The BMW i sub-brand may not be off to as hot of a start as the German automaker would like, but it’s not dampening future plans for the lineup.
In the latest issue of Autobild, new rumors of the BMW i5 have surfaced saying that the electrified model will be based on the long-wheelbase variant of the 5 Series in China and will have a plug-in hybrid powertrain good for 640 hp. The eDrive technology was first previewed by BMW last year with the 5 Series GT Concept (pictured). As for the size of the i5, it is rumored to be proportionally similar to the 6 Series Gran Coupe while drawing inspiration for its design from the 7 Series.
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Autobild believes the plug-in hybrid powertrain will have a gasoline engine with 218 hp combined with a pair of electric motors with one in the front delivering 150 hp and one in the rear for 272 hp. As for its all-electric range, the i5 will be capable of 78 miles and the company will plan to build around 30,000 units per year.
[Source: BMW Blog]
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