BMW, which recently shared a range of technical specifications on its upcoming first mass produced electric car known as the i3, has now made available official pricing information ahead of its July 29 world debut.
Plan to drop some cash – though not as much as what you would spend on a Tesla Model S – as it will cost starting $41,350 here in the States and € 34,950 Euros in Germany.
The base price of the American offering of the BMW i3, according to the German automaker, does not include destination and handling fees, which is as of this writing $925. The vehicle though will qualify for federal and state incentives which, for example, means in California you might be able to shave up to $10,000 off the price tag.
BMW i3 at 2012 LA Auto Show (image copyright EarthTechling)
BMW has given the i3 some impressive performance markers for an electric car, which keeps it in line with the ideals it sets for all vehicles in its stable. It gets 170 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque out of the hybrid-synchronous electric motor, developed and produced by BMW. The motor is powered by a 22-kWh lithium-ion battery that’s said to be good for 80-100 miles of driving range. Fast charging time of the battery is rated at an 80 percent charge from a fully depleted energy cell in 20 minutes.
As it is designed from the ground up to be an electric car, the BMW i3 uses what is described as the “industry’s first mass produced carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) passenger cell mounted on an aluminum chassis.” It offers interior space comparable to that of a 3 Series on a shorter overall body. And, in a nod to its more environmental focus, sustainable materials are also used for its interior upholstery and trim.
Current plans call for the i3 to be available domestically in the second quarter of next year, while those in Germany can get their hands on one starting this November.
