The BMW i3 shows the way ahead to a new era of mobility. It is
recognised the world over as a symbol of driving pleasure,
sustainability and intelligent connectivity in the urban traffic
environment, which is why it has become the best-selling electric car
in the premium compact segment. The recipe for success of the BMW i3
has now been further improved, thanks not just to refreshing styling
accents, cutting-edge equipment features and new digital services, but
also to the addition of a new model variant. For making its debut
alongside the new edition of the first ever premium car to be
conceived from the outset for all-electric mobility is the BMW i3s.
With a higher output, model-specific chassis technology, noticeably
more dynamic driving qualities and design features all of its own, it
generates a particularly intense blend of the unrivalled sporty
driving pleasure associated with electric cars from the BMW Group. By
offering a premium-quality, all-electric driving experience, meaning
zero local emissions, together with a whole new level of connectivity
technology, both models represent the future of urban mobility.
The BMW i3 has reigned as the top-selling premium electric car in its
class since 2014, not just in Europe but worldwide too. And in
Germany, it has actually been topping the new vehicle registration
statistics for the electric car segment as a whole, also since 2014.
It’s not just the visionary electric vehicles and inspirational design
that help to make BMW i so popular, but also its innovative mobility
solutions and the revolutionary new form of premium character, with
sustainability as a key defining element. By offering such products
while also adopting an all-embracing approach that takes into account
the complete lifecycle – from raw material production, through the
manufacture and operation of the vehicles to their later recycling –
the BMW i brand has established itself as a pioneer for
forward-thinking mobility.
BMW eDrive electric motor in two output levels, high-voltage
battery with large capacity of 94 Ah/33 kWh, optional range extender engine.
The driving experience in the BMW i models has played no small part
in the growing appeal and popularity of electric mobility. Following
systematic refinement, the BMW eDrive technology aboard the new BMW i3
and new BMW i3s enables drivers to enjoy locally emission-free
mobility with wonderfully instantaneous power delivery, efficient use
of energy and an optimised range for a level of everyday practicality
that even extends beyond the demands of purely urban travel. Both
models draw their energy from the lithium-ion high-voltage battery
developed by the BMW Group with a capacity of 94 ampere hours (Ah) or
33 kilowatt hours (kWh). A range extender engine can be ordered as an
option for both the new BMW i3 and the new BMW i3s.
The new BMW i3 and new BMW i3s will celebrate their world premieres
at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt/Main in September
2017. The global market launch will begin in November 2017.
Design: sporty look.
The new BMW i3 and new BMW i3s have a remarkably dynamic character by
premium compact electric car standards, and a number of design tweaks
have been included to express this to particularly striking effect in
their visual appearance too. The unmistakable, avant-garde exterior
styling has already picked up the iF gold award for product design and
the World Car Design of the Year award along with other accolades, and
it has now been enhanced by a number of deft design touches that
clearly convey the sporty and stirring driving experience on offer.
The trademark BMW i Black Belt running from the bonnet over the roof
to the car’s rear end is now complemented by A-pillars and roof lines
that also sport a black finish. The range of paint finishes for the
remaining body elements has been extended to include Melbourne Red
metallic and Imperial Blue metallic. Besides these two new additions,
customers can also choose from the non-metallic shades Capparis White
and Fluid Black as well as Protonic Blue metallic and Mineral Grey metallic.
The restyling of the front and rear aprons places particular emphasis
on the car’s width, which has the effect of signalling just how sporty
both models are to drive and how sure their handling is. A
chrome-design trim strip running across the full width of the rear and
the positioning of the model and eDrive badges on the outer edges of
the boot lid serves to reinforce this impression.
The new BMW i3 and new BMW i3s come equipped with all-LED headlights
as standard, which employ LED bulb units for dipped beam and high beam
as well as the daytime running lights. The new turn signal indicators
also feature LED technology and are integrated into the front apron in
the form of horizontal strips. This means that LEDs are now used for
all lighting functions at the front of the vehicle too, as was already
the case with the glass-covered rear light assemblies.
The new BMW i3: new styling accents for a sense of sporty elegance.
The thoughtful evolution of the exterior design not only helps to
bring the sporting credentials of the new BMW i3 more to the fore, but
highlights its sophisticated elegance too. The front bumper is
completely painted in the body colour and has a black U-shaped
surround that reinforces the car’s presence when viewed from the
front. Moving round to the rear end, the powerfully moulded contours
and the contrast in colour between the black surround and the
body-coloured inlay again create an energetic and expressive appearance.
The new silver-coloured roof line accent for the new BMW i3 adds a
further touch of elegance and dynamism. It widens towards the rear,
thereby accentuating the stream flow, as the distinctive outline of
the side windows is known.
