BMW Opens FIrst i Store in London

Last week, BMW cut the ribbon of its new dealership, the first ever BMW i Store on Park Lane in London. The “i” brand, created three years ago by a BMW team called “Project i”, aims at exploring the future of transportation with a campaign focused around eco-friendly cars. Along with the opening of its very first i Store dealership, not coincidentally just two days before London kicked off its Summer Olympics, BMW also introduced its new line of i vehicles: the i3 city car and the i8 hybrid sports car.

The BMW i3 is a four-seater urban commuter car that has a range of 93 miles and 167 horsepower driving the rear wheels. A mixture of leather, premium wood, natural fibers and other renewable raw materials shape the face of the interior, and the absence of a center console creates an open and airy impression. Full-width seat benches in the front and rear allow passengers to swap easily from one side of the car to the other and climb out comfortably in tight city parking situations.

One of the most defining features of the cockpit is the freestanding steering column, which houses the most important controls, including the cluster, start/stop button and gear shift lever. The i3 relies on lithium-ion batteries, which can be charged in around six hours through a standard socket, though a quick charger can reduce that time to around an hour. Expected in 2013, the i3’s price is to be determined.

While the i3 is aimed at urban commuting, the BMW i8 sports car concept will compete with the Audi R8 eTron and the Mercedes-Benz AMG SLS E-Cell. This innovative plug-in hybrid will feature an all-wheel drive system with 349 total horsepower, including an electric motor fitted over its front axle producing 130 hp. With 0 to 60 mph capabilities in 4.8 seconds, a top speed of 155 mph, and fuel consumption at 104 mpg, the i8 will also be able to travel approximately 20 miles on electric power alone.


The BMW i8 is expected to be priced at around $100,000 and will be available in 2014. Take a look at the most recent BMW i8 concept, the Spyder:

 

Along with the i3 and the i8, the BMW i Store is also showing off its Pedelec electric bicycle, with a range of around 30 miles, and the BMW i Wallbox, specifically designed for charging all of BMW’s new electric products.


The i Store is part of a broader initiative to get the new ‘BMW i’ brand in the minds of consumers. BMW’s “Born Electric” tour is a series of worldwide events which kicked off in Rome this June, and will travel to Dusseldorf, Tokyo, New York, London, Paris and Shanghai through June, 2013. The tour will showcase the i3 and i8 as well as educate consumers on mobility services, new sustainable materials, the latest technological developments, lifestyle trends and what premium mobility of tomorrow is all about. If you would like more information on this tour or are interested in private travel to one of these events, please visit us today at www.PrivateFlightAdvisors.com, or call us directly at (877) 732 – 9963.