BMW i3 (MCV). 2013 to date (prod. n/a). 5-door saloon. R/R, 18 kWh electric, 18 kWh/647 cm³ (I2 DOHC) electric–petrol hybrid. First car to kick off BMW’s i sub-brand, denoting a range of electric cars. New from the ground up. I3 launched in two forms, with and without a range extender. Unusual styling, a break away from traditional BMWs. BMW intended to have a low-impact manufacturing process; i3 has carbonfibre body, use of recycled materials for interior. Narrow 19 in tyres help minimize frontal area. Multi-link rear suspension. A good, though not spirited drive, with a 200 km range as standard.

Manufacturing location: Leipzig, Germany

Marque: BMW

Off-site links

• J. Yan: ‘In electric company’, Lucire
• P. Jobes: ‘The revolution has arrived’, Lucire