When the BMW i3 went on sale back in 2013, it had a
22.6 kWh battery with a cell capacity of 60 Ah. Three years later, its battery
capacity was increased to 33 kWh and 94 Ah, and now, the best-selling
electrically-powered car in the premium compact segment is available with a
42.2 kWh, 120 Ah battery.
Installed in the floor of the 2019 BMW i3, the high-voltage
battery, which is being produced at the company’s plant in Dingolfing, has
eight modules, each with twelve storage cells. It can be charged up to 80
percent in 15 hours using a conventional household socket, whereas with BMW’s i
Wallbox it can achieve an 80 percent charge in 3.2 hours. At quick charging
stations, it can reach that capacity in just 42 minutes.
As a result of the new battery, the range of the i3
has gone up to 359 km and 285-310 km in the NEDC and WLTP
cycles, respectively, from 290-300 km and 235-255 km.
The i3s version has a range of
330-345 km, up from 280 km in the NEDC, and 270-285 km, compared to the previous 235-245 km, according to
WLTP. BMW estimates that, in everyday conditions, both versions of the EV have
a range of 260 km, a 60 km increase.
Performance wise, the 2019 i3 that’s powered by a
170 PS electric motor accelerates to 100 km/h in 7.3
seconds and the i3s, which uses a more powerful motor rated at 184 PS, is 0.4 seconds faster.
In addition to the bigger battery, the 2019 i3 now
comes with new exterior colors, a revised upholstery inside, an optimized menu
display for the iDrive infotainment system, and wireless hotspot connectivity
that supports up to 10 devices.
Finally, both versions can now be equipped with
adaptive LED headlights, with matrix high beam, as an alternative to the
standard LED units. A ‘Sports Package’ will be available for the i3 as an optional extra.
Said to be launched “in the future”, it will improve the driving dynamics
thanks to a new sports suspension (a standard feature in the i3s), wider
tracks, a 10 mm lower ride height and 20-inch light alloy wheels in
Jet Black or Bicolor finish.
