Production of the new BMW i3 has finally ended, after a full decade in service. The first electric mass of the brand from Munich has said goodbye with a special series of only 18 units, which have just been delivered with a unique decoration inside and out. The Bavarian firm has said goodbye to an icon, which has shown a lot but has also been very expensive.
The BMW i3 said goodbye to the market at the end of last June, when the German firm put an end to the manufacture of the first 100% electric mass model that was launched on the market in 2013. Despite the fact that some managers expressed the intention to extend its production until 2024, it has finally been two years before but with a lot of pride.
Manufactured exclusively worldwide in Leipzig, they have come out more than 250,000 units of assembly lines destined for 74 countries. And, best of all, getting ahead of your competition. The BMW i3 surprised by its carbon fiber construction, demonstrating that mass production of the lightweight material was possible, despite the high cost what it has meant. Because, despite the fact that many units have come out, the bill has not been cheap, neither for the brand nor for the customers, who have had to pay a very high price for this electric model.
The BMW i3 says goodbye become an icon among the electric
Another big problem was the autonomy. The brand had to launch a version with a combustion engine as a generator and thus extend autonomy. Within 10 years, it made major improvements, but it took a decade to alleviate the main problem of battery capacity to 42.2 kWh. And with these the electric model has been fired.
Only 18 units that have been presented with the bodywork painted in “Oro Galvanic” metallic color which contrasts with the metallic black painted roof, hood, pillars, tailgate and rear bumper trim. The sports bonus has been put by some 20-inch alloy wheels, in fine spoke design and also black plated. All with a special decorative motif on the front doors, and with sports seats upholstered in gray cloth with blue inserts and with the integrated head restraints.
BMW has also responded to customer demands, although it will not be cheaper than the i3 either. The firm asked customers about the replacement of the model, with a high percentage pointing to a more spacious model and a more common design. The replacement is the new BMW iX1, which also adds the attractive SUV with the highest ground clearance, and keeping the injection of power in the rear axle, which the MINI Cooper SE does not have. In addition, also to be manufactured in Leipzig, with deliveries in 2023.