BMW patent - Cd .18
 

https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media...4926629803.jpg

https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media...4981499307.jpg

Autocar reports that this is BMW's answer to the XL1--two cylinder turbo gas engine, new battery chemistry, 2500 lbs, and Cd .18.

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BMW i5 model?
 

The Chinese design patent leaked pics look like the intermediate model in between the i3 and the i8, an i5 four-seat layout coupe. The concept has the distinctive BMW twin kidneys, long wheelbase, short overhangs, BMW U-shaped daytime running LED details, round projector headlamps, the BMW 'stream flow' V-shaped blackbelt detail; an element that runs from the front hood, over the roof and to the rear in all BMW i models, similar i8 door cutout detail, distinctive air curtain openings, less curvy but sharper contour & character lines, interesting aero front fender exhaust slits, narrower rear track and tapering rear body, slim LED taillights, angular rear diffuser and narrower rear deck wing. No exhaust pipes suggest fully electric. Somehow less an i model and more Civic-like. Hope its not a BMW knockoff design.

http://www.extremetech.com/wp-conten...-i3_studio.jpg

http://www.pcauto.com.cn/nation/727/7278724.html

Thanks for the extra design analysis, botsapper. It's interesting imagining it in the usual i-brand livery.

I would not call that front bumper practical; many parking places have raised wheel stops, like almost all of them at my work place, which are also slanted so hard to back in to.

So, where to put the blue stripe?

One thing I notice is the Subaru SVX-like door windows. In the side view you can see how the door cut-line curves across the highlight on the glass.

The hood is one big air tab. :eek:

I like the romantic fuzzy image in the first link over the Chinese Patent images.

Fairly nice either way.

So how close to reality is that rendering ?
It is heavily modified in Photoshop.

Perhaps the way that the first images of the F-117 were manipulated to keep the details secret.

I don't think the lack of exhaust pipes says anything about the drivetrain; neither the i3 with range extender nor i8 have visible exhaust.

i-brand livery guess
 

Quick overlay, still looks more like a Honda Civic than the BMW i-models.