The new BMW i3s: a thoroughly dynamic performer.
The new BMW i3s incorporates a number of design elements all of its
own that underscore its particularly dynamic character. Both the front
and rear aprons are notable for their model-specific, powerfully
shaped contours. At the front, the bumper inlay as well as the
U-shaped surround encircling it have a black finish. The front apron’s
side sections are bordered on their lower edge by accent strips in BMW
i Blue or Frozen Grey that further emphasise the width of the car. The
accent in the closed BMW kidney grille is also painted in high-gloss
black on the BMW i3s to give the grille a larger and more prominent
appearance. The rear apron of the new BMW i3s is likewise composed of
individually styled contours, while the black surround frames an
extra-wide, body-coloured inlay. On the new BMW i3s, the roof line
accent also sports the same high-gloss black finish as the A-pillars.
The new BMW i3s comes equipped as standard with sports suspension
that includes a 10-millimetre drop in ride height. The additional
40 millimetres of track width compared to the BMW i3 is given added
impact by the black wheel arch borders. The new BMW i3s is available
with exclusive 20-inch light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design that
are 20 millimetres wider than the previously available versions. They
can be ordered in the Bicolour and Jet Black colour variants.
Interior: great sense of roominess, sustainable materials.
Like the exterior design, the interior styling of the new BMW i3 and
new BMW i3s is rooted in the novel LifeDrive vehicle architecture. The
carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) passenger cell has a
wonderfully spacious feel about it and is dominated by a sense of
lightness. The design principle of the two four-seater models means
there is no need for either fixed B-pillars or a transmission tunnel.
Doors that open in opposite directions allow the occupants to get in
and out with the greatest of ease.
The Loft, Lodge and Suite equipment lines are available for the new
BMW i3 and new BMW i3s as alternatives to the standard Atelier
version. The Lodge interior design option includes a new covering for
the seat surfaces in Solaric Brown that combines natural leather
tanned using an olive leaf extract with a wool-based textile material.
The fact that the BMW i3 and BMW i3s also count sustainability among
their premium characteristics shines through in the rest of the
materials selected for them too, including recycled plastics,
renewable raw materials, natural fibres and open-pored, unbleached
eucalyptus wood. Over 80 percent of the surfaces visible to the
passengers are made from recycled materials or renewable resources.
The new blue seat belt option provides a splash of colour in the
interior in typical brand style. The BMW i3s supplements all this with
special model lettering on the front floor mats as standard.
Emission-free fun at the wheel:
a more intense experience than ever, now with two power options.
The synchronous electric motor powering the new BMW i3 generates a
maximum output of 125 kW/170 hp. Its peak torque is 250 Nm
(184 lb-ft), all of which is available instantly from a standstill, as
is usual with electric motors. This means that stepping on the
accelerator pedal immediately unleashes a thrilling burst of speed.
The motor smoothly delivers the kind of performance that drivers
expect from a BMW via a single-speed automatic transmission, with
continuous power delivery that builds up the car’s tempo in a
characteristically dynamic fashion. 0-100 km/h (62 mph) is achieved by
the new BMW i3 in 7.3 seconds. Its top speed is limited to 150 km/h (93 mph).
Located low in the vehicle floor, the lithium-ion high-voltage
battery provides a range of 290 to 300 kilometres (180-186 miles)*
based on the NEDC cycle, 235 to 255 kilometres (146 to 158 miles)** as
per WLTP and up to 200 kilometres (124 miles)*** in everyday use. The
combined electric power consumption of the new BMW i3 on the NEDC
cycle varies between 13.6 and 13.1 kWh for every 100 kilometres*.
Bringing outstanding driving dynamics to the electric vehicle
segment, with instantaneous torque, superb traction
and precisely controllable drifts.
The agile handling characteristics of the BMW i3 are improved still
further by the optimised Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system. This
comprehensively revised, faster responding traction control system
guarantees confident handling under all driving conditions. The BMW i3
now features a globally unique form of wheel speed limiting that
ensures increased directional stability, both under dynamic
acceleration and on the overrun with strong regenerative braking.
Traction during pull-away on snow and wet roads has also been
noticeably improved. DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) mode now boosts
agility at higher speeds and during sporty cornering, even allowing
mild and safely controllable drifts when grip levels are reduced.
The new BMW i3s provides an even sportier interpretation of silent
mobility with zero local emissions and features a high-performance
135 kW/184 hp electric motor that generates peak torque of 270 Nm
(199 lb-ft). Its updated drive system includes modified motor control
and specific taper roller bearings, which have been utilised to
further optimise power delivery and the performance curve at higher
rpm. At the limits of the motor speed range, the power and torque of
the further developed drive system represent an improvement of up to
40% for the BMW i3.
