Comes as a shock to realize that BMW’s electric offering, the i3 is already three years old. So much so, that BMW is now on their third iteration, called the i3s.
The i3s has been face-lifted, but more importantly, the car has had its range extended and was demonstrated at the Frankfurt show.
Central among the changes brought to the new i3s is a more powerful synchronous electric motor. With 135 kW and 270 Nm of torque, the rear mounted unit is tuned to deliver 10 kW and 20 Nm more than the standard version of the i3, which continues to produce 125 kW and 250 Nm.
The i3 models deliver drive to the rear-wheels via the same fixed ratio gearbox. But while the standard i3 runs restyled 19-inch wheels shod with the same 155/70 profile low rolling resistance as the original model launched in 2014, the new i3s comes with larger 20-inch alloys and wider 195/50 profile rubber.
With the larger wheels and greater levels of standard equipment, the i3s weighs in at 1265 kg. However, its added power and torque produces zero to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds versus the claimed 7.2 seconds for the standard i3. The new i3 model also reaches a higher limited top speed of 160 km/h against the 150 km/h of its less powerful sibling.
BMW has provided the i3s with a 40 mm wider rear track. It is combined with a sport suspension featuring a 10 mm lower ride height than the standard i3, together with uniquely tuned springs, dampers and anti-roll bars. Further changes are concentrated at the dynamic stability control system, which receives new software that is claimed to provide it with faster and improved response to a loss in traction.
Another new feature is the sport driving mode that allows the driver to call up more direct properties for the steering and throttle.
As with the facelifted version of the standard i3, the new i3s also comes with an optional range extender in the form of a rear-mounted 647cc two-cylinder petrol engine. Bringing an additional 120 kg to the kerb weight, it acts purely as a generator, providing electrical charge to the floor mounted battery when required.
The visual changes brought to the new i3 are relatively subtle. Included is a new front bumper. It features greater structure and dispenses with the round outboard high beam lights for new thin line LED units that act as blinkers. The headlamps have also been upgraded with LED functions for both the dipped and high beam. The new model also features a black roof, revised sills, lightly altered tail lamps graphics and a revised rear bumper.
On top of this, the i3s gains subtle wheel arch flares as well as blue highlights within the bumpers and along the sills.
