宝马i系列下一代车型可能会比计划提前发布。最近，下一代i系列车型专利图曝光。这款车采用掀背车造型，很多元素，包括“浮动式车顶”和更宽阔双肾格栅均取自i3和i8。与i3一样，这款车也采用向后开启后车门。先前有报道称，下一代i车型可能会是一款纯电动轿车，其定位高于i3，宝马将其竞争车型锁定为特斯拉 Model S或 Model 3。市场反应平平的i3和i8在宝马董事会内部可能会引起争议，但更倾向于电动车的董事会成员似乎正在成为获胜的一方。宝马最近证实将推出纯电动版的下一代X3和电池驱动MINI。不过，现在距离宝马下一代i系列车型的发布还有好几年时间。

 

Patent images hint at BMW's next i-Series model

BMW's next i-Series model may have been revealed ahead of schedule.

 

A vehicle seemingly fitting rumors for the i4 or i5 has surfaced in Japanese patent filings. Renderings retrieved by Autoblog show a hatchback-like form that borrows many styling cues from the i3 and i8, including a 'floating' roof and broad kidney grille.

 

Like the i3, the mystery model appears to integrate 'suicide' rear doors hinged below the C-pillar.

 

Earlier reports suggest BMW's next i-car could be presented as an all-electric sedan positioned above the i3 city car, serving as a closer rival to the Tesla Model S or Model 3.

 

Lackluster sales of the i3 and i8 appear to have fueled a strategy dispute in Munich, but pro-EV board members reportedly emerged victorious. The company recently confirmed plans to offer an electric version of the next-generation X3 and a battery-powered MINI.

 

Whatever form it takes, BMW's next dedicated electrified model could still be a few years away from production.