BMW created the BMW I sub-brand in 2011 to develop and produce plug-in electric vehicles. The i3 all-electric car and the i8 plug-in hybrid were the first two vehicles that the business released. The all-electric iX3SUV went on sale in the latter half of 2020, while the all-electric iX SUV and i4 liftback sedan followed in the second half of 2021.
The i3 and i8 concept models were displayed at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.
The BMW i3 started going into series production for retail buyers in September 2013, and the European market officially launched in November 2013, with the first retail deliveries taking place in Germany. In June 2014, the BMW i8 was introduced in Germany. The main markets for both models are the US, Norway, Germany, and UK.
Beginning in July 2016, all BMW plug-in hybrid vehicles will be granted the “iPerformance” model name, which the automaker first announced in February 2016. The objective is to offer a clear indicator of the technology transfer from BMW I to the BMW core brand. Seven BMW electrified models, including the X1 xDrive25e, X3 xDrive30e, X5 xDrive45e, 225xe Active Tourer, 320e/330e iPerformance, 520e/530e/545e iPerformance, and 745e/745Le iPerformance, have been released as of June 2021[update]. The I technology is also used in the plug-in hybrid Mini Cooper S E Countryman ALL4.
In December 2019, combined global sales of BMW Group electrified vehicles—including those from the BMW I iPerformance, xDrive, and MINI brands—passed the 500,000th unit mark. At the start of 2020, the BMW i3 sold more than 165,000 units worldwide across all variations. The BMW i8’s production ceased in June 2020 after selling more than 20,000 units globally.
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BMW Clarifies What Model Numbers Mean Currently
The latest episode of the official BMW podcast explores the evolution of the company’s renowned naming scheme. You should feel (somewhat) less perplexed after reading this.
In the past, reading the model name of a BMW would reveal a lot about it. You were looking at a 3.0-liter gasoline engined 3-series if the badge on the boot said “330i.” The displacement didn’t always equal the last two digits, but generally it worked out that way. We could go on, but the majority of models adhered to the standard or at least didn’t wander too far from it. The E39 540i featured a 4.4-liter engine, the E82 125i utilized a 3.0 liter, and so on.
This approach was employed for many years, as stated in BMW’s most recent podcast, which makes use of portions of the business’ quite lengthy naming guide website page. Prior to World War Two, all automobiles had a 300 number to distinguish them from BMW bikes and airplanes (100s) (200s). Following the war, names were all over the place, but the ‘E12’ 5-series brought order to the chaos in 1972. BMW wanted a new system that would be simple for customers to comprehend regardless of the language they spoke.
The naming convention no longer functions this way, as some shockingly irate keyboard warrior types will loudly inform you. A human being! However, since displacement is no longer the primary method by which BMW delivers its customers greater power, the conventional approach is no longer viable.
The same size engine is currently used by numerous variations of each model, with the power outputs changed by various levels of turbocharging and occasionally by the addition of hybrid technology. We’re sure you’ll agree that having three separate products with the same name as 520d might be a little perplexing.
More recently, battery electric vehicles, which have no engines at all, have added to the complexity of the situation. Similar to what Audi started doing a few years ago, the last two digits of this and the majority of other BMW models now denote various output “tiers.” According to BMW, “45” refers to vehicles with an output of between 300 and 350kW. (402 – 469bhp). That is the total output with electrical aid, which explains why, despite the fact that the 540i and 545e hybrids both have the same internal combustion engine, the 545e hybrid has a higher figure.
The initial “e” did originally stand for the Greek letter “eta,” designating cars that were “optimised for torque and RPM,” according to BMW. These days, plug-in hybrid models employ it. Although “leccy M stuff” receives a simpler naming scheme, e.g. i4 M50, complete EVs like the i4 eDrive40 get a more modern moniker called “eDrive.”
Exclusively the Z and X model lines are designated for two-wheel drive, whereas the moniker xDrive is only applied to all-wheel drive derivatives that are available with and without the technology but are otherwise identical. As always, a badge with a I or “d” at the end denotes gasoline injection or diesel.
For example, a M Division’d 3-series is an M3, but on SUVs, the magic letter is coupled with just one number designating the “series” and appears after the model name. Although electric cars and SUVs only have the two digits, such as the X3 M40i, you get the standard three-digit number if it’s a half-fat M car, such as M550i.
What does the I stand for in BMW?
You might have seen the designations 530i, 540i, or M550i on a 5 series sedan. The performance of the engine increases with the size of the last two digits in the number. A 540i, for example, will have greater power than a 530i. Originally, this number was directly related to the engine’s litre capacity; however, it is now used to denote overall power.
The fuel type is indicated by the letter at the end of each vehicle’s name. Gas models are identified by a I diesel vehicles by a “d,” and plug-in hybrids by a “e.” BMW’s electric I Models feature a I before the digits in the car name, which is confusing. Therefore, a BMW 330i is gas-powered whereas a BMW i4 from 2022 is electric.
What does the I in BMW i8 stand for?
BMW i-model cars. A complete and innovative idea for sustainable mobility is represented by BMW i. It stands for forward-thinking electric cars and mobility services, beautiful design, and a new view of premium that is highly influenced by sustainability.
