BMW i debuts with electric and hybrid models to redefine urban mobility

A bold leap into the future: BMW i combines cutting-edge electric vehicles with smart tech to transform how cities move. Will this revolutionize urban travel?

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2026 April 3 . 2:20 PM

1 min read

The image shows a bar chart depicting the number of electric vehicles in the United States, with... — The image shows a bar chart depicting the number of electric vehicles in the United States, with the text indicating that the total installed capacity of BMW has increased. The background of the image is white.

BMW i debuts with electric and hybrid models to redefine urban mobility

BMW has launched a new sub-brand called BMW i, dedicated to sustainable transport and innovative mobility services. The brand will introduce two groundbreaking models—the fully electric i3 and the plug-in hybrid i8—alongside a range of digital solutions for urban travel. The BMW i3 marks the company's first mass-produced electric vehicle. It relies on the LifeDrive design, combining an aluminium frame with a lightweight carbon-fibre passenger compartment. The i8, a high-performance hybrid, shares the same architecture while delivering the fuel efficiency of a compact car.

Production of the i8 will take place in Leipzig, following a €400 million investment. This expansion will also create around 800 new jobs by 2013. Beyond vehicles, BMW i will offer services like car-sharing and smart navigation systems to support eco-friendly urban mobility. Through its investment arm, BMW i Ventures, the company has backed My City Way, a mobile app providing real-time data on public transport and parking. The app will launch in over 80 cities worldwide, including Munich. BMW i Ventures was established with a $100 million fund to support startups in sustainable transport and digital mobility.

The BMW i sub-brand introduces two advanced models and a suite of mobility services. With significant investments in production and technology, the initiative aims to reshape urban transport. The i3 and i8 will lead the brand's push into electric and hybrid vehicles, while digital tools like My City Way expand its reach globally.