As the arms race for fully autonomous driving technology continues, BMW has decided to shift the focus of its “i” sub-brand from electrified drivetrains, to driverless cars. Automotive News reports that BMW board member Klaus Froehlich recently outlined the Bavarian automaker’s intentions to develop the tech as part of something he called “Project i Next,” and it’s rumored that 2021 is the target date for the debut of a fully autonomous BMW flagship model.
In addition to self-driving tech, the new flagship will also boast an advanced all-electric drivetrain. Since its introduction in 2011, BMW’s i division has focused primarily on the creation of plug-in propulsion systems, including those found in the hybrid i8 sports car and all-electric i3 hatchback. However, following the lackluster sales performance of the i3 (only 25,000 units sold last year, compared to nearly 400,000 preorders for the Tesla Model 3), it appears as though BMW will instead refocus its i division to work primarily on autonomous technology.
Despite the change in emphasis, its expected i division will still have a hand in the development of new electrified drive systems, including a longer-range i3 due out by the end of the year, plus a sportier i3 rumored to be revealed by 2018.
The news comes on the heels of the departure of four high-profile executives from the forward-thinking sub-brand.
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