2018 BMW i3 and i3s pricing revealed
German marque’s electric vehicle entrant gets a mid-life update for 2018BMW Australia has announced pricing for the updated its i3 green-car revealed at the Frankfurt motor show in September, confirming the local release of sporty new 'i3s' models along with range-wide cosmetic, technical and charging improvements.
The updated i3 range, which will reach dealerships from January 2018, will come with minor price increases. The regular i3, fitted with a 125kW/250Nm electric motor powered by a 94Ah battery, now starts from $68,400 plus on-road costs (up $300), while the new i3s is priced from $69,900.
Differentiating the sport model is a more powerful 135kW/270Nm version of the electric motor and an updated drive system designed to optimise power delivery. The resulting 160km/h top speed and 6.9-second 0-100km/h claim compares with 150km/h and 7.3sec figures for the base model.
Both models offer an electric driving range of 200km in everyday use, according to BMW.
A range-extender version -- fitted with a small petrol engine/generator -- of both models will also be available, priced at $74,700 for the i3 (up $300) and $75,900 on the i3s. The 28kW two-cylinder engine increases everyday range by a further 130km, says BMW.
The i3s’ sporty bent is reinforced by stiffer springs, dampers and anti-roll bars that bring a 10mm reduction in ride height, an additional 40mm track width and a Sport mode in the driving modes suite.
Elsewhere, the i3 receives numerous styling updates, including new front and rear bumpers, a chrome strip flanking the tailgate, LED headlights and turn indicators, and two new exterior colours -- Melbourne Red and Imperial Blue.
Inside, the i3 range has been improved with the introduction of BMW’s iDrive6 infotainment system and a new 10.25-inch display which projects enhanced functions including real-time traffic, charging and parking information.
The i3 is available with wireless Apple CarPlay too, though BMW Australia still insists on charging its customers extra for the software.
The upgraded i3 and new i3s are fitted with Type 2 charging hardware suitable for both DC and AC charging infrastructure.
BMW i3s -- $69,900
BMW i3 REX -- $74,700
BMW i3s REX -- $75,900
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