Updated BMW i3 Promises Greater Range

BMW’s i division upgrades the electric-powered i3 hatchback with a new battery that is claimed to extend its range almost 30% under everyday driving conditions.

The new 120-Ah lithium-ion battery replaces the 94-Ah unit used by the existing i3, bringing a 9.2-kWh increase in energy capacity for the 5-door hatchback model at 42.2kWh.

In the standard 168-hp i3, it provides a range of 193 miles (311 km), or up to 34 miles (55 km) more than the predecessor model, on the newly introduced Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) regulations.

In the more performance-oriented 181-hp i3s, the new battery is claimed to bring a 25-mile (40-km) improvement in range at an official 177 miles (285 km) under WLTP regulations.

Under everyday driving conditions, BMW says the new 120-Ah battery provides both rear-wheel-drive i3 models with a realistic range of up to 162 miles (261 km), or 37 miles (60 km) more than that quoted by the German automaker for the existing i3 with its 94-Ah battery.

BMW i claims the 0-62 mph (100 km/h) times for the i3 and i3s remain virtually unchanged at 7.3 seconds and 6.9 seconds, respectively, while the 50-75 mph (80-120 km/h) times are put at 5.1 seconds and 4.3 seconds.

The new battery, developed in partnership with Samsung, retains the same dimensions as the unit it replaces, enabling it to be packaged in the same dedicated space within the floor of the i3. Its weight hasn’t been revealed.

BMW puts the recharge time of the battery at 15 hours on regular 2.4-kW electricity. This is reduced to 3.2 hours on an optional BMW i Wallbox, which provides three-phase charging at 11.0 kW. On a fast-charging DC system operating at 50.0 kW, the recharge time is 42 minutes.

Since its introduction in 2013, the i3 has been offered with three different batteries, including the original 60-Ah unit and the 94-Ah unit of the existing model with respective energy capacities of 22.6 kWh and 33.0 kWh.

BMW also announces a new optional sports package for the i3 as part of changes brought to the ’19 model. It includes a sports suspension with a widened front track, 0.4-in. (10-mm) reduction in ride height, uniquely tuned springs, dampers and anti-roll bars and 20-in. wheels.

Further changes include new exterior colors, revised upholstery combinations for the interior, optional adaptive LED headlamps and new iDrive infotainment functions, including a LAN hotspot capable of supporting up to 10 devices.

The ’19-model-year i3 is to make its public debut at the Paris auto show prior to the start of European deliveries in November. Details of North American sales are yet to be revealed.