BMW Launches i3 Electric Car

German luxury automaker BMW

 unveiled its first mass-produced electric vehicle to the world on Monday.

The BMW i3 has the trademark BMW kidney-shaped grille; but what's underneath the hood is unlike its more traditional brothers and sisters. The i3 packs a 170-horsepower electric motor and a lithium-ion, high-voltage battery that can keep the car running about 80 to 100 miles on a single charge. This four-seater electric vehicle can be charged via a conventional power socket, a public charging station or BMW's special Wallbox charger.

SEE ALSO: Top 28 Google Street View Sightings

The i3 is also available with an optional range-extender — a two-cylinder, 34-horsepower gas engine that mounts next to the electric motor. While perhaps somewhat counterproductive to the cars "green" goals, this gas engine extends the i3's range to about 186 miles. The car's top speed is limited to 93 mph — or 150 kmph — for what BMW says is "efficiency reasons."

Weighing about 2,634 pounds, the hatchback-styled car sports an aluminum chassis and carbon-fiber passenger cell. The car also pairs with BMW's "i Remote" app (iOS and Android), which includes information about the car's charge level, battery condition, location and service messages right on your smartphone.

The i3 will first release in Germany and other European markets in November. BMW said the i3 base price is 34,950 Euros in Germany — the equivalent of about US $46,300. The electric car will launch in the United States, China and Japan in the first half of 2014. In the U.S., the car will begin retailing at $41,350 or $45,200 for the range extender model.

BMW's move could have German luxury competitors Mercedes-Benz and Audi scrambling to get their respective electric technologies to the mainstream market. The i3 makes room for itself among competitors in the growing electric vehicle market: it's not a high-dollar Tesla but appears more refined than the more-affordable Nissan Leaf and Chevy Volt electric cars.

Down the road, there could also be more electric cars coming from BMW: the German automaker has already unveiled conceptual details about the i8, a hybrid electric sports car. Additionally, BMW-owned Mini is field testing an electric version of its small car: the MINI E.

What do you think about BMW's new i3? Would you like one of them in your garage someday or do you prefer other electric competitors? Share your thoughts in the comments.