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

[Touring]

Any info on the i3s Scott?

 

[Matski]

i3 still needs more colours, is it young and funky, or is it boring and traditional.

 

[Rainer271]

WORLD PREMIERE: 2017 BMW i3 debuts higher-density battery

By far and away, the largest criticism of the BMW i3 has been its range. Aside from its 80 mile or so range, the BMW i3 is a brilliant car and one that’s been pretty universally praised for its driving dynamics, spacious interior and funky design. It’s a car that has stood out among the sea of boring Nissan Leafs and Chevrolet Volts. However, many people still can’t get past the fact that its range is meant more for cramped cities than anything else.

Well, BMW has remedied that a bit for this coming year. For 2017 models, the BMW i3 will now feature a higher-density 94 Ah battery, compared to the previous i3’s 60 Ah battery, that will provide the i3 a range of around 114 miles, with maybe ever more if all the A/C and heating systems are turned off and the car is in ECO Pro+ mode.

This new 94 Ah battery has a capacity of 33 kWh (kilowatt hours), thanks to a higher density of the lithium-ion cells. Yet, despite the added capacity, the battery hasn’t increased in size at all, meaning it fits perfectly into the same battery tray as the previous-gen i3’s.

BMW i3 Protonic Blue

The high-voltage battery of the BMW i3 consists of eight modules with twelve storage cells each and its capacity has increased by more than 50%. BMW worked with Samsung to increase the capacity by optimizing the cell-internal packages with more electrolyte and adapting the active material. Of the overall 33 kWh, 27.2 kWh can be effectively used. This compares to the previous battery’s 22 kWh, of which only 19 kWh could efficiently be used. All this is fancy smart talk for the battery being about the same size, but being able to provide a longer range.

The only real downside of this new battery change, if you can call it a downside, is that there’s a bit of a weight penalty. The higher-density battery is exactly that, higher in density, so the new BMW i3 weighs in at 2,961 lbs for the BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) and 3,234 lbs for the REx (Range Extender) model. However, despite the slight bump in weight, the new BMW i3 is still rated for 0-60 mph in just over 7 seconds and still manages 114 miles of range. This makes it the fastest EV in its segment, as well as the lightest. In fact, the BMW i3 achieves a 5.1 second time for accelerating from 50 to 75 mph, which is great for an EV.

With the introduction of the new 94 Ah battery, BMW gives i customers the opportunity of retrofitting their purely electric BMW i3 (60 Ah) with the new 33 kWh battery as part of a high-voltage retrofit program This program is available in selected markets. We’ve learned that the US market will likely not offer this option. The 22 kWh batteries traded-in by customers are used to build stationary storage battery modules thus starting their second life.

In terms of charging, the added density of the battery does increase recharge time just a bit. Using a Level 2 charger, the 33 kWh battery takes about 4.5 hours to charge from flat, an hour more than the 3.5 hours of the 22 kWh battery in the original i3. Small price to pay for the added range. However, the BMW i3 is equipped with future-proof 50 kW DC fast charging which can recharge the battery a minimum of 80 percent in less than 40 minutes. This is a bit slower than the previous model, which would do 80 percent in just 25 minutes on 50 kW, but the new model is still achieving 2.5 mi/min, which is very good. The new BMW i3 will also still come with the Occasional Use Cable.

REx models, with their two-cylinder gasoline range extending engine, will also be receiving a range bump, as they will be fitted with a larger 2.4 gallon gas tank this time around. This range extender will kick in whenever the battery reaches a range lower than 6.5 miles. With over 100 miles of range from the battery, it’s likely that the need for this model decreases significantly and those that do purchase the REx will likely only use it for long journeys, never really needing to ever tap into it. It does come with a slight 270 lb weigh penalty, however, which slows the car down a bit, causing an 8.0 second 0-60 mph time.

Battery size isn’t the only new addition to the i3, however. New paint colors will be available, including the new Protonic Blue Metallic color, previously only available on the BMW i8. Capparis White and Fluid Black sum it up for the non metallic colors, while the other metallic options are Mineral Grey, Platinum Silver and Ionic Silver.

A new Deka World will be added to the i3’s collection of “World” trim levels, which will include a a lightweight dark cloth fabric. The Tera World will now get a new trim option of Dark Oak Wood to go with the Light Eucalyptus Wood option. These two trims will also be available with the Giga World.

However, the big news comes for the US model BMW i3, which will now be available with an electric moonroof. American BMW i3 fans have been complaining about the i3’s lack of a moonroof option in the US since its launch and they finally get their wish. Other standard equipment will include Dynamic Cruise Control, LED Headlights, Navigation Business System, as well as Driving Dynamic Control and Park Distance Control.

Later this year, BMW i will also be offering the new BMW Home Charger Connect, a residential fast-charging station for the i3, as well as any other plug-in BMW. The new BMW Home Charger Connect features a new, sleeker design and can charge the i3’s battery in around 4.5 hours. It will also come with WiFi and feature innovative charging services that can be accessed remotely.