The meaning of BMW i3
W20K06U0 25 kW I2range extender, 647 cc Europe 9 L (2.4 US gal) In the US, 7.2 L (1.9 US gal) (2014-2016) In the US, 9 L (2.4 US gal) (2017+)
The BMW i3 is a BMW-made, high-roof, B-segment hatchback with an electric drivetrain that utilizes rear-wheel drive, a single-speed transmission, an underfloor lithium-ion battery pack, and an optional gasoline engine that can expand the vehicle’s range. The BMW i3 was the company’s first mass-produced zero-emission vehicle and was introduced under the BMW I sub-brand for electric vehicles.
The Richard Kim-designed i3 comes with a single five-door configuration, a CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced polymer) passenger module that is extremely lightweight and strong, and a lower aluminum module that houses the chassis, battery, drive system, and motor. Two smaller clamshell rear doors with rear hinges are included on the bodywork. The i3 had its concept premiere at the 2011 International Motor Show Germany, and Leipzig manufacturing of the vehicle started in September 2013.
From 2014 to 2016, it was the third-best-selling electric vehicle in the world; by the end of 2021, it had sold over 220,000 units globally. With over 47,500 units supplied until December 2021, Germany is listed as its top-selling market, followed by the United States with more over 45,000.
The 2014 World Green Car of the Year and 2014 World Car Design of the Year were both given to the i3, earning it two World Car of the Year Awards. The i3 won the first UK Car of the Year Awards for Best Supermini of 2014 and UK Car of the Year 2014, each of which came with an iF Product Design Gold Award.
What distinguishes the BMW D from the BMW I?
BMW has kept the strict adherence of its name convention with the global launch of turbo, hybrid, and electric engines. The drive technology is denoted by a lowercase letter in the model name’s final component. Cars with gasoline engines (injection vehicles) have an I whereas those with diesel engines have a d.
What does a BMW 340i mean?
BMW modified some of their cars’ badging in 2016. The majority of 28i models started wearing 30i badges, while 35i models switched to 40i. The new BMW B58 engine was introduced at the same time as these modifications. Simply put, the BMW 340i is the 335i’s updated model. Both vehicles are aimed towards a comparable customer base and have similar performance out of the box. However, there are a lot of distinctions when you get down to the details. In this post, we examine performance, handling, tuning, and dependability between the 335i and 340i.
What does 40i in a BMW mean?
The 6-cylinder versions are represented by the 40i series. The sDrive is rear-wheel drive, whereas the xDrive is all-wheel drive, and this is the key distinction. Jan 26, 2021
What does BMW mean by 135i?
The 135i is the top-of-the-line coupe and convertible vehicle in the majority of countries (excluding the limited production 1M Coupe). The N54 twin-turbo 3.0-liter engine with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission powered the 135i from 2007 to 2010. The N55 single-turbo 3.0 liter engine with a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission replaced the 135i engine starting in 2010. Due to less fluid being needed in the differential, the double-helical ball bearings used in the differential installed to the 135i operate at a lower temperature and heat up more quickly. The brakes on the 135i have disk diameters of 324 mm and 338 mm, respectively, and feature 6-piston front calipers and 2-piston rear calipers.
The E81/E87 hatchback range’s highest model, the 130i, went on sale in September 2004. Its N52 3.0 liter normally aspirated engine is mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Describe BMW E.
Although you may have heard a lot of “e” words at your local BMW Service Center, along with potentially some “f” and “s” words, phrases like “e36,” “e60,” and “e28” have specific meanings to BMW mechanics and aficionados. For instance, an e46 is referred to as a 2003 330i. Depending on the look and year of your BMW, these “e” designations are used to define BMW Body style design. Entwicklung, the German term for development or evolution when you link the ‘e’, is abbreviated as “E.”
If you don’t understand any of these terms, the following list should assist you identify the code name for your BMW.
The BMW M Series is what?
The word “Motorsport” refers to the BMW M Series, which was initially developed to support BMW’s racing program. Over time, the BMW M program started to add customized vehicle models to its roster, which are now accessible to the general public.
What does 328i represent?
Balqy Firman Syah, one. Look at the second and third numbers in any BMW’s name to find out how big the engine is. The “25” in the BMW 325 indicates that the vehicle has a 2.5-liter engine, whereas the “28” in the BMW 328 indicates that the vehicle has a 2.8-liter engine.
The BMW G series is what?
The BMW G20 (sedan version) and BMW G21 (wagon variant, branded as “Touring”) compact executive automobiles are part of the BMW 3 Series range’s seventh generation. The G20/G21, also referred to as the G20, has been in operation since mid-October 2018 and will undergo a renovation in July 2022.
The 330e plug-in hybrid vehicle is expected to go on sale in 2020, with the M340i, one of the first models in the lineup, going on sale in the spring of 2019. For the G20 generation, the 3 Series Gran Turismo fastback body type was dropped.
BMW has started manufacturing the G20 generation in Mexico for a number of international markets, including the US, in place of the Rosslyn factory in South Africa where the F30 generation vehicles were put together.