BMW i5 with 300 km range expected by 2017

Following news late last year of a large battery powered BMW sedan 'already in the works', details are starting to emerge about the 2017 i5.

According to Car & Driver, the model will be heavily influenced by the i3 but feature distinctive styling and front-hinged rear doors. The model could also be equipped with a more conservative interior but nothing is official as of yet.

Like the i3, the i5 is expected to feature an electric motor that develops 170 PS (125 kW) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque. However, the model's increased size could enable it to use a larger lithium-ion battery that delivers an electric-only range of up to 200 miles (322 km). There could also be a range-extended variant that uses a 1.5-liter three-cylinder petrol engine.

The BMW i5 will reportedly be launched in 2016, as a 2017 model, and cost approximately $50,000.

Source: Car & Driver