Jason Woosey at Nasrec
Johannesburg Motor Show – Any uninitiated showgoer could be forgiven for thinking that the i8 sports car on BMW’s stand was some outlandish concept car created for the sake of fantasy.
But the i8 is a concrete reality that will go on sale in South Africa – as you see it now – during the second half of 2014.
Beneath its futuristic styling is a powertrain to match. The hybrid drivetrain mates a 1.5-litre three-cylinder TwinPower turbopetrol engine to an electric motor for a total system output of 266kW and 570Nm. This, and the lightweight construction, allow the 2+2 seater sports car to sprint from 0-100km/h in just 4.4 seconds. Under the right circumstances, a combined cycle fuel consumption of just 2.5 litres per 100km is attainable, according to BMW.
For those after a more sensible ‘future proof’ package, the BMW i3 hatchback will offer completely-electric (as in coal-powered) motoring when it reaches South Africa next year. BMW reckons it’ll travel up to 160km between charges, but not when testing out its claimed 0-100km/h time of 7.2 seconds.
4 SERIES
BMW is also giving its fans a sneak preview of the all-new 4 Series Coupé, which launches in South Africa next month, costing R448 000 for the 135kW 420i, R517 500 for the 180kW 428i and R686 500 for the 225kW 335i. The latter is powered by BMW’s 3-litre straight six and the former two by a 2-litre four-cylinder – all are turbocharged.
The 4 Series is longer, lower and wider than the 3 Series Coupé that it replaces, the lower centre of gravity giving it a sportier stance on the road.
X FACTOR
BMW’s crossover portfolio is set to grow with the introduction of the X4 next year and the concept car at JIMS gives most of the game away in terms of styling. Something of a little brother to the X6, the X4 aims to blend racy styling with crossover utility.
A more practical alternative is the all-new X5, which reaches South Africa in February 2014. The new model promises even more in the way of comfort, luxury and space while going big on BMW’s ConnectedDrive gadgetry and offering improved fuel economy.
On the diesel-power front, buyers can choose between a 280kW/740Nm tri-turbo and a 190kW/560kW single-turbo – both are 3-litre six-cylinder engines. The petrol option is a 330kW/650Nm 4.4-litre V8.
Follow IOL Motoring on Twitter.