Range gets uprated by 30% too.
German carmaker BMW has slotted in a larger, more substantial battery into its impressive i3 and i3S hatchbacks, allowing the zero-emissions runabouts to enjoy more impressive range per charge, a sticking point for those who don’t opt for the range-extender generator option. With the new 42.2kWh battery pack, range has been raised significantly and made much more usable.
The new battery pack gives the i3 a range of between 285km-310km on the WLTP standard, a significant leap up from the 255km-maximum that it was previously rated at. The i3S with its better performance naturally has a lightly shorter range of between 270km-285km, but even that is a step up from the 245km-maximum of the outgoing 33kWh battery pack.
There have been no changes to the motors that put that power down to the road though, so the i3 soldiers on with a total output of 125kW, while the i3S gets a little more at 135kW. All cars now get things like Matrix LED headlights and new colour options inside and out, while the i3 now gets the option of a sports pack that throws in the i3S’ drive-enhancing kit, like 20-inch alloys, lowered suspension, black wheel-arch trim, and wider wheels at the back.
The 2019 BMW i3 and i3S will be available globally, with deliveries in selected markets set to commence next month. BMW Australia has kept mum on the matter, but we expect a release or communication to come soon detailing the arrival schedule for BMW’s versatile little EV.
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