BMW has showcased the 2018 BMW i3 (facelift) and
BMWi3s at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show. The BMW i3 features an aluminium
chassis with a CFRP (Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer) passenger cell. The i3
measures 4,011 mm in length, 1,775 mm in width and 1,598 mm in height, with
roof fin. The i3s measures 5 mm shorter, 16 mm wider and 8 mm lower than the
i3. The cars get a 2,570 mm wheelbase. In the 2018 guise, the front and rear
bumpers have been redesigned for sportiness.
The i3s gets bumpers with
body-coloured accents for additional sportiness. It also comes with a sports
suspension that includes a 10-millimetre drop in ride height. The car gets
black wheel arch borders and exclusive 20-inch light-alloy wheels. Both the i3
and i3s feature an all-LED lighting system. The 260-litre boot is expandable up
to 1,100 litres.
On the inside, the two cars get a standard Atelier
interior trim. The Loft, Lodge and Suite are the optional equipment lines. The
iDrive operating system in the two cars is updated, and there’s an optional
Navigation system Professional which comes with a 10.25-inch display unit.
Powering the two cars is a high voltage lithium ion
94 Ah battery.
The electric motor in the i3 produces a maximum power of 170 PS
and a peak torque of 250 Nm. The i3s’ motor is capable of generating a peak
power of 184 PS and a torque of 270 Nm. The two cars come with an optional
range extender, which is an inline two cylinder 647 cc engine producing 38 PS at
5000 rpm and 56 Nm at 4500 rpm. The drivetrain is a rear wheel drive unit with
automatic transmission.
The claimed range of the two cars in everyday
driving condition is up to 200 km. With the range extender, the cars can cover
an additional distance of up to 130 km. The cars will be launched globally in
November 2017.
