BMW i3 electric car from $63,900

BMW has announced its i3 electric car will go on sale from November, 2014 in Australia priced at $63,900 not including on-road costs.

It takes 11 hours to charge the i3's lithium-ion batteries which provide a range of between 130 and 160 kilometres, says BMW. The car has a top speed of 150km/h and accelerates from 0-100km/h in 7.2 seconds, as fast as some hot hatches.

BMW will also offer the BMW i3 with a range-extender engine, which is expected to be the more popular model in Australia. Adding $6000 to the asking price ($69,990) it also doubles the vehicle’s range to between 240 and 300km, thanks to the inclusion of a compact 650cc petrol engine that works as a generator to recharge the battery.

The BMW i3 electric has a fuel consumption rating of 0L/100km while the range-extender model uses 0.6L/100km when it's generating.

BMW will also offer fast-charging wall boxes for owners that accelerate charging from 11 hours to six.

The German importer is also hoping to attract more customers by maintaining the car’s value. The company says several financial packages will be offered "including guaranteed future value based on the BMW Full Circle package".

All BMW i3 cars are fitted with their own SIM card, and are always digitally connected via BMW's i ConnectedDrive network. This system delivers real-time updates to satellite navigation directions to reduce battery drain, features a concierge service and many of the car’s functions can be remotely controlled via an iOS or Android smart phone.

BMW will also offer owners special provisos to use regular cars for short periods of time when going on extended drives, holidays, or skiing weekends.

The i3's Australia arrival has been delayed several times due to demand outstripping supply in overseas markets, and Phil Horton, managing director of BMW Group Australia, says the high-tech vehicle will change the way people view electric cars.

"With its revolutionary design, innovative construction and heavy focus on sustainability, the BMW i3 in itself is a compelling proposition," he said.

"Add to this the innovative mobility services on offer with BMW 360 ELECTRIC and BMW ConnectedDrive and the benefits for the BMW i3 become crystal clear," stated Horton.

The vehicle will be sold from just four BMW dealerships -- Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth -- suggesting that BMW's internal sales predictions for the new model are modest. In 2015 two more dealerships will be added to the i car sellers list, Canberra and Adelaide.

BMW's hybrid supercar, the i8, is due to arrive here in 2015.