BMW i3 Concept Coupe

BMW’s foray into the electric car market is set to get a little boost in the form of yet another ‘i’ branded vehicle. The BMW i3 Concept Coupe – which will make its world debut at the 2012 LA Auto Show – is a three-door version of the upcoming i3 hatchback which is scheduled to enter production next year.

The BMW i3 Concept Coupe is quirky and stylish, and like its siblings, the i8 sports car and i3 hatchback, it makes original use of its windows to provide a striking design quite unlike anything else. The unusual window line dips significantly behind the doors to provide the rear seat occupants a significantly better view – especially good for those drooling, vertically challenged people some refer to as “children”.

The electric drivetrain of the BMW i3 Concept Coupe features a 170 horsepower electric motor which develops 184 lb-ft (250 Nm) of torque. And as it’s a BMW, all that power goes to the rear wheels. The transmission is a single-speed unit.

In addition to the fancy design and electric power source, the i3 Concept Coupe also impresses with its well equipped and stylish interior. The most prominent feature is the sweeping wooden trim element which sweeps across the dashboard. Into this is set a central multi-function screen, and a smaller display screen acting as an instrument panel. The uncluttered appearance of the interior is accentuated by the neutral color scheme – which quite frankly borders on the dull.

BMW haven’t said whether the i3 Concept Coupe is a preview of a production model for the near future. However it wouldn’t be too much of a stretch to build the car alongside the 5-door i3.