BMW is taking a significant step in its electric vehicle (EV) lineup, and recent trademark applications suggest that the nomenclature for its forthcoming EVs will maintain simplicity. Notably, the electric 5 Series will adopt the straightforward moniker of the i5. Now, BMW is gearing up for the release of an electric M3, with a trademark application filed for the name “iM3” in Germany.
While BMW had the option to follow its high-performance SUV naming convention, such as using “i3 M,” it appears the company is leaning towards the iM3 designation. Despite the potential pronunciation quirk in English, where it sounds like “I am three,” BMW has a history of unique nomenclature, evident in models like the i8.
BMW’s M division has been vocal about its commitment to electrification. It’s important to note that while the i4 M50 exists in the lineup, it falls under the M Performance category, not a full-fledged M Car.
Last summer, BMW disclosed its development of a four-motor powertrain, currently undergoing testing in the i4 M50. This advanced powertrain is expected to find its way into the upcoming electric M3, likely built on BMW’s new Neue Klasse platform.
As of now, BMW has not provided a specific timeline for the release of the electric M3 or the introduction of a new electric 3 Series. Expectations suggest a wait of at least a couple of years. However, if the recent trademark is any indication, the electric M3 might don the distinctive iM3 moniker when it finally hits the market.
Since the 1990s, China has been the market every carmaker wants to be in. When the country’s economy opened up in the 1980s, the auto industry saw huge investments in preparation for demand for new cars that would explode and make the country the world’s largest market. Because of its gigantic volume, carmakers are even prepared to develop models exclusively for the market because the potential volume justifies the R&D cost.
For BMW, China has become a very important market and in 2021, 846,237 BMW and MINI vehicles were sold there and that was 40% of its global sales for the year. Over the years, the German carmakers has developed long-wheelbase versions of various model series because buyers there want longer cars.
Now, it’s also developed a 3-Series that is fully electric, the first of its type in the world and for now, it is meant only for China. To go on sale in May this year, it has the same shape as a long wheelbase 3-Series sedan (110 mm longer than a standard body) and is badged as a ‘BMW i3 eDrive35L’.
The original i3
That will, of course, makes people a bit puzzled because the i3 that we have known all along was an independent model line and the first volume-produced battery electric vehicle by BMW, and it also introduced the BMW i sub-brand. Entering the market in 2013, it was a B-segment hatchback and had an advanced structure along with new technologies.
At the end of 2019, BMW said the i3 would end production within 5 years and there was no plan for a follow-up generation. This was probably because the new iX range of BEVs was moving into a more prominent position and could be used for a broad spread of segments.
BMW doesn’t explain why it has chosen to offer such a model other than that ’it is perfect fit for the particular requirements of Chinese customers’. It could well be that market studies indicated that there is a segment of customers who still want something looking conventional and also with the generous legroom afforded by a long wheelbase.
Specially adapted for China
From what is known, the model was ready for production at the end of last year and was submitted for homologation. Fine tuning of the suspension systems to Chinese road conditions was carried out by the joint-venture BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd. R&D division, which also adapted some of the car’s componentry to the requirements of the supply chain in China. It will be made at the joint-venture factory in Shenyang.
Gen5 eDrive
The ‘eDrive35L’ in the badge indicated that it will have the latest BMW Gen5 eDrive powertrain already used in the iX3, i4 and iX. The battery pack has a gross capacity of 70.3 kWh and with DC fast-charging, going from 10% to 80% is claimed to take 35 minutes. A full battery pack is expected to provide a range of up to 526 kms. If there is an urgency, a 10-miunte fast-charge can give up to 97 kms of range.
The eDrive powertrain has a rear-mounted electric motor with a maximum output of 210 kW (285 ps) and 400 Nm of torque. Claimed 0-100 km/h time is 6.2 seconds and, of course, the driving dynamics that all BMWs are known and appreciated for will also be available.
Also included on-board will be BMW OS8 operating system and a wide range of digital features and services, like high-end connectivity and the Digital Key.
With the i3 eDrive35L, the BMW Group portfolio of fully electric cars now comprises 6 models. The BMW Group is aiming for fully electric vehicles to account for 50% of its global sales by 2030 as it aims for carbon neutrality.
China now, the world later?
While the new i3 is intended for sale only in China, this may be an initial plan. It is likely that eventually, distributors in other markets will ask for it because customers will also want it as it still has that ‘classic’ look instead of the future-oriented designs of the new iX models.
The 2020 BMW 320i Sport has arrived in Malaysian showrooms this weekend, bringing refreshed looks to the G20 generation of the popular German sports sedan. As it has been since the early 1980s, the 3-Series is assembled locally and priced from RM243,800 (excluding insurance).
