Sunday, May 17, 2020

Yes, the BMW i3 and i3s are around and going strong (ish) - Update


The BMW i3 has been a favorite of mine since it was introduced almost a decade ago. I like the window cutlines on the side, the blue accents, the overall size, and the efficient space utilization. It even has a range extender (optional) for those with EV range anxiety. What is a range extender you ask? A range extender, unlike a hybrid, has a gas-powered motor that only drives a generator to charge batteries. In the i3's case, a small motorcycle engine, tucked away in the back, will provide enough additional juice for about 40 miles if the batteries are drained. This is in addition to the 150-mile range of the current i3. (The i3 started with just 85 miles of range.)

Let's be real here. The i3 and new i3s (more power and range, stiffer suspension, fully loaded) is technically what you'd call a city car.  Could you drive it for long distances? Yes but with lots of stops. The people I've spoken to who drive an i3, love the driving experience, looks, and reliability. It is a BMW after all. Most of those folks used the i3 for around town motoring or the daily commute. Charging is easy at home or at the numerous metro charging stations.

The i3 and i3s aren't cheap although like many cars, you can occasionally find base cars. But this IS a BMW. so why get a base car? The car comes standard with lots of tech and features, but the options list is quite long, like $50k+ long, so shop wisely. The standard motor produces 170 hp and will hit 60 mph in under 8 seconds. The new i3s adds about 20 horsepower to the mix along with a "sport suspension" and most of the goodies. For specifics check out the press release and specifications table.

State and federal rebates may apply to reduce the sting a bit. Additional pics and the press release from last year announcing the updates and new i3s after the read more jump. This is one of my fav EVs and you won't see them coming and going like you will with Teslas (I live in the LA area remember). The i3 should be around for a little over a year (they still sell a few thousand every year) until BMW's i4 sedan and iX4 crossover are ready. Enjoy! Update - BMW has had to increase production of their little EV due to demand. Cool.

Press release and pics courtesy of BMW.




Press Release

The new 2019 BMW i3 120Ah and i3s 120Ah.
  • New 120Ah, 42.2 kWh battery offers up to a 153 mile electric range.
  • Production begins November 2018.

 Woodcliff Lake – Sept 28, 2018…Today, BMW announces the next chapter in the i3 story of electromobility; the new 2019 i3 and i3s with 120 Ah batteries. Since its launch in 2014, the battery capacity and range of the i3 has grown from the original 60Ah / 81 miles to 94Ah / 115 miles in 2017 and now 120Ah for 2019. With the high voltage battery cell capacity increased to 120 ampere hours (Ah) and a gross energy content of 42.2 kilowatt hours (kWh), the new generation of high-voltage batteries enables the BMW i3 120 Ah and the BMW i3s 120Ah to achieve a range of up to 153 miles, nearly a 30% improvement from the 94 Ah model and almost double its original range. The 2019 i3 REX model range is expected to be similarly improved, pending EPA certification.

 The BMW i3 is a visionary electric vehicle and an inspirational design that has helped to make BMW i so popular through its innovative mobility solutions with sustainability as a key defining element. The BMW i brand has established itself as a pioneer for forward-thinking mobility by offering such products while also adopting an all-embracing approach that takes into account the complete lifecycle, from raw material production, through the manufacture and operation of the vehicles to their later recycling.

 Complementing the introduction of the new battery, a new exterior color, a new color for the optional Mega World upholstery and full LED headlights with cornering lights and automatic high beams, are also available for the BMW i3 and BMW i3s. iDrive 6.0, previously available only with the optional Navigation Professional, is now featured on the standard navigation system. Additionally, a Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless charging tray for your personal mobile devices is available for the first time. The WiFi hotspot accommodates up to 10 devices and comes free with a 3 month or 3 GB trial offer.

 New generation battery development: increased energy

 The BMW eDrive technology enables drivers to enjoy emission-free mobility with instantaneous power delivery, efficient use of energy and an optimized range for everyday practicality that even extends beyond the demands of purely urban travel.

