BMW Reveals New i3 2017

BMW updates the i3 with a higher capacity battery pack, boosting its all-electric range to up to 300km. 

BMW has given its mini electric runabout, the i3, a new lease of life. Christened the i3 94Ah the new model incorporates a larger capacity battery pack in the car – 33kWh from 22kWh. That means the pure electric version of the i3 will now have a range of around 300km – almost double than the previous model (160km).

As per BMW, the overall dimensions of the battery pack remain unchanged in the new model, although it now has a higher storage density of lithium-ion cells. The outgoing model had a cell capacity of 60Ah. DC-Rapid Charge is offered as standard on the car, meaning the charging time for the battery pack is less than 3 hours now. The batteries on the car come with an 8 year warranty (or 160,000km), says BMW.

Coming to the power output and performance of the vehicle. The electric motor on the i3 94Ah generates an equivalent of 168bhp along with 250Nm of torque. As a result, it will do 0-100km/h in 7.3 seconds, and can reach up to a top speed of 150km/h.

In addition to the all-electric i3, the Range Extender version of the car- which essentially uses a 647cc two-cylinder petrol engine to charge the battery pack - also gets the new larger capacity battery pack. It develops the same power and torque figures as the all-electric version, but has a range of 444km. It’s however a bit slower to hit the 100km/h mark from a naught – 8.1 seconds – mainly because of its added weight. Its top speed is same as the electric version though.

There haven’t been any changes in the exterior or interior of the i3 in the new model. You do, however, get a new paint scheme called ‘Protonic Blue’ on the car. The 2017 i3 range goes on sale around July 2016 in the UK. The electric only BEV version is priced at £27,830 (Rs 26.91 lakh) while the Range Extender carries a price tag of £30,980 (Rs 29.96 lakh).

Reportedly, BMW is also working on the i8 facelift, which should arrive by year end. The refreshed i8 will get a mild makeover on the outside but will come with a more powerful electric motor. The 1.5-litre petrol powertrain on the car is also expected to get a substantial power hike.

Also read: 2015 BMW i8 Test Drive Score Sheet