At an exclusive yachting event, Les Voiles of Saint-Tropez, BMW has shown its two BMW i models, the i8 hybrid sportscar and the i3 Megacity vehicle.

The two i models debuted last month at the 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show and will go on sale in 2014.

With a curb weight of 1,195 kilograms, the BMW i3 is lighter than most vehicles in the compact segment, yet offers significantly more space for up to four occupants.

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The car’s electric drive-train generates output of 125 kW/170 hp and peak torque of 250 Newton metres, which is immediately available from a standing start. The BMW i3 sprints from 0 to 60 km/h in 3.7 seconds and from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds. Its top speed is limited to 150 km/h for efficiency reasons.

The BMW i3 will go on sale in the US market in the second quarter of 2014, and starts with a base MSRP of $41,350, before any federal or state incentives, and before Destination & Handling fee (currently $925).

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BMW i8 uses a plug-in hybrid system consisting of a turbocharged three-cylinder BMW TwinPower Turbo petrol engine and BMW eDrive technology in the form of an electric drive system.

The 1.5-liter combustion engine develops 170 kW/231 hp and drives the rear wheels of the BMW i8, while the 96 kW/131 hp electric drive sends its power to the front wheels and allows an all-electric range of up to 35 kilometers (22 miles) and a top speed of 120 km/h (75 mph).

We have recently test drove the BMW i8 and you can read our first driving impressions.

In Germany, the BMW i8 starts at €126,000, while in the UK it will cost £ 99,125. The U.S. market will also get the BMW i8 in 2014 at a base price of $135,700.

[Source: Bimmertoday]