The new BMW i3 isn’t a drastic departure from the previous model, adding only a few new features and some added range. But those few things take the BMW i3 from a good EV to a great one. Now it has a range of over 100 miles, more than enough for anyone in its target audience, it has the moonroof option so many fans were asking for and it has some cool new color and trim options as well. The BMW i3 has become a better, more well-rounded car than it was prior to this update and it should help stifle some of the criticism towards it. Is the i3 the perfect EV overall? No, probably not. But is the BMW i3 the perfect EV for the sort of customer BMW i is marketing it toward? Yes, absolutely. Especially now.

Source: BMWBlog

The change to the larger battery pack will offered for 7000 €. The extra charge when you order a new i3 with the larger battery amount 1200 €.

Source: Bimmertoday

 

[marley71]

"The fully electric model now boasts a range of 195 miles, though, that will change in the real world depending on your driving style. However, it’s significantly more than the previous car’s range of about 100 miles – going some way to help alleviate the range anxiety that some owners face with an all-electric car."

Someone please explain to me why this British magazine is saying 195 miles for the range. Thanks.



BMW i3 94Ah 2016 review

 

[Matski]

Someone please explain to me why this British magazine is saying 195 miles for the range. Thanks.

BMW's press release states 300km range, which is 186 miles, based on the NEDC test cycle. BMW UK Website also confirms the same number.

However, the technical data sheet from BMW lists an i3 (94 Ah) reveals the following;
19" wheel cluster: 312 km range
20" wheel cluster: 300 km range

So, the best case scenario on 19's is 193.8 miles.. which you could round-up to 194 miles, which AE might have then rounded to 195.

Another however..... the figures on BMW's data sheet are based on COMFORT driving mode. In ECO PRO+ the numbers would be even higher I'm sure, so 195 miles might not be crazy.... though even BMW admits in everyday driving the real world range is only 200km (as European test cycles are B.S.!)

Auto Express has never been the best rag in the world for getting its facts straight though, so it could just be sloppy maths too I guess!

 

[SF Dede]

I look at the VW ID Electric Concept and can't help but think the i3 would have sold better if it had a similar design. The i3 is too funky. Now if had the same range as the proposed concept's stated range goal their would have been a no brainer.

BMW should not retreat but rather learn from its mistakes and competition and double down.

 

[EnI]

NEDC mileage figures are pure BS!

 

[SCOTT27]

I look at the VW ID Electric Concept and can't help but think the i3 would have sold better if it had a similar design. The i3 is too funky. Now if had the same range as the proposed concept's stated range goal their would have been a no brainer.

The i3 is a reality. The I.d is not. But I.d will have to meet many legislation therefore its design will not be as petite.
Those small overhangs will be the first to go.
The i3 is the first vehicle designed entirely for a MegaCity. That is where it excels.
Here though we begin to see a pattern with BMWs innovation. There is a phase where people are wary even afraid until things become established. Think Z1,X6,iDrive,E65 7er and i3.

 

[SF Dede]

The i3 is a reality. The I.d is not. But I.d will have to meet many legislation therefore its design will not be as petite.
Those small overhangs will be the first to go.
The i3 is the first vehicle designed entirely for a MegaCity. That is where it excels.
Here though we begin to see a pattern with BMWs innovation. There is a phase where people are wary even afraid until things become established. Think Z1,X6,iDrive,E65 7er and i3.

Scott,
You're missing the point. Yes, your points are valid. Every regular visitor understands them and understands the difference between concept and production.

My point is simply the design of the i3 is polarizing, unconventional at best, and range did not meet broader consumer demands. My comments are not new or uncommon. Sales figures and BMW's public internal disagreements about electric vehicles bear that out. The massive number of Tesla model 3 reservations bear that out. BMW would be wise to pay heed to such experience and evidence.

Yes BMW was bold, but went a bit too far with the i3. A more conventional design with more range would have been more successful.

 

[Touring]

I got my i3 in 2014, was planned as a number two car. But it quickly turned in to the number one for daily use. It's the workhorse of the family. And it seems unbreakable. And love the design too. Really fun to drive, reminds me of my E21 and E30. Amazing car.

 

[SF Dede]

I got my i3 in 2014, was planned as a number two car. But it quickly turned in to the number one for daily use. It's the workhorse of the family. And it seems unbreakable. And love the design too. Really fun to drive, reminds me of my E21 and E30. Amazing car.

I'm glad it has worked out for you so well. I really am. Finding the perfect car is well...perfect.

There would have been more like you if the design was a bit more conventional and it had more range. That's all I'm saying. If it had met those criteria I would have been able to consider it. As it stands, I regularly drive beyond the range of the 2017 i3 let alone the 2014. Can't even consider it. If if had a range of 200+ mi. I could. I find myself disturbingly attracted to a Chevy Bolt for that reason. Disturbing.

