BMW to unveil its i-brand at 2014 Auto Show

COMING SOON: THE SPORTS CAR OF THE FUTURE.
The BMW i8 with eDrive.

The BMW i8, first introduced as the BMW Concept Vision Efficient Dynamics, is a plug-in hybrid under development by BMW. The initial turbo-diesel concept car was unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, and the BMW i8 gasoline-powered concept car destined for production was unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. The 2015 BMW i8 has a 7.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack estimated to deliver an all-electric range of 35 km (22 mi). The production version has an average fuel efficiency of less than 2.5 L/100 km (113.0 mpg-imp; 94.1 mpg-US) under the New European Driving Cycle with carbon emissions of less than 59 g/km.

In 2010, BMW announced the mass production of the Concept Vision Efficient Dynamics in Leipzig beginning in 2013 as the BMW i8. The i8 is part of BMW's "Project i" and will be marketed as a new brand, BMW i, sold separately from BMW or Mini. The BMW i3 will be the first model available by late 2013, followed by the i8 in 2014 as a 2015 model year. Other i models will follow. The production version of the BMW i8 was unveiled at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show and the market launch is expected by mid 2014.

BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept car is a plug-in hybrid with a three cylinder turbodiesel engine. Additionally, there are two electric motors with 139 horsepower. It allows an acceleration to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.8 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (160 mph).

According to BMW, the average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle (KV01) is 3.76 liters/100 kilometers, (75.1 mpg imp), and has a carbon dioxide emission rating of 99 grams per kilometer (1,3 l/100 km and 33g CO2/km ; EU-PHEV ECE-R101). The estimated all-electric range is 50 km (31 mi), and the 24-liter petrol tank extends the total vehicle range to up to 700 km (430 mi). The lightweight chassis is made mainly from aluminum. The windshield, top, doors and fenders are made from polycarbonate glass, with the body having a drag coefficient of 0.26.

The production BMW i8 was designed by Benoit Jacob.
The production version was unveiled at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, followed by 2013 Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez.
The vehicle was set to be available in 2014.
US model was set to be available in spring of 2014 at BMW dealers.

When the i8 hits dealerships early next year, it'll wear a suggested retail price tag of $135,700.

BMW i8 is expected to be priced around Rs. 1.5-1.6 crore and will be introduced in the Indian car market by the early 2015. Alongside BMW i8, the company will also showcase the 3 Series GT and 3rd Generation X5 at the 2014 Motor Show.