New BMW i5 Crossover Rumors Gain Credibility

In the sometimes wacky world that is the auto industry, rumors can be currency. The credibility of these rumors, however, can be quickly suspect given the Internet these days. However, we have it from a very credible source (i.e., BMWBlog) that one rumor that has been floating around digitally for the past few months, is very much on the level. That is, the company is in the midst of creating a brand new electric car for the coming future. The BMW i5 will more than likely be a crossover sedan with elements of the famous i3 attached. It is said to be larger, however, than the i3, but not so large as to approach SUV territory. And, honestly, its size is about the most we know with regard to the vehicle. “The new BMW i model will be larger than the BMW i3, that’s all I will say for now,” said BMW CEO Harald Krüger in a recent interview. “We want to expand our e-mobility offering to accelerate the transition towards electric vehicles. Today, many buyers still decide against buying an electric car; demand is still low overall.”

This foray into the electric vehicle field more than likely comes from BMW being under presser by other automakers more familiar with the field pushing more and more vehicles. Companies like Tesla, who are preparing to roll out two new electric cars for the 2017 market: an SUV, Model X, and a 3 Series competitor. Therefore, BMW has set out to differentiate itself from competitors. It is rumored that this new i5 will take the hydrogen fuel cell systems route. This means that the new BMW will use hydrogen fuel cells to power electric motors, which is a good move seeing as such a thing will give customers the kind of power and performance they are used to when it comes to BMW’s products. While pure battery-powered electric vehicles are usually used for driving short distances in the city, the fuel cell technology will provide the ideal solution for customers looking for a high driving range with zero emissions.

Another big goal with regard to this new BMW would have to do with aesthetics. That is, rumor has it that the BMW i5 production model will be just as amazing in design as its i3 and i8 family, but without the i8’s butterfly doors. All in all, it will have an attractive appearance without the sacrifice with regard to the comfort of its passengers that you sometimes find in sleek, new vehicles.

As of this writing, an official release date has yet to be announced, but we can expect a timeline of no earlier than 2020 (if we are being reasonable). Either way, consider our interest absolutely peaked.

Keep checking back in here with us at BMW of Elmhurst for more information with regard to the BMW i5 as information develops.