The 2019 BMW i3 and i3s will get an increased driving range thanks to improved batteries, more equipment and an optional sports package.
The lithium-ion cell capacity of the batteries has been increased to 120Ah with a gross energy content of 42.2kWh to provide the i3 and i3S with an increased range. BMW is claiming the new batteries should provide 260km of everyday driving range which represents an increase of almost 30 per cent but with no increase to the size of the batteries themselves.
BMW will carry over the 125kW electric motor for the i3 and the 135kW electric motor for the i3S. Based on WLTP testing protocols, the i3 is rated to cover 285 to 310km in EV mode, while the i3S comes in at 270 to 285km.
Performance figures for the electric pair have been recorded at 7.3 seconds and 6.9 seconds for the i3 and i3S to hit triple figures from a standstill respectively.
Charging rates using a standard charging cable plugged into a standard household socket see the i3 and i3S reach 80 per cent in about 15 hours whilst three-phase charging via the BMW i Wallbox can reach the same figure in 3.2 hours. A quick-charging station with a 50kW capacity can take as little as 42 minutes to charge the battery to 80 per cent.
Available as part of the optional BMW i sports package is black wheel arch surrounds, sports suspension (standard on the i3S) with specific dampers springs and stabilisers, 10mm lower suspension, a widened track as well as 20-inch light alloy wheels in Jet Black or bicolour finish.
Other optional extras include the optimised guidance system in conjunction with the Navigation System Business.
There are also adaptive LED headlights with automatic, selective dip function which includes cornering light and the high beam assistant to replace the standard LED headlights.
The exterior colour range now includes Jucaro Beige metallic with accentuations in Frozen Grey which can be matched to Carum Grey upholstery.
Australian specifications and pricing for the 2019 BMW i3 range are yet to be announced, however, the car will be available globally from November 2018.
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