 Like the electric motors, the high-voltage batteries are an integral part of the BMW eDrive technology used in BMW i automobiles and developed in-house the BMW Group. Based on research and development work conducted in close cooperation with the manufacturer of the individual battery cells, constant improvements to the battery packs’ power output, vehicle range, safety and durability have been achieved. Installed low in the floor of the vehicle, the new high-voltage battery is produced at the BMW plant in Dingolfing and consists of eight modules, each with twelve storage cells: the latest cell capacity of 120Ah along with a gross energy content of 42.2kWh. The exterior dimensions of the battery pack remain unchanged. When launched in 2014, the i3’s battery pack provided 60 Ah and 22.6kWh, while the second-generation battery introduced for 2017 offered a capacity of 94Ah and 33kWh.

 The BMW i3, powered by a 170 hp electric motor, accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, while the BMW i3s with 181 hp completes the standard sprint in 6.8 seconds. The two models set the benchmark for sporty performance within their vehicle segment.

 With its battery capacity increased to 42.2kWh, the latest version of the BMW i3 follows the brand's holistic concept; a responsible use of resources including not only locally emissions-free power but also material selection, production techniques and available mobility services. The BMW i3 120Ah and the BMW i3s 120Ah have a much more favorable CO2 footprint across the entire vehicle lifecycle – from raw material extraction and manufacture through to use and recycling – and this makes for significantly lower global warming potential than is the case with comparable, conventionally powered automobiles.


Design and Interior: great sense of roominess, sustainable materials.

The interior styling of the new BMW i3 and BMW i3s is rooted in the LifeDrive vehicle architecture. The carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) passenger cell has a wonderfully spacious feel about it and is dominated by a sense of lightness. The design principle of the two four-seater models means there is no need for either fixed B-pillars or a transmission tunnel. Doors that open in opposite directions allow the occupants to get in and out with the greatest of ease.

 New for 2019 exterior color choices is Jucaro Beige Metallic w/ Frozen Grey accents which replaces the outgoing Protonic Blue Metallic w/Frozen Grey accent.

Interior trim changes include Mega World now offering Electronic Brown Trim and Mega Carum Spice Grey SensaTec with Brown Cloth highlights. Tera World now includes higher quality Tera Dark Truffle Vernasca Leather. The BMW i3 and BMW i3s apply the concept of sustainability throughout, as other materials used are recycled plastics, renewable raw materials, natural fibers and open-pored, unbleached eucalyptus wood. Over 80 percent of the surfaces visible to the passengers are made from recycled materials or renewable resources. The available seat belts in BMW i Blue for the BMW i3s provide a splash of color in the interior.

 Connectivity and Driver Assistance Systems.

 BMW Connected bolsters the link between the i3 and the digital experience. Remote Services allow you to check if your windows are closed and doors are locked. You can also precondition the climate of the i3 for a comfortable temperature before your departure as well as warming the battery under certain conditions. On the eDrive tab, one can browse through various efficiency statistics, monitor your electrical consumption, energy recuperation statistics and observe your efficiency.

The driver assistance systems available for the 2019 BMW i3 and BMW i3s ease the driver’s workload and provide support in various traffic situations, as well as helping with longitudinal and lateral vehicle control. The optional Technology and Driving Assistance Package includes LED headlights with cornering lights, Active Driving Assistant, Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Daytime Pedestrian Protection, Frontal Collision Warning with City Collision Mitigation, and Advanced Real-Time Traffic Information. ConnectedDrive Services and front/rear Park Distance Control are now standard equipment. Parking Assistance is a standalone options for the i3 (not available on the i3s). Once activated, Parking Assistance scans for suitable parking spaces and at the press of a button takes control of acceleration, braking, gear selection and steering to perfectly park your i3.

 Specifications

 2019 BMW i3 120Ah


 

i3

i3 REX

i3s

i3s REX

Seats

--

5

5

5

5

Number of Doors

--

5

5

5

5

Drive type

--

RWD

RWD

RWD

RWD

Length

inches

158.3

158.3

158.1

158.1

Width

inches

69.9

69.9

70.5

70.5

Height

inches

62.9

62.9

62.6

62.6

Width including mirrors

inches

80.3

80.3

80.3

80.3

Wheelbase

inches

101.2

101.2

101.2

101.2

Ground clearance

inches

5.5

5.5

5.2

5.2

Turning radius

feet

16.2

16.2

16.9

16.9

Shoulder width front

inches

53.6

53.6

53.6

53.6

Shoulder room rear

inches

49.2

49.2

49.2

49.2

Legroom front

inches

40.5

40.5

40.5

40.5

Legroom rear

inches

31.9

31.9

31.9

31.9

Headroom front

inches

39.6

39.6

39.6

39.6

Headroom rear

inches

37.2

37.2

37.2

37.2

Cargo volume

ft³

15.1 – 36.9

15.1 - 36.9

15.1 – 36.9

15.1 – 36.9

Fuel Tank capacity

gallons

--

2.3

--

2.3

Curb weight

lbs.

