BMW Electric Bonanza – i1 to i9 and iX1 to iX9 will see 25 new electrified BMWs

BMW has trademarked a raft of new names from i1 to i9, iX1 to iX9 and X8 and X9 as its electric offensive will see 25 new electrified BMWs by 2025.

BMW’s plans to deliver a raft of electrified cars has been a bit of a slow burn, with only the i3 and i8 arriving in the ‘i’ range so far despite previous promise of far more.

But electrification of BMWs is set to move apace from now on with 25 electrified cars – EVs and Hybrids – planned by 2025, and Trademarks secured for i1 to i9 and iX1 to iX9, as well as X8 and X9.

Trademarking doesn’t mean all badges will be used, but it gives BMW security by securing the badging options, and makes it clear that electric and hybrid SUVs will be a big part of the future.

Two new platforms – CLAR and FAAR – will underpin the electric future, offering new ‘Gen 5’ cars (the i3 and i8 are ‘Gen 4’) from around 2021, with the electric iX3 and the promised flagship iNext.

Power will come from new. more compact electric motors, with a variety of configurations from a single motor at the front to a motor on each wheel, with power levels starting at around 135bhp and heading as far north as 800bhp.

Battery packs will clearly be motor-related – bigger motors will need more power – but will range from 60kWh up to 120kWh, offering the potential for range of up to 450 miles.

And with the promise of models sitting above the new X7 (pictured above) in the SUV range and 9 Series too, BMW is clearly also heading even further upmarket too.

All of which must be giving Elon Musk sleepless nights.