BMW i3 updated with more range and new trim options

BMW has once again updated the i3. The electric hatchback is now equipped with a denser battery pack, unlocking greater claimed ranges for both the base i3 and the more powerful i3s. BMW has also tweaked the model’s trim and finish options.

Cell capacity in the base i3 increases from 94Ah to 120Ah, meaning the battery pack capacity now stands at 42.2kWh. That’s almost double the size of the original model launched in 2014, which had a battery pack rated at 22.6kWh.

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The new battery has been developed in partnership with Samsung and sits in the same housing as the previous pack.

Tested under new WLTP rules the 168bhp car now covers a maximum claimed range of 193 miles on a single charge – an increase of 34 miles over the previous iteration of the i3.

Meanwhile, BMW says that the sportier i3s can now go 25 miles further before the battery dies, with an official WLTP maximum range of 177 miles. BMW has also published what it deems a real world range figure of 162 miles for both models.

BMW claims that performance remains the same as before, with a 7.3 second 0-62mph time quoted for the regular i3, and a 6.9 second time for the i3s.

To charge, BMW says the new battery will take 15 hours from flat to 80 per cent on a household 2.4kW three-pin plug. Using an 11kW BMW i Wallbox takes 3.2 hours, while a 50kW quick-charge station results in a 42 minute recharge to 80 per cent.

Also new for the base car is a Sports Package, introducing the wider track and 10mm lower sports suspension equipped on the i3s, plus 20-inch alloy wheels finished in gloss black. 

More tweaks include a new metallic beige and grey body colour, new interior upholstery options, the availability of adaptive LED headlights, and an updated iDrive infotainment system with a new menu layout.

BMW has not announced prices for the updated i3 and i3s, but both models will go on sale in Europe in November.

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