Enjoy your i3 bliss.

 

[Monster]

Think Z1,X6,iDrive,E65 7er and i3.

Very sneaky Scott, the X6 is not an innovation, it is a styling exercise gone horribly wrong.

 

[Touring]

I'm glad it has worked out for you so well. I really am. Finding the perfect car is well...perfect.

There would have been more like you if the design was a bit more conventional and it had more range. That's all I'm saying. If it had met those criteria I would have been able to consider it. As it stands, I regularly drive beyond the range of the 2017 i3 let alone the 2014. Can't even consider it. If if had a range of 200+ mi. I could. I find myself disturbingly attracted to a Chevy Bolt for that reason. Disturbing.

Enjoy your i3 bliss.

More range would be great. That's why I have ordered the Opel Ampera-e ;-) But will still keep the i3.

 

[SF Dede]

More range would be great. That's why I have ordered the Opel Ampera-e ;-) But will still keep the i3.

I'm in a one car family. Secure parking in my neighborhood is over $100k/space. I can't afford both the second vehicle and it's space. So I have to be patient.

After you get your Opel, it would be great to hear your comparison of the two. Enjoy.

 

[Touring]

Will fo

I'm in a one car family. Secure parking in my neighborhood is over $100k/space. I can't afford both the second vehicle and it's space. So I have to be patient.

After you get your Opel, it would be great to hear your comparison of the two. Enjoy.

Will do. Delivery around April.

 

[SF Dede]

Will fo

Will do. Delivery around April.

that would be great! Cheers

 

[marley71]

I'm glad it has worked out for you so well. I really am. Finding the perfect car is well...perfect.

There would have been more like you if the design was a bit more conventional and it had more range. That's all I'm saying. If it had met those criteria I would have been able to consider it. As it stands, I regularly drive beyond the range of the 2017 i3 let alone the 2014. Can't even consider it. If if had a range of 200+ mi. I could. I find myself disturbingly attracted to a Chevy Bolt for that reason. Disturbing.

Enjoy your i3 bliss.

I feel like BMW met their design goals with the first generation i3, it's just that those goals didn't appeal to most people I know. You almost had to have your own garage. Most city dwellers I know don't. Long trips, or even long days had to be an irregularity. While for more people this was true, the psychology of range anxiety wasn't given significant weight, the prospect of being stranded with no motive power is devastating. Knowing that you only have 40 miles of power left, when you have only 10 miles to go may be fine, but when you have 20 miles to go...you add unnecessary anxiety to most of our already anxious lives. 2017 goes part of the way, we will see what that magical point is. I don't want an iREX, I want a completely electric. The car almost seems to have been designed for someone who lives just outside the city and uses this, of their many vehicles to commute to work, reducing fuel costs and pollution. I hope they keep 'plugging' away until a third generation.

 

[SF Dede]

I feel like BMW met their design goals with the first generation i3, it's just that those goals didn't appeal to most people I know. You almost had to have your own garage. Most city dwellers I know don't. Long trips, or even long days had to be an irregularity. While for more people this was true, the psychology of range anxiety wasn't given significant weight, the prospect of being stranded with no motive power is devastating. Knowing that you only have 40 miles of power left, when you have only 10 miles to go may be fine, but when you have 20 miles to go...you add unnecessary anxiety to most of our already anxious lives. 2017 goes part of the way, we will see what that magical point is. I don't want an iREX, I want a completely electric. The car almost seems to have been designed for someone who lives just outside the city and uses this, of their many vehicles to commute to work, reducing fuel costs and pollution. I hope they keep 'plugging' away until a third generation.

Great points all. I think the move to fast charging systems is essential. Charging your vehicle needs to be as convenient as filling up on gas. I agree the should not stop innovating.

 

[Rainer271]

Rumor: BMW to offer new version of i3 electric car in 2017

BMW plans to launch a new version of its i3 electric car next year with a longer range and revamped design, German weekly Welt am Sonntag reported, citing company sources.

The rumor comes as a surprise considering BMW has just updated the i3 to give it more range and some additional features. According to the report, BMW will rework the front and rear of the i3 and equip the car with a new battery to increase its range substantially beyond the current 300 km maximum, the increase is said to be below 50 percent.

Same report says that BMW has been torn about whether to accelerate development of new electric cars given the lower than expected sales reported to the high investment in the BMW i sub-divison.

BMW is currently facing increased pressure from Mercedes-Benz and Audi, which in additional to Tesla, have new electric products in the pipeline. BMW will also launch a fully electric X3 SUV within the next two years, followed by an electric version of the next generation 3 Series.

[Source: Reuters] / BMWBlog

 

[Touring]

Just a fun-fact. i3 is now the best selling car in Norway the last months , almost 800 sold so far in November alone . Population 5 mill.