The new-generation BMW 1 Series range looks set to be joined by an all-electric i1 next decade, according to a report out of the UK.
Auto Express claims "BMW bosses have exclusively revealed" the company is planning to introduce an entry-level electric hatchback, which could launch as early as 2021.
BMW plans to launch 12 electric vehicles and 13 plug-in hybrids over the next four years, including the upcoming iX3 electric SUV and the i4 electric sedan.
The interior and exterior of the BMW iNext have been spied during testing in Germany, revealing the futuristic car's production form.
While the upcoming electric iX3 and i4 models are closely based on the conventionally powered X3 and 4 Series Gran Coupe, the iNext looks as though it will no such relationship.
Styling is inspired by the 2018 concept car, and both cars feature a five-door crossover body with clamshell bonnet and tailgate.
When you see the final result of years of engineering and testing, it's easy to overlook the perceived risks that a company undertakes any time it steps either outside its comfort zone, or into a new area of development.
Australian journalists assembled for the Paris motor show asked two of the most obvious questions surrounding BMW's i brand – where was the Vision iNext concept, and how risky is it to put that much tech into a single vehicle?
BMW, Intel and Mobileye have announced plans to jointly develop an autonomous vehicle that will go on sale by 2021.
To get there, the three partners will work together on a open hardware and software platform, which will be shared with other automakers, as well as companies in other industries that might benefit from autonomous machines.
