BMW i3 driving range extended

The BMW i3 REX range-extender may have been axed, but an upgraded version of BMW's pure-electric i3 EV has been confirmed for Australia and is scheduled to commence local deliveries from February next year.

Prices are unchanged, despite a new metallic colour option, improved standard equipment, the adoption of premium interior trim and – most importantly – a 120Ah battery that increases the i3's range to 260km. According to BMW, the new 42kWh battery results in a 30 per cent lift in the driving range for the 2019 BMW i3.

Yet the battery occupies the same volume within the car as before. Performance is also unaffected by the new battery, which is offered in both the standard 125kW i3 and the 135kW i3 S. BMW claims the former will still dispatch 0-100km/h acceleration in 7.3 seconds, while the i3 S is faster still – at 6.9 seconds.

“BMW has once again demonstrated its technical capability in the EV space with the latest BMW i3 120Ah,” said BMW Australia CEO, Vikram Pawah.

“Effectively doubling the real-world driving range from the i3’s 2013 global introduction, the newest addition to our BMW i stable remains a trailblazer.

“Beyond that, the constant evolution of materials and specification, as well as the i3s sports-focused variant, makes the car more relevant than ever,” Pawah was quoted as saying in a press release.

Pricing starts at $68,700 for the basic i3 and $69,900 for the i3 S. The new metallic paint is named 'Jucaro Beige' and is matched to coordinating 'Frozen Grey' accents.

A new 'Loft' interior design theme comprises 'Electronic' Brown trim and cloth/Sensatec combination (the cloth a recycled polyester fabric). Buyers may also specify the optional 'Lodge' theme, featuring Carum Spice Grey wool and 'Solaric' Cassia upholstery with fine-wood eucalyptus.

New standard equipment consists of Comfort Access System, Apple CarPlay and Wireless Charging. The i3 is also standard with Navigation System Professional, a 10.25-inch colour display, ConnectedDrive with Concierge Services, Driving Assistant Plus and the Parking Assistant Package with reversing camera.

A 'Type 2' charging plug for the BMW i3 and i3 S allows the EVs to be recharged from a standard outlet or a three-phase AC system. Additionally, the i3 and i3 S can be recharged from a 50kW DC station for faster charging.

Buyers may also purchase a BMW iWallbox Plus, which can reduce the recharge time to around three hours (for 80 per cent of the battery capacity).