Today saw the unveiling of the 2018 BMW i3 range. A new model with more power, the i3s will join the range.
BMW claims the i3 is the best-selling electric car its class, however, it should be said there is very little genuine competition.
For 2018 both variants have a lot to offer the environmentally minded motorist. Both models use a new lithium-ion high-voltage battery that is capable of delivering 94Ah or 33kWh, this replaces the 60Ah/22kWh battery that has been with the i3 since it originally launched.
The electric motor powering the BMW i3 is capable of 125kW of power and 250Nm of torque, with a single-speed automatic transmission matched with it. The BMW i3s increases the stakes to put down 135kW of power and 270Nm of torque.
While the i3s is the sportier of the two models, depending on which set of figures you refer to, it offers a very similar driving range to the i3.
There is a range extending petrol engine which can be optioned on both variants if longer driving stints are expected.
In terms of updates for the new BMW i3 and i3s, the iconic BMW i Black Belt which extends from the bonnet to the boot is now complemented by black A-pillars and roof lines.
Two new metallic colour choices in Melbourne Red and Imperial Blue join the solid shades of Capparis White and Fluid black as well as Protonic Blue metallic and Mineral Grey metallic paint finishes. The BMW i3 also sees a new silver-coloured roof line accent added.
The 2018 model year sees the front and rear aprons restyled to enhance the emphasis on the width of the car. Chrome-design trim strips also now run the full width of the rear to reinforce the wider stance. The eDrive badges have also been relocated to the outer edges of the boot lid as well.
Both variants are equipped with all-LED headlights as standard which includes the new turn signals which are integrated into the front apron.
To differentiate the BMW i3s, as standard, sport suspension is included which brings a 10-millimetre reduction in ride height. 40 millimetres of track width is also gained with black wheel arch borders. The BMW i3s also gets exclusive 20-inch light-alloy wheels with the option of bicolour or Jet Black to highlight the double-spoke design.
Both models also have the Loft, Lodge and Suite equipment lines available if the standard Atelier is not preferred. The Lodge features new Solaric Brown coloured natural leather contrasted with a wool-based textile material. New blue seat belts are also available if a splash of colour is also needed.
Both model variants can be optioned with Parking Assistance which includes park distance control, a reversing camera and parking assistant.
If more safety kit is required the Driving Assistant Plus is also available which 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.
In terms of infotainment, the BMW i3 and BMW i3s both come with the updated iDrive operating system. If Navigation System Professional is equipped the control display comes with an increased resolution. Apple CarPlay can be optioned, but there is no mention of Android Auto.
The BMW i3s will also come with an optimized charging cable which now includes a temperature sensor for easier charging at home.
Australian pricing has not been released for the BMW i3 or BMW i3s yet but it is expected soon as the model variants make their debut at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt in September.
Car Conversation is hopeful BMW will carefully consider the local pricing structure for the 2018 i3 range. At present, the base model i3 is listed on BMW’s Australian website at a ridiculous drive away price of $70,737 (Victorian price). If the latest round of speculation is accurate, pricing for the Tesla Model 3 will come in well under the current i3, making the BMW extremely uncompetitive unless a lower number is put on the sticker.
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