BMW has introduced its new 'i' sub-brand which will designate cars with alternative powertrains from 2013.
The BMW i3 will be a full EV aimed for city and suburban use, while the i8, based on the Vision EfficientDynamics concept study, will be a plug-in hybrid with sports car performance.
Both cars will feature an aluminium chassis and carbon fibre-reinforced plastics for the body panels.
The 'i' designation replaces what was previously described as the 'Megacity' series.