The next BMW i electric car will serve as a flagship for the sub-brand.
BMW CEO Harold Krueger shared the news during a shareholders’ meeting, adding that the BMW “i NEXT” will be able to drive itself in most situations and will arrive dealerships in 2021. Expect the new offering to be influenced by the BMW Vision Next 100 concept that debuted in March, boasting an innovative, next-generation interior and cutting-edge electric powertrain. This upcoming electric car will serve as BMW’s flagship as it continues to fight back against competitors in the segment, including Tesla.
SEE ALSO: BMW Vision Next 100 Concept Predicts the Future
In the meantime, BMW will be adding plug-in-hybrid variants to its lineup with the new 7 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series and X5 models, all of which will benefit from hybrid-electric powertrains. The BMW i8 Roadster will launch in 2018 followed by the BMW i NEXT.
Krueger also announced that to date, BMW has sold over 50,000 i vehicles and 20 percent of its DriveNow car-sharing fleet is already electric.
BMW also confirmed that a range-topping X7 SUV will be added to the lineup in 2018 and more M and M Performance models are on the way. Spy photographers have already caught the BMW X3 M testing and it is expected that the X4 M will follow.
