[bailyhill]

Came across this article by Peder Norby from July 20, 2016, BMWBlog. Surprised I have not seen this on this forum. Perhaps I missed it. Now this sounds like some real fun. Hope it all comes to be. He was attending the LA rollout of the 100 i3's that they leased for support vehicles. He was accompanied by Christina Fleischer who acknowledged 3 improvements, but would not comment on what they are. These are apparently Peder's conjecture. I like it.

1. For the 2019 model year arriving late 2018, an upgrade to 120 ah cells thus doubling the range of the original 2014 BMW i3 which had 60 ah cells. The new electric range of the car will be over 150 miles. This well also be the year that the REx is improved in horsepower and the gas tank is enlarged to 4 gallons to match the 150 miles of the battery. Mid-cycle design refresh of the car, lower price point than similarly equipped Tesla Model 3.

2. A stretched version of the BMW i3 in late 2018 for the 2019 model year. This will give room for eight battery modules instead of six, four typical doors and improve the range to around 200 miles. Perhaps even a convertible or sedan variant. The stronger REx will be available with a 5.5 gallon tank to match the 200 electric miles. Look for this to be the main response to the Tesla Model 3.

3. This is the one I think Ms. Fleischer was really excited about; after all she comes from the M world of BMW. In the past 2.5 years, we have used our BMW i3’s frunk exactly three times; once for champagne, once for wine and once for beer. It’s a terrible waste of space and I know what would better fit in that space. Take a deep breath and prepare yourself for a BMW i3 that will set lap time records at both Thermal and Spartanburg Two Day BMW M Schools. No I’m serious.

BMW-i3-review-long-term-5

The 2019 BMW i3 AWD Coupe Sport. Two door, Dual electric 200+hp motors for a total of 400+ hp with insane amounts of torque in a sub-3,000 lbs car. Carbon ceramic brakes, 2 speed GKN axels similar to the BMW i8, wider dancing shoes, stiffer and lower suspension resulting in a carbon fiber track killing machine with a range of 150 miles electric. 0-60 times in the 3 seconds, crazy quick out of turns with no turbo spool up.

Bailyhill