By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / photos BMW US Press Information
For 2019, BMW introduces the next chapter in the i3 story of electromobility; the new i3 and i3s with 120 Ah batteries. Since its launch in 2014, the battery capacity and range of the i3 has grown from the original 60Ah / 81 miles to 120ah / 153 miles in 2019.
Exterior
New body finishes, adaptive LED headlights, optimized controls and connectivity. Since 2014 the BMW i3 has been the world’s best-selling electrically powered vehicle in the premium compact segment. On the streets of urban conurbations, it has come to stand as a symbol of pioneering mobility. Its characteristic shaping is closely linked to the LifeDrive vehicle architecture, which combines an aluminum chassis with a passenger cell made carbon fibre reinforced plastic. With the introduction of the new battery generation, the design of the BMW i3 and the BMW i3s has been enriched with fresh accentuations. The choice of body finish for the two models has been extended to include the new variant Jucaro Beige metallic with accentuations in Frozen Grey. Meanwhile the exterior paint finishes Mineral Grey metallic, Imperial Blue metallic, Melbourne Red metallic, Capparis White and Fluid Black are still available.
As an alternative to the standard LED headlights, adaptive LED headlights are now available with an automatic, selective dip function for the high beam. The innovative matrix technology for the high beam increases visibility range while at the same avoiding any dazzle effect on other road users. For this purpose, it is divided into four horizontally arranged segments which can be activated and deactivated independently of each other at speeds of over 70 km/h. The high beam segments are controlled based on the traffic situation.
The sports package will enable additional emphasis of brand-based driving pleasure derived from locally emissions-free mobility. The key element of the new option is the sports suspension, which is a standard feature in the BMW i3s and includes specific dampers, springs and stabilizers, a suspension lowered by 10 millimeters, a widened track and 20-inch light alloy wheels in Jet Black or Bicolor finish with mixed tires. This increase in driving dynamics is visually underscored by means of black wheel arch surrounds, which also form part of the BMW i sports package.
Interior
The interior styling of the BMW i3 and BMW i3s is rooted in the LifeDrive vehicle architecture. The carbon fiber-reinforced plastic passenger cell has a wonderfully spacious feel about it and is dominated by a sense of lightness. The design principle of the two four-seater models means there is no need for either fixed B-pillars or a transmission tunnel. Doors that open in opposite directions allow the occupants to get in and out with the greatest of ease.
Interior trim changes include Mega World now offering Electronic Brown Trim and Mega Carum Spice Grey SensaTec with Brown Cloth highlights. Tera World now includes higher quality Tera Dark Truffle Vernasca Leather. The BMW i3 and BMW i3s apply the concept of sustainability throughout, as other materials used are recycled plastics, renewable raw materials, natural fibers and open-pored, unbleached eucalyptus wood. Over 80 percent of the surfaces visible to the passengers are made from recycled materials or renewable resources. The available seat belts in BMW i Blue for the BMW i3s provide a splash of color in the interior.
Connectivity and Driver Assistance Systems
BMW Connected bolsters the link between the i3 and the digital experience. Remote Services allow you to check if your windows are closed and doors are locked. You can also precondition the climate of the i3 for a comfortable temperature before your departure as well as warming the battery under certain conditions. On the eDrive tab, one can browse through various efficiency statistics, monitor your electrical consumption, energy recuperation statistics and observe your efficiency.
The driver assistance systems available for the 2019 BMW i3 and BMW i3s ease the driver’s workload and provide support in various traffic situations, as well as helping with longitudinal and lateral vehicle control. The optional Technology and Driving Assistance Package includes LED headlights with cornering lights, Active Driving Assistant, Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Daytime Pedestrian Protection, Frontal Collision Warning with City Collision Mitigation, and Advanced Real-Time Traffic Information.
ConnectedDrive Services and front/rear Park Distance Control are now standard equipment. Parking Assistance is a standalone option for the i3. Once activated, Parking Assistance scans for suitable parking spaces and at the press of a button takes control of acceleration, braking, gear selection and steering to perfectly park your i3.
Performance
The agile handling characteristics of the BMW i3 have been optimized with the improved Dynamic Stability Control system. This comprehensively revised, faster responding Traction Control system guarantees confident handling under all driving conditions. Traction in less than ideal driving conditions has also been noticeably improved. Dynamic Traction Control mode now boosts agility at higher speeds and during sporty cornering, even allowing mild and safely controllable drifts when grip levels are reduced.
In addition, the synchronous electric motor powering the BMW i3 generates a maximum output of 170 hp. Its peak torque of 184 lb-ft is available instantly from standstill, in typical electric motor fashion. This means that stepping on the accelerator pedal immediately unleashes a thrilling burst of speed. The motor smoothly delivers the kind of performance that drivers expect from a BMW via a single-speed automatic transmission, with continuous power delivery that builds up the car’s speed.
The BMW i3s provides an even sportier interpretation of silent mobility with zero emissions and features a high output 184 hp1 electric motor that generates peak torque of 199 lb-ft1. Its updated drive system includes modified motor control and specific taper roller bearings, which have been utilized to optimize power delivery and the performance curve at higher rpm. At the limits of the motor speed range, the power and torque of the enhanced drive system represent an improvement of up to 40 percent over the BMW i3. The driving dynamics and enhanced e-Driving abilities are significant especially at higher engine speeds when higher performance and higher torque is more noticeable; a sports suspension with specially developed springs, dampers and anti-roll bars is added on the BMW I3s. Drivers can now also select SPORT mode using the Driving Dynamics Control switch. This initiates more direct accelerator response and tighter steering characteristics to accentuate the car’s sporting edge. Just 6.8 seconds1 is enough to see the BMW i3s burst past 60 mph on its way to a top speed of 100 mph.
A two-cylinder range extender gasoline engine is available as an option for all BMW i3 models. The engine drives a generator that produces power as required to feed electricity to the high voltage battery, which becomes available whenever necessary. This extends the car’s overall range in everyday use by 87 miles, increasing it from around 97 miles to a maximum of 180 miles.
Summary
The BMW i3 is a visionary electric vehicle and an inspirational design that has helped to make BMW i so popular through its innovative mobility solutions with sustainability as a key defining element. The BMW i brand has established itself as a pioneer for forward-thinking mobility by offering such products while also adopting an all-embracing approach that considers the complete lifecycle, from raw material production, through the manufacture and operation of the vehicles to their later recycling.
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price starts at $48,645.00, the one I drove the i3s Sport with Range Extender, included the Jucaro Beige Metallic exterior Paint ($550.00), the Tech + Driving Assist Package ($2,350.00), Giga World ($1800.00), Moonroof ($1,000.00), Wireless Charging ($500.00), and it came in at $58,695.00, including destination charge ($995.00).
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
