i3 (I01) [Official] The BMW i3 Official Thread

[EnI]

^Exceptional result, if I were ever to buy an i3 I'll definitely be safe if an elk jumps in front. Not that we get elks here but I suppose a cow will have to do instead. lol

Or perhaps a child or any other pedestrian ... Yes, "elk-test" is a funny name but it's nice to know your car is capable of exceptional evasive maneuvers. As in the case a child step in front of your car unexpectedly.

Actually, all cars performed well (Tesla S again is a nice surprise - a great machine) - which proves that even cars with not-so-much capable chassis do feature very effective ESP systems.

 

[Sunny]

I think the low COG of electric cars is probably a big factor in a "elk test".

 

[EnI]

I think the low COG of electric cars is probably a big factor in a "elk test".

Positive.

And despite being a very tall car (158cm, 62.2") i3 has a very low CoG due to CFRP body frame - compared even to other EVs ... even lower ones (eg Tesla S is 143cm; 56.3" tall).

But it also says much about chassis. And the ESP system. And in this regard Skoda Octavia is a quite a surprise since Skoda isn't really famous for having sporty chassis (while all the others: Porsche, Tesla, BMW, Seat, Jaguar, Maserati are known for more sporty chassis). I guess ESP in Octavia must be working excellently.

 

[Sunny]

Positive.

And despite being a very tall car (158cm, 62.2") i3 has a very low CoG due to CFRP body frame - compared even to other EVs ... even lower ones (eg Tesla S is 143cm; 56.3" tall).

Tesla S has COG of 450mm (same as Ford GT). i8 which BMW claims has the lowest COG of all BMWs has a COG of "below 460mm". So I am not sure i3 has COG lower than Tesla S. But with CF chassis and skateboard it definitely should be very low despite the MPV shape and has the potential to be even lower if they build a sportier non-MPV shaped version - even stronger case for my i6 (2xi3 driveline) idea .

But it also says much about chassis. And the ESP system. And in this regard Skoda Octavia is a quite a surprise since Skoda isn't really famous for having sporty chassis (while all the others: Porsche, Tesla, BMW, Seat, Jaguar, Maserati are known for more sporty chassis). I guess ESP in Octavia must be working excellently.

A good ESP definitely helps, but ESP can only help maximize the potential in the chassis, it can't increase it.

 

[EnI]

I wasn't clear enough. I'm not saying i3 has a lower CoG than Tesla S - but very close to it despite being a much taller vehicle. With no CFRP construction & same heights the i3's CoG would be quite higher though.

Yes, CFRP body + skateboard chassis layout would be great in a sports sedan/fastback. Although BMW Board members are currently much more fond of a crossover vehicle - some sort of SAVish car or something like 5er GT ... something similar to the upcoming Tesla X. i5 & i6?

Regarding ESP & chassis ... yes, right ... Obviously the new Octavia benefited much from VAG's MQB modular platform.

 

[klier]

Very cool pics from my city Amsterdam, from BMWblog:

 

[EnI]

BMW 3. The Past & the Future.

 

[klier]

Haha yea, they even weigh the same An i3 with range extender weighs roughly the same as a I6 E30 325i...

 

[Deckhook]

And when you think about it that 3 series was regarded a full sized family car in it's day.

 

[klier]

And when you think about it that 3 series was regarded a full sized family car in it's day.

Not really full sized, there was much bigger to be had obviously But not much smaller, hatchbacks were smaller but there weren't many....
But yea, wish we went back to a bit smaller again. I blame the USA.

 

[Deckhook]

I blame the USA.

Couldn't agree more.

McDonalds
Burger King
Pizza Hut
Dominos

The list goes on. LOL

 

[Sunny]

^Would you have prefered WienerWald instead?

 

[mini_cooper4]

I like your E30, Klier!

 

[klier]

I like your E30, Klier!

It's banged up sadly

 

[mini_cooper4]

It's banged up sadly

Lots of charm!

 

[EnI]

In-depth review by AutoExpress:

BMW i3 review

Our Rating: 4.0*/5.0*




The BMW i3 makes a great city car - it's relaxing to drive and there's nothing else like it on the road

For: Relaxed driving experience, concept car looks, sharp handling
Against: High price, limited range on standard model, small boot

Driving

4.6*/5*

The most immediately obvious thing about driving the BMW i3 is the sense that you feel as though you could almost do away with the brake pedal. BMW has carefully tuned the amount of brake energy regeneration so that when you step off the accelerator the car begins to slow down. How much you release the pedal decided how much regeneration there is. You can easily drive around town without ever braking, which makes it really relaxing. There are no gears and there aren’t any vibrations or clattery engines so it’s generally a very smooth and quiet place to be, too. The BMW’s steering feels typically sharp, and because all the heavy batteries are mounted under the floor, the i3 has a low centre of gravity. For such a high-riding car it handles pretty well because of this fact – though the 50:50 weight distribution and rear-wheel drive help, too. Complaints include the slightly firm ride, but it’s quite a minor issue in an otherwise excellent car.

Read more: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/bmw/i3/hatchback#ixzz2iFwIjVEc



More reviews:
The Car Connection: http://www.thecarconnection.com/overview/bmw_i3_2014
Driving: http://driving.ca/bmw/i3/reviews/road-test/first-drive-2014-bmw-i3/
PistonHeads: http://www.pistonheads.com/roadtests/doc.asp?c=100&i=28674
Evo: http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evocarreviews/291052/bmw_i3_review_price_and_specs.html

 

[Deckhook]

Is there any particular reason why the iRange shares its quirky colour combining styling with the Smart cars, admittedly better done than them.

 

[klier]

Probably not, I think you're one of the few making this connection..
But both are forward thinking, new age designs. That could be the reason...

BTW, the 'one foot driving' I've been reading about sounds really interesting!! Can't wait to try this car out!

 

[martinbo]

BTW, the 'one foot driving' I've been reading about sounds really interesting!! Can't wait to try this car out!

Go drive a golf cart.

 

[klier]

That's not very likely to happen. Golf is disgusting. But the feature still sounds very interesting to me, even though golf carts appear to have it too. A golf cart can even carry the bag and clubs, something an i3 can't do (in the boot at least)

2-0?