2,965

3,269

3,034

3,302

Gross vehicle weight

lbs.

3,907

3,960

3,907

3,960

Payload

lbs.

814

627

814

627

 

 

 

 

 

 

Electrical Machine motor type

 

Traction

Traction

Traction

Traction

Engine

 

IB1

IB1

IB1

IB1

Engine configuration

 

synchro

synchro

synchro

synchro

Peak Power

hp

170

170

181

181

Maximum torque

lb-ft.

184

184

199

199

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gasoline generator type

--

--

W20

--

W20

Cylinders

--

--

2

--

2

Valves per cylinder

--

--

4

--

4

Stroke

mm

--

79

--

79

Bore

mm

--

66

--

66

Displacement

cm³

--

647

--

647

Compression rate

:1

--

10.6

--

10.6

Engine power

hp

--

38

--

38

at rpm

1/min

--

5,000

--

5,000

Engine torque

Lb-ft.

--

41

--

41

at rpm

1/min

--

4,500

--

4,500

Fuel type

--

--

Gasoline

--

Gasoline

Recommended Fuel

--

--

Regular

--

Regular

Engine oil capacity

quarts

--

2.7

--

2.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transmission type

--

GE1B

GE1B

GE1B

GE1B

Transmission type

--

Auto

Auto

Auto

Auto

Gear ratio 1st gear

--

9.655

9.655

9.655

9.655

 

 

 

 

 

 

Battery capacity (low voltage)

Ah

20

20

20

20

System voltage (low voltage)

V

12

12

12

12

Battery capacity (high voltage)

Ah

120

120

120

120

System voltage (high voltage)

V

352

352

352

352

Battery type, high voltage

 

Li-Ion

Li-Ion

Li-Ion

Li-Ion

Gross battery content, high voltage

kWh

42.2

42.2

42.2

42.2

Net battery content, high voltage

kWh

37.9

37.9

37.9

37.9

Charging Level 1 AC

kW

7.4

7.4

7.4

7.4

Charging Level 2 AC

kW

50

50

50

50

DC Charging Combo

kW

50

50

50

50

Charging time Level 2 (0-80%)

hrs

4.9

4.9

4.9

4.9

Charging time Level 2 (0-100%)

hrs

6.5

6.5

6.5

6.5

Charging time DC (0-80%)

hrs

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

Charging time DC (0-100%)

hrs

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

Steering ratio

:1

14

14

14

14

Recuperation power

kW

up to 50

up to 50

up to 50

up to 50

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tires 19” standard front

--

155/70R19

155/70R19

--

--

Tires 19” standard rear

--

155/70R19

175/60R19

--

--

Wheels 19” front & rear

inches

5J x 19

5 / 5.5 x 19

 

 

Tires 20” standard front

 

--

--

175/55R20

175/55R20

Tires 20” standard rear

 

--

--

195/50R20

195/50R20

Wheels 20” front

inches

--

--

5.5J x 20

5.5J x 20

Wheels 20” rear

inches

--

--

6.0J x 20

6.0J x 20

  

 

 

 

 

 

Track, front

inches

61.9

61.9

62.7

62.7

Rear, track

inches

62.0

61.3

62.1

62.1

Cx

--

0.29

0.30

0.30

0.31

0-60 mph

seconds

7.2

8.0

6.8

7.6

Top speed

mph

93

93

99

99

 

 

 

 

 

 

Electric range, up to

miles

153

153

153

153

Range extender range, up to

miles

--

tba

--

tba

 





























BMW Group In America

BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975.  Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003.  The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars; Designworks, a strategic design consultancy based in California; technology offices in Silicon Valley and Chicago, and various other operations throughout the country.  BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is the BMW Group global center of competence for BMW X models and manufactures the X3, X4, X5, and X6 Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 346 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 153 BMW motorcycle retailers, 127 MINI passenger car dealers, and 36 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers.  BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

 

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