As electric cars become increasingly popular, manufacturers are opting for different naming conventions to highlight their electric models. While BMW has traditionally used names like 1 Series, 3 Series, and 5 Series for their internal combustion engine models, they use the letter ‘i’ for their electric vehicles.
BMW aims to resolve the confusion caused by the letter ‘i’
The company’s use of the letter ‘i’ to designate their electric vehicles has led to some confusion. To address this issue, the Bavarian automaker intends to remove the ‘i’ suffix used in some of its models, which symbolizes fuel injection.
To provide an example based on the available information, the BMW X5 xDrive40i model will now be referred to as X5 40 xDrive. Similarly, the X5 M60i will continue as the X5 M60 xDrive. BMW aims to eliminate the question mark created by the ‘i’ suffix in the model names.
The new B-SUV model from Lexus will be available for sale in Europe starting from the first quarter of 2024.
BMW introduced the ‘i’ suffix to emphasize the transition from carbureted models to fuel-injected models. While all modern internal combustion engine vehicles now feature fuel injection, BMW had adhered to this naming convention for over 50 years. With the advent of the electric car era, it seems this era is coming to an end.
On the other hand, as the number and prevalence of electric vehicles increase, brands may reconsider their naming policies in the future. Just like BMW, which highlights the ‘i’ letter in its electric models, Mercedes-Benz also consolidates its electric vehicles under the EQ model name.
However, just as the prevalence of fuel-injected engines led to a departure from that naming convention, the same may happen with the increasing use of electric vehicles. In the coming years, it is quite likely that instead of BMW i5, which has an electric motor, only the name BMW 5 Series will be used.
Brands especially aim to attract customers by using different naming conventions during the transition to electric vehicles. However, with changing times, it can be said that such distinct naming may no longer be necessary. What are your thoughts on BMW’s electric models and the naming policies of brands? Feel free to share your opinions in the comments section.
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