Next BMW i model not due until after 2020

Automotive News reports that the next BMW i model won’t be introduced until after 2020.

BMW is “still in the strategic research phase where we brainstorm,” BMW Group R&D chief Klaus Froehlich told Automotive News. “Teams that start with a white sheet of paper. They talk with customers, hold workshops, then present their ideas and we decide.”

One thing’s for sure, it won’t be a re-packaged existing model. Froehlich said that the mission of the i subbrand is to change the perception of how a low-emissions car should look and perform, therefore there are no plans to re-package an existing BMW Group model and call it an i model.

In the meantime, BMW will continue to improve the i8 and i3. “We have a minimum 20 percent battery density improvement every three years, thus over the i3 and i8’s life cycle, we will offer more performance, more range or a combination of the two,” Frohlich said.

Unfortunately, current i8 and i3 owners won’t benefit from the more powerful electrical powertrains. “I don’t think a retrofit makes sense. When better batteries are available, we could then offer models with a longer range or with the same range but at a lower price.” says Frohlich. He added that replacing the batteries is very complex because they are integrated and bonded into the chassis.