It's been suggested that the BMW i5 will be the newest entry to the German marquee's "i" lineup. Rumors claim it will be an SUV to rival the Tesla Model X.
Initially thought to take on a sedan form to rival the Tesla Model S, Auto Express UK claimed BMW execs are leaning towards an SUV body style.
They've reportedly taken note of SUV sales growth all over the world, as well as demand for the recently-launched Tesla Model X.
Needless to say, there will be a new "i" model to complement the i3 and i8.
"Legislation means we'll inevitably have more zero emissions cars and we're exploring more i models, although no firm decisions have been made yet," BMW board member Ian Robertson told AE.
Last month, CEO Harald Krueger told BMWBlog that a new "i" model is indeed in the works which "will be larger than the i3."
Citing its own sources, the website said the BMW i5's design will be as good as the i3 and i8 without the butterfly doors.
"It will have an attractive appearance, but not sacrifice the comfort of their passengers."
New battery technology will reportedly play a part in the rumored EV.
"The tech is developing fast - we'll see steps made with lithium-ion batteries and then lithium air will make progress," Robertson told AE. "But next we'll see solid state batteries without the wet sticky stuff in them - that's where real progress will be made in terms of density and packaging."
Other things to expect in the i5 are same advanced tech in the "i" lineup as well as connectivity features and autonomous driving, according to AE.
"So expect low-weight carbon fibre to feature alongside all-electric power, with a range well in excess of 200 miles."
Carscoops said the rumored BMW i5 may be unveiled next year although sales won't commence until 2017 to coincide with new incentives in Germany.