What’s more, the new BMW i3s boasts sports suspension with specially
developed springs, dampers and anti-roll bars. Drivers can also select
SPORT mode using the Driving Experience Control switch. This initiates
more direct accelerator response and tighter steering characteristics
to further accentuate the car’s sporting edge.
Just 6.9 seconds is enough to see the new BMW i3s burst past 100 km/h
(62 mph) on its way to a top speed of 160 km/h (99 mph). It returns a
combined electric power consumption of 14.3 kWh per 100 kilometres* on
the NEDC cycle. Its electric range runs to 280 kilometres (174 miles)*
based on the NEDC cycle, 235 to 245 kilometres (146 to 152 miles)** as
per WLTP and up to 200 kilometres (124 miles)*** in everyday use.
A 28 kW/38 hp two-cylinder range extender petrol engine is available
as an option for both the new BMW i3 and the new BMW i3s. The engine
drives a generator that produces power as required while driving to
maintain a constant level of charge in the high-voltage battery. This
extends the car’s overall range in everyday use by 150 kilometres
(93 miles), increasing it from around 180 kilometres (112 miles) to a
maximum of 330 kilometres (205 miles)***. The all-electric range of
the new BMW i3 with range extender is 225 to 235 kilometres (140 – 146
miles)* as per NEDC and 190 to 200 kilometres (118 – 124 miles)** as
per WLTP. The corresponding figures for the new BMW i3s with range
extender come in at 220 kilometres (137 miles)* on the NEDC and 185 to
195 kilometres (115 to 121 miles)** on the WLTP cycle.
On the NEDC cycle, the new BMW i3 with range extender returns
combined consumption figures per 100 kilometres of 11.9 to 11.5 kWh of
electric power and 0.6 litres of fuel (fuel consumption of 470.8 mpg
imp; CO2 emissions: 14 –13 g/km)*. On the same combined NEDC cycle,
the new BMW i3s with range extender consumes 12.5 kWh of electric
power per 100 kilometres and 0.7 litres of fuel (fuel consumption of
403.5 mpg imp; CO2 emissions: 14 g/km)*.
Extensive range of driver assistance systems:
Parking Assistant and Traffic Jam Assistant take over control
of steering.
The driver assistance systems available for the new BMW i3 and
BMW i3s ease the driver’s workload and provide support in various
traffic situations, as well as helping with longitudinal and lateral
vehicle control. The optional Parking Assistance package includes Park
Distance Control, a reversing camera and the Parking Assistant. Once a
suitable parking space parallel to the road has been selected, the
Parking Assistant takes control of acceleration, braking, gear
selection and steering.
Driving Assistant Plus, also available as an option, incorporates
Collision and Pedestrian Warning with City Braking function, Speed
Limit Info, Proactive Driving Assistant, Active Cruise Control with
Stop Go function, and the Traffic Jam assistant, which not only
maintains a safe distance to the car in front in stop-start traffic at
up to 60 km/h (37 mph), but also keeps the car in lane. The system
takes its cues from lane markings, the width of the road and vehicles
travelling ahead.
Further developed iDrive system, BMW i ConnectedDrive with
navigation features and On-Street Parking Information specially
developed for electric mobility.
Both the new BMW i3 and new BMW i3s come with an updated version of
the iDrive operating system, which provides an intuitive interface for
controlling numerous vehicle, infotainment, communications and
navigation functions. In vehicles equipped with the Navigation system
Professional, the Control Display has a diagonal of 10.25 inches and
an increased resolution of 1,440 × 540 pixels. The main menu is also
presented in the form of horizontally arranged tiles with a live mode.
The voice recognition system has also been further optimised. With the
aid of Natural Language Understanding, spoken instructions can now be
executed more quickly and precisely, e.g. when searching for music and
phone numbers or dictating e-mails and SMS messages. New to the
options list is Apple CarPlay preparation. This allows additional
smartphone apps to be integrated seamlessly with the vehicle’s
operating system.
The further expanded BMW i ConnectedDrive offering – unmatched by any
rival – ensures intelligent connectivity through services specially
tailored to electric mobility. The digital On-Street Parking
Information search service, now available for the first time in the
BMW i3, can also be used alongside the Real Time Traffic Information
system if the Navigation system Professional is specified. Public
charging stations and information about their availability can also be
displayed on the navigation system’s map. When route guidance is
activated, data about the route is also used to calculate the range
shown in the instrument cluster as accurately as possible. The range
map provides a visual representation of the current operating radius.
It is also possible to display the different ranges achievable in each
of the Driving Experience Control modes. BMW i-specific navigation
features also include intermodal route guidance. This helps users to
quickly and efficiently reach their destination by factoring in local
public transport timetables and connections. Regular, automatic
updates of the navigation data are now also provided “over the air” in
the BMW i3, using a mobile network connection.
