Next BMW 3-Series to feature all-electric powertrain
The CLAR system would allow the 3-Series to drop a reported 79kg, giving it a distinct weight advantage against others in its class despite a longer wheelbase.
The car would likely have eDrive Sport badging on its rear.
Set to combat Tesla’s Model 3 is BMW’s next generation of the 3-series that will probably debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2017.
Sources reveal that the next BMW 3-Series will get an all-electric version which is an addition to a plug-in hybrid, diesel, and petrol versions.
UK’s AutoExpress has reported that engineers at BMW are working on a way to equip the next-generation “G20” chassis with a 90kWh battery pack which will give the car a range of 482km, but you may have to wait till 2020 to drive it.
The car would likely have eDrive Sport badging on its rear.
On the other hand, BMW intends to launch a plug-in hybrid version of the G20 at launch in early 2018. The 3’er is reportedly being built with the company’s all-new CLAR – for CLuster ARchitecture – used in the 7-Series, which combines steel, aluminium and carbon fiber in the construction.
The CLAR system would allow the 3-Series to drop a reported 79kg, giving it a distinct weight advantage against others in its class despite a longer wheelbase.
As a result, BMW would be able to equip base-level models with ever-smaller engines, including a 101kW, 1.5-litre 3-cylinder found in the current 318i. An 84kW, 1.6-litre diesel is also being considered.
The G20-generation 3-Series is expected to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2017 with a 2018 on-sale date.
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