BMW i3 bows out with a final HomeRun Edition
BMW to extend the i3 EV’s production expertise into future EV models
While many believe Tesla to be the pioneer of electric mobility, BMW, with the i3, silently commenced the electric revolution for the masses in the previous decade. Since its introduction in 2013, the BMW i3 racked up total sales of 250,000 units in its nine-year-long production run. And now, the Bavarian carmaker is pulling the plug on its first mass-market vehicle with a celebratory HomeRun Edition of the i3.
BMW has cooked up a ten-unit-only special HomeRun Edition of the i3. This farewell series comprises two new BMW Individual paint finishes – Frozen Dark Grey and Frozen Red II, a first for the electric car. 20-inch light-alloy wheels, an electrically operated glass roof and adaptive LED headlights will also be offered as standard. The cabin is equipped with a Suite interior design, bringing Vernasca Dark Truffle leather upholstery extending to the instrument panel and steering wheel along with Carum Grey roof lining. Being the final edition, BMW has packed this i3 with features such as heated seats, Real-Time Traffic Information, wireless charging and a Harman Kardon hi-fi speaker.
The BMW i3 has great symbolic power,” says Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. He describes the development of the BMW i3 as a prime example of the “BMW way” that comprises the courage to do something different. “Even the BMW iX, which is quite surprising in its capabilities, has its origins in this corporate culture” he comments.
BMW considers the i3 the pioneer in electric mobility and EV production. BMW’s utilisation of lightweight CFRP material on the i3 allowed the firm to gain unique expertise in carbon fibre chassis design that can be deployed in future EV model production. The 184 hp electric motor of the BMW i3s continues to do duty on the MINI Cooper SE. Even the eDrive technology, originally developed for the i3, continues to operate in multiple other BMW offerings.
Furthermore, the i3 was built exclusively at BMW’s Leipzig plant for the entire global market. Now, the Leipzig plant will see to the production of e-drive components and battery modules, carried out since May 2021. The next generation of the MINI Countryman will also be manufactured at the same location – with a fully electric drive, making Leipzig the first location where BMW and MINI models are getting manufactured together.
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