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The New 2019 BMW i3 120Ah and i3s 120Ah

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The new 2019 BMW i3 120Ah and i3s 120Ah.

• New 120Ah, 42.2 kWh battery offers up to a 153 mile electric range.
• Production begins November 2018.

Sept 28, 2018... Today, BMW announces the next chapter in the i3 story of electromobility; the new 2019 i3 and i3s with 120 Ah batteries. Since its launch in 2014, the battery capacity and range of the i3 has grown from the original 60Ah / 81 miles to 94Ah / 115 miles in 2017 and now 120Ah for 2019. With the high voltage battery cell capacity increased to 120 ampere hours (Ah) and a gross energy content of 42.2 kilowatt hours (kWh), the new generation of high-voltage batteries enables the BMW i3 120 Ah and the BMW i3s 120Ah to achieve a range of up to 153 miles, nearly a 30% improvement from the 94 Ah model and almost double its original range. The 2019 i3 REX model range is expected to be similarly improved, pending EPA certification.

The BMW i3 is a visionary electric vehicle and an inspirational design that has helped to make BMW i so popular through its innovative mobility solutions with sustainability as a key defining element. The BMW i brand has established itself as a pioneer for forward-thinking mobility by offering such products while also adopting an all-embracing approach that takes into account the complete lifecycle, from raw material production, through the manufacture and operation of the vehicles to their later recycling.

Complementing the introduction of the new battery, a new exterior color, a new color for the optional Mega World upholstery and full LED headlights with cornering lights and automatic high beams, are also available for the BMW i3 and BMW i3s. iDrive 6.0, previously available only with the optional Navigation Professional, is now featured on the standard navigation system. Additionally, a Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless charging tray for your personal mobile devices is available for the first time. The WiFi hotspot accommodates up to 10 devices and comes free with a 3 month or 3 GB trial offer.

New generation battery development: increased energy

The BMW eDrive technology enables drivers to enjoy emission-free mobility with instantaneous power delivery, efficient use of energy and an optimized range for everyday practicality that even extends beyond the demands of purely urban travel.

Like the electric motors, the high-voltage batteries are an integral part of the BMW eDrive technology used in BMW i automobiles and developed in-house the BMW Group. Based on research and development work conducted in close cooperation with the manufacturer of the individual battery cells, constant improvements to the battery packs’ power output, vehicle range, safety and durability have been achieved. Installed low in the floor of the vehicle, the new high-voltage battery is produced at the BMW plant in Dingolfing and consists of eight modules, each with twelve storage cells: the latest cell capacity of 120Ah along with a gross energy content of 42.2kWh. The exterior dimensions of the battery pack remain unchanged. When launched in 2014, the i3’s battery pack provided 60 Ah and 22.6kWh, while the second- generation battery introduced for 2017 offered a capacity of 94Ah and 33kWh.

The BMW i3, powered by a 170 hp electric motor, accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, while the BMW i3s with 181 hp completes the standard sprint in 6.8 seconds. The two models set the benchmark for sporty performance within their vehicle segment.

With its battery capacity increased to 42.2kWh, the latest version of the BMW i3 follows the brand's holistic concept; a responsible use of resources including not only locally emissions- free power but also material selection, production techniques and available mobility services. The BMW i3 120Ah and the BMW i3s 120Ah have a much more favorable CO2 footprint across the entire vehicle lifecycle – from raw material extraction and manufacture through to use and recycling – and this makes for significantly lower global warming potential than is the case with comparable, conventionally powered automobiles.

Design and Interior: great sense of roominess, sustainable materials.

The interior styling of the new BMW i3 and BMW i3s is rooted in the LifeDrive vehicle architecture. The carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) passenger cell has a wonderfully spacious feel about it and is dominated by a sense of lightness. The design principle of the two four-seater models means there is no need for either fixed B-pillars or a transmission tunnel. Doors that open in opposite directions allow the occupants to get in and out with the greatest of ease.

New for 2019 exterior color choices is Jucaro Beige Metallic w/ Frozen Grey accents which replaces the outgoing Protonic Blue Metallic w/Frozen Grey accent.

