BMW Group Australia has confirmed the  specification and pricing for the new BMW i3 in 120Ah configuration.

“BMW has once again demonstrated its technical capability in the EV space with the latest BMW i3 120Ah,” said BMW Group Australia CEO, Vikram Pawah. “Effectively doubling the real-world driving range from the i3’s 2013 global introduction, the newest addition to our BMW i stable remains a trailblazer. Beyond that, the constant evolution of materials and specification, as well as the i3s sports- focused variant, makes the car more relevant than ever,” he said.

BMW i3 range and pricing (from February, 2019)

BMW i3 120Ah $68,700*

BMW i3s 120Ah $69,900*

New battery takes things further than ever

At the heart of the newest BMW i3 is the latest in EV battery technology. Where the original BMW i3 housed a 60Ah lithium-ion battery pack, the 2019-specification i3 and i3s variants boast a 120Ah system. While the storage capacity of the 42kWh battery has doubled, its size remains unchanged, thus maximising cabin space. The system enables the latest i3 and i3s to travel up to 260km in real-world driving, without needing to be charged. Importantly, performance is unaffected for both i3 and i3s variants. Powered by a 125kW electric motor, the BMW i3 accelerates from 0-100km/h in just 7.3 seconds. Opting for the sporty BMW i3s brings a 135kW electric motor, which is capable of achieving the standard sprint in only 6.9 seconds.

Convenient charging options to suit your lifestyle

The BMW i3 and i3s have a Type 2 charging plug which allows for single and three-phase AC charging. With the increasing abundance of DC charging facilities, both variants are also able to utilise a 50kW DC supply. A domestic charging cable is provided as standard, allowing for convenient charging via a regular power socket. For a faster charge, BMW Australia recommends installation of BMW iWallbox Plus which reduces the charge time to approximately three hours (for 0-80 per cent charge). BMW iWallbox Plus can also be connected to a wireless router via an Ethernet cable to allow for retrieval of information, such as charging history and estimated costs, through a smart device connected to the same network.

Innovative construction featuring BMW LifeDrive Architecture

The BMW i3 and i3s represent the brand’s endeavour toward lowering emissions, and it starts with material selection and production techniques. From raw material extraction to recycling, the i3 and i3s have a much more favourable CO2 footprint across the entire production lifecycle than comparable, conventionally powered vehicles. Featured in BMW i3 and i3s is the Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) – a lightweight material that is almost twice as strong as steel – used to create monocoque structure without the need for a conventional B-pillar. This creates a more open passenger cell, maximising space and comfort within the car. Furthermore, the BMW i3 utilises thermoplastics in it exterior construction. The material has high elastic deformation properties which prevents panels from being permanently deformed at low-level impacts, reducing the overall weight of the car as well as lowering the cost of repairs.

Key standard specification highlights

The BMW i3 120Ah standard equipment highlights include:

• Telephony with wireless charging
• BMW i Interior Design ‘Loft’
• Comfort Access System
• Navigation system Professional with iDrive6
• Driving Assistant Plus, including:
  • Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function
  • Speed Limit Information
  • Forward Collision Warning
  • Pedestrian Warning
• Driving Assistant Package including:
  • Rear view camera
  • Active Park Distance Control
  • Fully automated parallel Parking Assistant
• BMW ConnectedDrive Services including:
  • Real-time traffic information
  • Intelligent Emergency Call
  • TeleServices
  • Remote Services
  • Connected+
  • Concierge Services
  • USB Map Updates
  • Apple CarPlay

The BMW i3s 120Ah includes the following additional features:

• 20-inch BMW i light alloy wheels, Double-spoke style 431
• Driving Experience Control including SPORT mode
• Specific traction control system
• Sport Suspension – lowered by 10mm
• Sport Steering

BMW i3 and i3s: Charging rates