The BMW i3, planned to go on sale next year, is the first electric car to go into full-scale production from an established luxury automaker.
Despite the expensive materials, BMW estimates that, in the event of an unfortunate fender-bender, the i3 should cost no more to repair than BMW 1-series subcompact. That's because it's designed so that body parts can easily be removed and replaced. Also, thanks to a body that's made mainly out of plastic, most really minor impacts will leave no lasting mark, BMW says.
Prices for the i3 will start at $41,350 when it goes on sale in the second quarter of next year.