A package of new services were introduced in July 2017 under the
BMW Connected+ banner which enable a highly personalised and more
straightforward display of information inside the car. All of the
digital services related to BMW Connected and BMW Connected+ will be
available in the BMW i3 and BMW i3s. These span intelligent route
planning, including stop-offs at charging stations or petrol stations
(Send my Routes to Car), sharing of the car’s current location via SMS
and live link (Share Live Trip Status), personalised display of
relevant in-car information (BMW Onboard), seamless transfer of route
instructions to the customer’s smartphone or smartwatch once the car
is parked (Navigate Door-to-Door) and direct syncing of contacts and
addresses to the navigation system (My Destinations).
BMW Digital Charging Service enables intelligent charging.
The BMW Digital Charging Service brings customers the future of
charging, today. BMW ConnectedDrive and the BMW ConnectedDrive Portal
turn charging into a digital experience. As a result, the BMW i3 and
BMW i3s are integrated perfectly into the customer’s smart ecosystem.
This allows BMW customers to optimise charging costs, make best use of
self-generated solar energy for charging and even earn money through
integration into the smart grid. The service’s ease of use – from a
smartphone via BMW Connected or from PCs and tablets via the
BMW ConnectedDrive Portal – also facilitates fully transparent,
sustainable use of renewable energy. With the introduction of its
unique BMW Digital Charging Service, BMW becomes the world’s first
carmaker to integrate electric mobility with its customers’ digital worlds.
360° ELECTRIC:
new charging cable, BMW i Wallbox Connect.
360° ELECTRIC is a range of products and services that help make
electric mobility a convenient, everyday experience. The functionality
of the standard charging cable supplied with the new BMW i3s has been
optimised and includes a temperature sensor. Charging at home is
extremely user-friendly thanks to the BMW i Wallbox which, in its most
recent incarnation, can supply 11 kW of power to charge the
high-voltage battery. This allows enough energy for an electric range
of around 180 kilometres (112 miles) to be transferred in under three
hours – five times quicker than with the standard charging cable. The
new BMW i Wallbox Connect also extends the functionality of the
globally unique Digital Charging Service to provide intelligent
charging for optimal cost efficiency, and allows customers to make
best use of self-generated solar energy. In addition, it is also
possible to control the charging process using a smartphone app and
manage usage by means of an access card. Drivers with a registered
ChargeNow card have unrestricted access to the world’s largest network
of public charging stations.
BMW i pioneers electric driving pleasure with integrated
sustainability concept and superior eDrive technology.
BMW i is blazing a trail when it comes to shaping the future of
sustainable personal mobility. Its integrated concept focuses on
responsible use of resources and incorporates material selection and
innovative mobility services alongside locally emission-free driving.
The BMW i3 is just as serious about the fun of driving, turning even a
trip around town into an electrifying experience. The inspirational
design of the BMW i3 expresses a new style, while the instantaneous
power from the drive system provides an inspiring showcase for the
dawn of a new era in mobility.
This car’s architecture was designed from the ground up with electric
mobility in mind. And its BMW eDrive technology boasts power delivery
and efficiency unrivalled by any other manufacturer. All of which
makes the BMW i3 a proposition as forward-looking as it is attractive.
Combining the latest technological innovations with an evolutionary
development of the car’s design and the expansion of the model range
has provided additional impetus for BMW’s now familiar take on premium
electric mobility. The character profiles of the new BMW i3 and new
BMW i3s are focused more keenly than ever on driving pleasure, which
gives them all the ingredients required to strengthen their leading
position and write the next chapter in the BMW i success story.
* Consumption and emissions figures as well as ranges according to
NEDC test cycle, may vary depending on the tyre format specified.
** Ranges according to WLTP test cycle, may vary depending on the
tyre format specified and the equipment level.
*** Figures according to BMW range measurements in everyday use in
urban areas, exterior temperature: 20°C, heating/air conditioning,
pre-conditioning, COMFORT driving mode. Range dependent on various
factors. In particular: personal driving style, route characteristics,
exterior temperature, pre-conditioning.
All figures relating to performance, consumption, emissions and range
are provisional.
Further information on official fuel consumption figures, specific
CO2 emission values and the electric power consumption of new
passenger cars is included in the following guideline: “Leitfaden über
Kraftstoffverbrauch, die CO2-Emissionen und den Stromverbrauch neuer
Personenkraftwagen” (Guideline for fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and
electric power consumption of new passenger cars), which can be
obtained from all dealerships, from the Deutsche Automobil Treuhand
GmbH (DAT), Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, 73760 Ostfildern-Scharnhausen and
at http://www.dat.de/en/offers/publications/guideline-for-fuel-cons