2018 BMW i3 and i3s unveiled

BMW has given its electric i3 a mild facelift for 2018, plus a sportier 's' variant is being introduced to expand the model's appeal.

In addition to a more powerful motor, the i3s comes with larger 20” wheels, a Sport driving mode and a stiffer suspension set-up that incidentally lowers the ride height by 10 mm (0.4”).

BMW i3s (2018) Front Side
2018 BMW i3s. Scroll down for more images.

The technical specifications for the regular i3 are essentially unaltered, but it too benefits from a recalibrated Dynamic Stability Control system and the mid-life styling updates. Redesigned bumpers visually broaden the car, LED headlights become standard and a black finish now covers the A-pillars and cant rails (to match the bonnet and roof).

Unchanged is the 33.2 kWh / 94 Ah battery pack, which is fitted to both the i3 and i3s. Perhaps predictably, BMW has decided to discontinue the lower-capacity 21.6 kWh / 60 Ah alternative.

Range Extender versions that also feature a small 647 cc, twin-cylinder, petrol-fuelled generator to combat range anxiety are still available.

2018 BMW i3 – technical specifications
Model i3 i3s
Maximum power 167 bhp
(125 kW / 170 PS)
181 bhp
(135 kW / 184 PS)
Torque 250 Nm
(184 lb/ft)
270 Nm
(199 lb/ft)
Transmission Single-speed automatic gearbox; rear-wheel drive
Battery type 353 V lithium-ion
Battery output 33.2 kWh
Battery capacity 94 Ah
Recharge time* 0:39 hours via a 50 kW DC supply;
2:45 hours via an 11 kW BMW i Wallbox;
11:00 hours via a 240 V domestic socket
Maximum 'everyday' range** 124 miles (200 km) 124 miles (200 km)
Maximum WLTP range 158 miles (255 km) 152 miles (245 km)
Maximum NEDC range 186 miles (300 km) 174 miles (280 km)
Range Extender maximum 'everyday' range** 205 miles (330 km) 205 miles (330 km)
Range Extender maximum WLTP range 124 miles (200 km) 121 miles (195 km)
Range Extender maximum NEDC range 146 miles (235 km) 137 miles (220 km)
0-62 mph (100 km/h) 7.3 secs
(8.1 secs for Range Extender)
6.9 secs
(7.7 secs for Range Extender)
Top speed*** 93 mph (150 km/h) 99 mph (160 km/h)
* To 80% battery capacity.
** Comfort Mode, in urban areas with an exterior temperature of 20° C (68° F).
*** Electronically limited.

In terms of on-the-road pricing, upgrading from an i3 to an i3s will require an extra £2,905:
  • BMW i3 – £34,070
  • BMW i3s – £36,975
  • BMW i3 Range Extender – £37,220
  • BMW i3s Range Extender – £40,125
Market launches are due to begin during November 2017.

BMW i3 (2018) Rear SideBMW i3 (2018) Interior

BMW i3 (2018) DashboardBMW i3 (2018) Front Side

BMW i3s (2018) DashboardBMW i3s (2018) Rear Side

BMW i3s (2018) SideBMW i3s (2018) Interior

Related posts:
BMW UK introduces a diesel trade-in incentive
C Evolution electric scooter upgraded for 2017
The BMW i3 gets a massive range boost

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