BMW i3 MegaCity Spotted For the First Time

By Horatiu Boeriu. Read Bio
March 8th, 2011 | Spy Photos | 25 comments

Along with the i8 prototype sent out for testing in Sweden, BMW is also conducting tests with the i3 Megacity vehicle. Due to launch right before the i8 sportscar,  Megacity is the first product to be marketed under the new i sub-brand.

At launch, Megacity will be offered in a two-door, four-seat configuration. The car will measure around 157 inches. In the future, the MCV sub-brand will include two additional models. First one due in 2015 and dubbed ICV, short Intracity Vehicle, will be a two-door, two-seat car. In 2017, UCV – Urban Commuter Vehicle -will extend the length of the initial MCV and has four doors while hosting five people.

BMW i3 MegaCity Spotted For the First Time

BMW Megacity is powered by a lithium-ion battery with 35 kWh of capacity placed below the vehicle’s floor. Rear-wheels approach remains in BMW’s philosophy and the power is sent to the rear wheels through a rear-mounted 150-hp electric motor. Driving range is expected to top at 100 miles and top speed at 95 mph.

A concept version of the Megacity is expected to debut this fall at Frankfurt Motor Show.

[Source: Gmotors ]

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  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001688446429 Giom Mouton

    What a surprise! I assumed we would see the concept car first and then the prototype mules.

    At first glance, it looks bigger than I had expected. But thank goodness for the large wheels. Is it just me, or are there some Z13 clues in there somewhere? Amaizing that BMW is only getting back to doing this niche now, almost twenty years after those early concepts.

  • bob

    Looks more like an E1, updated for safety regulations.

  • Laszlo

    Finally, this actually looks pretty good. The wheels are not my favorite, but those are dummy ones for sure. This vehicle is actually pretty good looking for what it was meant to be.
    I can see the smart interior and bigger inside then outside philosophy was used at the planning. Tall and wide, makes the room feel bigger. The back area reminds me on the Mini Clubman, not a coincidence for sure.
    Much better execution then the i8. It looks the segment where it is positioned while the i8 lacks the exclusive look what the pricetag will dictate.

    no bungleism on this concept for sure !!!

  • plaxico

    seriously this is BMW? Barf, barf and barf again

  • StraightSix

    Wow, a week ago just a rugged sketches, now a driving prototype. Like a lightning struck!

  • Joe Black

    Now I understand why Chris Bangle is gone!

  • Woo Hoo

    Anyone think it looks strangely similar to an Audi A1 or Scion?

    I really wish that BMW would create a sub-brand and not put a roundel on it.

    • wazon8

      I expect to see BMW badge on it. They put it on Issetta and most likely they will put it on it.

    • LOL

      I, too, think it looks like a Scion xB, but 2x the price.

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  • wazon8

    It’s pretty big as for two seat city car. I expected something like Smart ForTwo, but they decided to create it with a longer wheel base, which works in favour of this car. And it’s rear wheel drive – that’s more than nice.

  • http://www.facebook.com/letsholo Ofentse Letsholo

    hmmm, let’s wait for the concept and see if it is beautiful…surely it will be like 5GT, a concept that’s already engineered for production. The wait is on.’
    **excited

  • Manchester Man

    It’s shaped like a mobility car!

    • Nnnn

      what’s a mobility car? inversely, what is an immobility car?

      • LOL

        +1  LOL

  • Manchester Man

    Shut up

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