BMW plans to rock up to the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show will no fewer than six new and updated models, all of which should pave the way for, and give us a glimpse into, BMWs of the future.
Taking centre stage for new BMWs is the all-electric i3 that will be making its world debut next month. Holding the crown for being the first premium all-electric car to go into production, the i3 features a 125kW/170hp electric motor that is said to give a real-word range of 130- to 160 kilometress from its low-mounted high-capacity battery pack. A two-cylinder combustion engine can also be specified as a range-extender, increasing driving distance to around the 500-kilometre mark. The i3 is built on an entirely new platform at a factory where all its energy is generated from specially-made wind turbines.
Sitting next to the i3 will be the highly anticipated 4 Series. Taking over from where the 3 Series Coupé left off, the 4 Series will be initially offered with one six- and two four-cylinder engines, and will be available in a host of trim levels. The 4 Series can also be specified with a range of enhancements from Luxury Line to M Sport packages.
BMW will also be showcasing two new X5 models. First is the latest diesel and petrol powered model, which is said to be "more luxurious and innovative than ever". Compared to the second-generation the new X5 is lighter, more aerodynamic and better on fuel. BMW also claims that it features a sportier set-up. Alongside the new X5 will be the X5 eDrive concept - combining electric driving with BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system. This SUV can travel up to 30 kilometres on pure electric power. Fuel economy is said to be around 74.3mpg and emissions are down to just 90g/km.
Another concept planned for the show is the Concept Active Outdoor Tourer. BMW is tapping into a new niche with this model, as the company believes it has "clever solutions" relating to leisure and sporting activities, which include a bike-rack that has been integrated into the car's interior space. Plug-in hybrid drive technology powers the Active Outdoor Tourer and it is believed to preview a new 1 Series Gran Turismo model.
Finally, the facelifted 5 Series is planned to debut at Frankfurt. New engine and drivetrain variants feature in the updated model, as does the latest version of BMW ConnectedDrive. BMW has also made some changes to the styling at the rear of the 5 Series Gran Turismo.
Anything else?
So, there you have it - BMW's Frankfurt efforts in a nutshell. Keep an eye out around the 10th-22nd September where we should be able to give you more information following the media days at the IAA.