BMW readying i3 hot hatch

BMW will launch a new sporty range-topping version of its i3 at the Frankfurt motor show in September 2017, it has been revealed.

According to Autocar, the faster small hatch named the i3S arrives as part of the pure-electric hatchback's mid-life makeover.

Set to be marketed globally as the world's first electric hot hatch, the i3S has been created to be a more upmarket premium rival to the Ford Fiesta ST and the Renaultsport Clio.

It's not known if the i3S will also be offered with the range extender option but, powered by battery power alone, the new pure-electric hot hatch is set to eclipse the current car's 7.3 second dash to 100km/h.

It's thought BMW will boost power and torque over the standard car's 125kW/250Nm by at least ten per cent.

Instead of sprouting large spoilers, or an aggressive bodykit, an insider speaking to the British mag says BMW plans only subtle sporty styling tweaks over the regular i3.

Inside, the i3S is expected to come with sport seats plus a redesigned dash and new infotainment system that will be introduced to the rest of the i3 range at the Frankfurt show.

Under the skin it's thought the i3S will come with its own suspension tune that will boost agility and help it match its more traditional petrol-powered rivals.

As well as the extra power, the BMW i3S is also set to benefit from a better range, travelling even further than the i3 94Ah model that has recently been introduced Down Under.

Thanks to higher energy density lithium ion cells, the i3S could come with an official pure-electric range of around 250km.

Set to be on sale towards the end of 2017, unfortunately, despite being touted as the world's first pure-electric hot hatch the BMW i3S could be the world's most expensive too.

The current i3 94Ah is priced at $71,990 (plus on-road costs) - this means the new i3S could weigh in at around $90,000. That doesn't compare favourably with the $25,990 Ford currently charges for the excellent Fiesta ST. It means BMW will have its work cut out to make an impression in the hearts and minds of hot hatch fans.