BMW i3 starts at $42,275

The electric BMW i3 mini crossover will cost $42,275, including destination, when it debuts to the press on July 29. The company is hosting three simultaneous launch events in London, New York and Beijing. The production version of the car was first seen at the Frankfurt motor show in March.

The BMW i3 delivers 170 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque with its electric motor. The unit was developed by BMW and stores power in a 22-kWh battery, which should last 80-100 miles, according to the company.

BMW also says the i3 has the first mass-produced carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic passenger cell mounted on an aluminum chassis.

Interior space will be on par with the 3-series, while its turning radius of 32.3 feet makes it suited for tight urban environments. Check out our full review of the BMW i3 here.

Charging comes from a home station supplied by BMW or any public charging station with a Level 2 system. BMW says DC fast charging will be available soon, as an option. That will provide an 80 percent charge in just 20 minutes.

Buyers will see the i3 in showrooms during the second quarter of 2014.

By Jake Lingeman