“In 2019, over 2,500 units of BMW 3 Series models were delivered. This success continues to underline our lead in the premium sports sedan segment of Malaysia, bolstering our expansions into adding more locally-assembled BMW vehicles in our Kulim facility. With these strong figures, we are confident that 2020 will present more opportunities for our segment-leading models to rise with the local automotive industry,” said Harald Hoelzl, MD of BMW Group Malaysia.
NACA duct concept for reduced drag
The front end of the latest 320i Sport has both the front LED foglights and the Air Curtains integrated into the outer air intakes (NACA duct), inserted into the front apron in a horizontal T. This duct concept was originally developed by the US National Advisory Committee for aircraft and reduces drag and turbulence at the inlet. Its benefits were also found to be applicable on cars so designers added the NACA ducts on racing cars.
The variant now comes with sporty 18-inch alloy wheels in V-Spoke Style 780 Bicolour. The lightweight wheels contribute to the car’s reduction in weight by 30 kgs (to 1,460 kgs at the kerb), besides the lightweight construction. However, body rigidity has been improved, which should benefit handling.
The proven 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo petrol engine resides in the engine bay, generating 184 bhp/300 Nm which goes to the rear wheels through an 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission. BMW claims a top speed of 235 km/h, with 0 to 100 km/h acceleration said to be within 7.1 seconds.
BMW Live Cockpit Plus
The cabin of is equipped with the BMW Live Cockpit Plus – an analogue instrument cluster with a 5.7-inch display and 8.8-inch touch-sensitive control display. There’s also 3-zone automatic climate control, interior trim finishers in Aluminium ‘Mesheffect’, and an exclusive Sport leather-wrapped steering wheel.
A first in its segment is the Reversing Assistant for hands-free, semi-autonomous convenience when reversing in narrow streets, along with the Rear View Camera that is fitted as standard. These features are powered by the BMW Operating System 6 which also powers the BMW Digital Key for next level vehicle security and management. BMW ConnectedDrive equips owners with Intelligent Emergency Call and Teleservices which reacts automatically if an accident occurs, quickly bringing help.
The BMW Digital Key employs Near Field Communication (NFC) technology that enables locking and unlocking as well as starting the engine with the compatible smartphones. A physical key is not needed, a first-in-class technology offered by BMW.
Own one for RM2,788 a month
BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia has financing plans that offer ownership of the new 320i Sport with monthly instalment plans starting from RM2,788.00 (based on estimates of an 80% loan on a 5-year tenure, subject to terms and conditions).
Every new unit comes with a 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Programme, 24-Month Tyre Warranty Programme for the Run Flat Tyres, BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline, BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App – BMW White Card and BMW Service Online.
Auto Trader, one of the UK’s biggest online marketplaces for new and used cars, has published a list of the top 10 most searched vehicles of this past year. The results were based on users who searched through Auto Trader’s online portal for their desired vehicles in 2017.
The results portray a very interesting story, and despite the unstable economic situation, Brexit and the dieselgate saga, premium vehicles are still in high demand. At the top of the list is the BMW 3 Series, thanks to youthful styling, peppy turbocharged engines and a slew of tech features, it was the most desired car of the year.
Finishing second, was the Volkswagen Golf. The Mack Daddy of family hatchbacks was very popular among visitors but not enough to be crowned king of the hill. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class came in a respectable third place, just edging out another stalwart, the Ford Focus.
Following is the top ten list of most searched vehicles:
1. BMW 3 SERIES
2. VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
3. MERCEDES-BENZ C CLASS
4. FORD FOCUS
5. BMW 1 SERIES
6. BMW 5 SERIES
7. FORD FIESTA
8. AUDI A3
9. MERCEDES-BENZ E CLASS
10. VAUXHALL ASTRA
Ivan Aistrop, Road Test Editor at Auto Trader, said, “In fact, if you look at the list of most searched-for diesel cars, you’ll see it contains more premium products than for any other fuel type, suggesting that diesel cars are still desirable for buyers despite recent negative press coverage.”
Apart from this, Auto Trader also came out with a list of the most searched for electric cars. Dominating the list was Nissan’s Leaf due in part to its sensible styling, conventional knobs and switchgear as well as its ‘down to earth’ method of operation. Tesla’s Model S was placed much lower than expected, finishing in 9th place, just ahead of the Vauxhall Ampera.
The influx of efficient and advanced electric cars in the next few years, could mean that an EV, not a petrol or diesel car, will take the No.1 spot for next year’s Top 10. Overwhelming demand for vehicles like the newly launched Tesla Model 3 may relegate today’s most wanted petrol cars to the bottom section of the 2018 list.