BMW NZ wants electric model as soon as possible

Only two years after the preview of the concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2011, BMW has shared the all-new series car with the world – the revolutionary BMW i3.

“BMW New Zealand is eagerly anticipating the arrival of the new BMW i range, the i3 and i8, and with this ‘born electric’ approach will be the first manufacturer to offer tailor-made electric vehicle solutions instead of a modified vehicle with an internal combustion engine,” says the Managing Director of BMW New Zealand, Nina Englert.

“The launch of BMW i positions BMW as a true game changer, taking the lead in the utilisation of cutting edge technology.”

While major BMW i markets such as Germany, China and the USA will receive the first allocation of the new BMW i3, it is anticipate the New Zealand launch of the new models will be from quarter three, 2014.

“We’re working hard to accelerate this timeframe as there is already significant local interest in this car, which I’m told was evident even two years ago when we displayed the BMW i8 Concept at Auckland Museum,” says Englert.

“It’s heartening that so many people are actively interested in and have such a strong desire for sustainable motoring, and provides vindication BMW made the right decision when we elected to design and develop an entirely new vehicle series for BMW i, rather than simply adjust a current model.”

Pricing and specification will be revealed closer to the launch date, though the price of the new premium i3 will be very attractive compared with other models currently in the market.