BMW said that the i3s was the first electric hot
hatch back when it launched the model in 2017, but the truth is the exterior
design of this go-faster variant didn’t quite ooze sportiness. Let’s face it, one needs a
well-trained eye to spot the differences between the regular i3 and the i3s.
One way to solve this problem is to go for an aftermarket kit and the latest
one from AC Schnitzer seems to give the i3s the pizzazz it needed to stand out
from lesser i3 models.
The tuning program for the BMW i3s is also available
for the regular i3 and starts with a suspension spring kit that brings the car
up to 20 mm closer to the ground. This also lowers the center of
gravity, helping the i3 negotiate turns with more confidence. For the BMW i3s alone, AC
Schnitzer also offers wheel spacers that push the wheels 12 mm further out on each side. As a result, lateral support and driving stability
are said to improve. At the same time, the spacers make the i3s look more
muscular — the tires remain as skinny as before, though.
Also contributing to the more athletic appearance is
the aero kit which includes a front splitter and a roof spoiler which are said
to improve downforce. Both parts can be installed directly and without further
painting. The splitter is made of a high-quality ASA material (acrylonitrile
styrene acrylic ester) with a matte black surface and three gloss black
adaptors made of polyurethane. As for the rear spoiler, it’s made of the same
material and has the same gloss black finish. The exterior package also
includes rear skirt protection foil for the boot sill and AC Schnitzer
lettering on the sides.
Inside, the tuner only opted for a few aluminum
highlights, including the pedals and “Black Line” cover for the iDrive
controller.
