BMW adds an S-for-sporty to the i3 EV
Driver-focused S model leads revised i3 plug-in range, writes David Linklater.
BMW’s i3 range will grow to four for New Zealand with the addition of a new i3s model, bringing more power and new chassis technology.
As with the standard i3, the i3s will be available in either pure battery-electric (BEV) or rangeextender (REx) versions - the latter with a two-cylinder petrol engine acting as generator for the electric drive system when required.
A 94Ah (33kWh) battery is used by both, but in the i3s power and torque go up from 125kW/250Nm to 135kW/270Nm. The i3s BEV is now the fastest version you can buy, with 0-100kmh in 6.9 seconds. Then the slightly complicated performance pecking order goes i3 BEV (7.3sec), i3s REx (7.7sec) and i3 REx (8.1sec).
BMW claims a ‘‘real world’’ range of 200km for the BEV models and 330km for the REx versions.
The i3s has modified motor control and specific taper roller bearings, to give better power delivery at higher speeds.
It rides on sports suspension with specially developed springs, dampers and anti-roll bars. It sits 10mm lower than the standard i3 and has a 40mm-wider track, which is accommodated by black wheel arch borders. It also has its own style of 20-inch wheel, which is 20mm-wider than standard.
The i3s also has new tractioncontrol technology, which will be shared across the BMW and Mini ranges in future models. Unlike conventional traction systems, calculations are made directly in the powertrain instead of a remote unit that requires longer signal paths. BMW claims the new system, which is tailored specifically towards electric power, is 50 times faster in operation.
‘‘With their high levels of torque and instantaneous responses to every movement of the accelerator, electric motors already make significantly higher demands on driving stability systems than conventional power units,’’ explains Peter Langen, head of chassis development at BMW.
However, the system will also be shared among combustionengine models in the future.
The revised i3 range has slightly modified styling, with new front and rear aprons, and a fullwidth chrome strip across the rear. All models have full-LED headlights and LED turn-signal lights.
The Driving Assistant Plus package is now standard across the range. It includes active cruise control with stop-and-go, speed limit information, and collision/ pedestrian warning with city braking.
Standard on the i3s and optional on the i3 is Navigation Professional, with ‘‘live’’ tiles on a higher-resolution 10.25-inch display. Apple CarPlay phone projection is now optional.
Both models have updated Connected+ services, including intelligent route planning, sharing of the car’s location via SMS/live link, and transfer of route instructions from mobile phone or smartwatch to the vehicle.
The new i3 range will go on sale early this year, says BMW. The i3 starts at $76,900 and the i3s at $84,300. In either case the REx technology adds $7600.
BMW claims a "real world" range of 200km for the BEV models and 330km for the REx versions.