BMW has revealed patent sketches of its new i3 model this week, originally publicised by French Automotive magazine L'Automobile.

The absence of the transparent door panels are the first noticeable modifications, while the front doors have been moved back, significantly reducing the size of the rear doors. In addition, the head/taillights, bumpers and mirrors have been redesigned.

BMW plans to sell the i3 as an 'all electric' model, and with a range extending engine. The former will see a floor mounted lithium-ion battery pack generating 127kw and 290nm, with a range between 130-160km.

The range extending engine will be a 0.65 litre two-cylinder motorcycle engine, which will extend the range to 220km.

Head of product management of BMW's i-division, Maximilian Keller, has previously released several other official figures, while BMW has reportedly taken 100,000 requests for a test drive of the new i3.

The BMW i3 will reportedly go on sale next month across Europe for an estimated 35,000 GBP ($58,000) for the EV, and 38,000 GBP ($63,000) for the range-extender.

Car Advice