With the i3, the carmaker is the first manufacturer with a carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) body structure in mass production. Weighing 50% less than steel and 30% less than aluminium, this material means the car’s ‘life module’, the structure around the cabin, is light enough to pick up with one hand.

Forged aluminium suspension components, plastic external panels, optimised use of wiring, aluminium bolts throughout and a lightweight magnesium instrument panel support, all contribute to a kerb weight of 1,195kg when fully assembled.

Not only does this mean the car is 30kg lighter than a MINI Cooper S, but it undercuts the Nissan LEAF by 270kg, helping to maximise its battery-powered range. The battery and motor are mounted under the cabin and boot floor for a low centre of gravity and 50:50 front-rear weight distribution, both said to set new standards in dynamics for an electric vehicle.

David Cantle, general manager of product and market planning, said the i3 gives BMW a ‘good lead’ in advanced materials, pointing out that aluminium and carbon fibre had already been used in performance cars such as the last M3. Such materials could also be used to make conventionally-powered BMWs more efficient and more fun to drive, he added.

But there are challenges. So far, only two of the carmaker’s UK dealers are equipped to repair the i3, but as BMW rolls out further locations it will cover the cost of transporting damaged vehicles to specialist bodyshops. However, carbon fibre bonding takes less time than repairing a steel-bodied car, Cantle said.

Find out more about the new BMW i3 – watch the video here.