BMW's updated i3 can already be ordered in several
markets, the UK included, where it carries a starting price of £ 34,070
(US$ 43,983). This lands you the zero-emission version of the i3, which makes
170 PS and 250 Nm of torque. It needs 7.3 sec to sprint from
naught to 100 km/h, and it can reach 150 km/h.
The more powerful BMW i3s can be had from £ 36,975
(US$ 47,733) and uses an electric motor that feeds 184 PS and 270 Nm of torque to the ground. The 0 to 100 km/h acceleration takes
6.9 sec, while top speed stands at 159 km/h.
A two-cylinder range extender (REx) petrol engine,
with 38hp, is available as an option for both versions of the eco-friendly
hatch, whose sole purpose is to increase their range to 225-235 km NEDC and 190-200 km WLTP. The i3S, on the other hand, can
travel for up to 220 km on the NEDC, and 185-195 km on the WLTP cycle.
You might miss the exterior changes, but
these include new front bumper, and reshaped fog lamps, while the regular i3
adds some plastic cladding, which cannot be found on the i3s, as this comes
with metallic trim and black accents, in addition to a set of 20-inch alloy wheels.
In the cabin, users won't find anything new besides
the latest iDrive infotainment system with Apple CarPlay compatibility, and
fresh trim. As a final touch, BMW has
improved the charging cable, and when using the 'i Wallbox', the energy can be
transferred in less than 3 hours, which is 5 times quicker than using the
standard charging cable.
Both the 2018 i3 and i3s will be on display at the
2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, starting with September 12, before being launched in
global markets, two months later.
