BMW will pull the plug off the i3, the brand's first "i" brand EV later this year after a period of nine years. The BMW i3 was the quirky electric compact from the automaker much before the behemoth iX arrived today to further the electric revolution. According to a recent report, BMW will kill the i3 in July this year with the automaker selling over 250,000 units of the car in its lifetime, which is a rather impressive number. That being said, the model never made its way to India even as the Bavarian carmaker is all set for its EV offensive this year with the iX, i4 and the MINI Cooper SE. That said, we did drive the i3 in India a couple of years ago.
Also Read: BMW i3s In India: First Drive Review
The BMW i3 will make for a more expansive EV line-up from BMW
A BMW spokesperson confirmed that the final example of the i3 will roll off the company's production line in Leipzig, Germany. The plant will undergo a reorganisation as it prepares for the start of production of the upcoming third-generation MINI Countryman in the second half of 2022. The company decided to pull the plug on the i3 to make for an expansive new line-up of electric vehicles. The report states the BMW Group will have "six BEV models on the market, with that number growing to 13 in 2023." This includes the new MINI Electric, BMW iX1 among other offerings.
The BMW i3 started life as a concept in 2011 alongside the i8 and was always seen as a futuristic offering that offered a glimpse into the mobility of tomorrow. The model went on sale in 2013 and gave the automaker a headstart in the electric mobility space. To be fair, the future it predicted is here and the cars today offer better range while there are more options for customers to choose from.
The BMW i3 does not have a direct replacement but the iX1 is likely to arrive at a similar price point
The BMW i3 doesn't have a direct replacement but you can see the iX1 operating in a similar space. However, it will offer a more conventional appearance, larger boot, more features and range, and the likeability of being an SUV, going with market trends.
