsession.
The product chief of BMW’s “i Series” of electric vehicles, Henrik Wenders, recently gave an interesting interview to Car and Driver where he commented that the “i5” body would utilize the same carbon-fiber reinforced plastics technology used in the i3, and that a range-extended version of the model would also be offered.
This would imply that the i5 will be an “all-electric” (EV) rather than a plug-in hybrid (PHEV). Unfortunately, though, following the interview, a BMW rep came out and denied that the comments made by Wenders related to anything solid.
With regard to Wenders’ comments, he stated that:
- The new vehicle will be able to function as “the first car in the household.”
- The vehicle type will be determined by the market itself.
- Range-extenders are likely to be only a temporary solution, until battery costs come down further.
- He “refused to be drawn into specifics of what he would regard as a minimum” all-electric range. Though, he also stated: “We are not going to join the race about maximum range figures.”
As far as the denials from the company rep… Green Car Reports provides more:
After Motor Authority wrote about the Car and Driver article, product and technology spokesperson Rebecca Kuehne of BMW North America contacted the site to deny that Wenders had confirmed any details of the forthcoming product.
She wrote: “The model confirmation of a supposed BMW i5 is incorrect. The interview between Car and Driver and Hendrik Wenders does not confirm the model or any related product specs. We are currently working with Car and Driver to get the information properly reflected and the story corrected. We’d appreciate it if you could amend your story to accurately display this information.”
As of this morning, however, it does not appear that the magazine’s story has been changed.
Regardless of denials from reps, it seems a safe bet that the comments made by Wenders have some truth to them.
Image/Render Credit: Auto Express
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Why the denial? Isn’t that what an i5 should be? Carbon Fibre and a range extender option??? The weight savings in the i range is what makes it a success.
They could add normal colors to the mix though, you know, to INCREASE SALES.
What counts as a normal colour for a rich man’s toy? Pimp pink? Gekko camo? Vuitton chartreuse?
Or Whiter than White?
Just normal colors.
When did 2 tone become fashionable?
And copper/black?
It looks best in just black.
> When did 2 tone become fashionable?
2013. Last time was mid 1970s.
> And copper/black?
Wonderful, warm earth colours: orange, brown, gold… I see a replay of late 1970s colours.
I hope we can soon leave those colours behind again.
I like the BMW I5 in blue, but would prefer the whole car in one colour.
Could call it “Superior Race White”.
Well, we’ve already got British Racing Green.
No response to Mike333?
Not sure what response you have in mind.
I was thinking about a Tea Party version….
Funny that the chief designers name is Henrik. Henrik is derived from the older Norse name Erik or Eric for Anglo Saxons. The name Erik is derived from Ei, which means eternal and/or sole and Rikr, which means country and/or ruler. – not much sole ruling for this Henrik 🙂
I wouldn’t mind one to trade up from my Highlander Hybrid.