Interior trim changes include Mega World now offering Electronic Brown Trim and Mega Carum Spice Grey SensaTec with Brown Cloth highlights. Tera World now includes higher quality Tera Dark Truffle Vernasca Leather. The BMW i3 and BMW i3s apply the concept of sustainability throughout, as other materials used are recycled plastics, renewable raw materials, natural fibers and open-pored, unbleached eucalyptus wood. Over 80 percent of the surfaces visible to the passengers are made from recycled materials or renewable resources. The available seat belts in BMW i Blue for the BMW i3s provide a splash of color in the interior.

Connectivity and Driver Assistance Systems.

BMW Connected bolsters the link between the i3 and the digital experience. Remote Services allow you to check if your windows are closed and doors are locked. You can also precondition the climate of the i3 for a comfortable temperature before your departure as well as warming the battery under certain conditions. On the eDrive tab, one can browse through various efficiency statistics, monitor your electrical consumption, energy recuperation statistics and observe your efficiency.

The driver assistance systems available for the 2019 BMW i3 and BMW i3s ease the driver’s workload and provide support in various traffic situations, as well as helping with longitudinal and lateral vehicle control. The optional Technology and Driving Assistance Package includes LED headlights with cornering lights, Active Driving Assistant, Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Daytime Pedestrian Protection, Frontal Collision Warning with City Collision Mitigation, and Advanced Real-Time Traffic Information. ConnectedDrive Services and front/rear Park Distance Control are now standard equipment. Parking Assistance is a standalone options for the i3 (not available on the i3s). Once activated, Parking Assistance scans for suitable parking spaces and at the press of a button takes control of acceleration, braking, gear selection and steering to perfectly park your i3.

2019 BMW i3

[stoweboarder720]

they make these things look like warped appliances and wonder why they don't sell

[allen3ybq]

Not bad

[jondaman]

Originally Posted by stoweboarder720

they make these things look like warped appliances and wonder why they don't sell

I know. The i8 was probably one of the most gorgeous car BMW ever made and the little brother looks like we'll, the i3.
They are fun little cars though, I had a 2014 for about a year for comuting. Finally fed up with the 80 mile range and went back to gas.
At 150 miles it should be fine, if BMW can sell these for around $40k before incentives, they will do really well. At $50k+, most people would go with the model 3.

[NoImDirtyDan]

Originally Posted by stoweboarder720

they make these things look like warped appliances and wonder why they don't sell

Thank you for the good laugh

[stoweboarder720]

Originally Posted by jondaman

I know. The i8 was probably one of the most gorgeous car BMW ever made and the little brother looks like we'll, the i3.
They are fun little cars though, I had a 2014 for about a year for comuting. Finally fed up with the 80 mile range and went back to gas.
At 150 miles it should be fine, if BMW can sell these for around $40k before incentives, they will do really well. At $50k+, most people would go with the model 3.

oh i don't mean to say they're bad cars, I think they are great for their intended purpose, albeit I thought they needed more range like you said but these 2019s fix that. I really don't get why they went with this design though. yes, it's surprisingly functional but it seems they took a page out of Toyota's book where if it's environmentally friendly, it's gotta be hard on the eyes

[jondaman]

Originally Posted by stoweboarder720

oh i don't mean to say they're bad cars, I think they are great for their intended purpose, albeit I thought they needed more range like you said but these 2019s fix that. I really don't get why they went with this design though. yes, it's surprisingly functional but it seems they took a page out of Toyota's book where if it's environmentally friendly, it's gotta be hard on the eyes

They are as ugly as the Nissan Juke dude. I totally agree they are no looker, I just don't know why the I department pump out the i8 and the i3 at the same time.
One is the prom queen while the other is the ugly duckling got beaten by an ugly stick loaded with acid :P.

[MrOhnoez]

I'm very curious... Our dealership just had our first I3S come in and sold just a couple of weeks ago.
Looked great! angry little fender flares.
They have changed the battery in these very often. Really hard to keep track of.
I really thought that I3S we sold was the latest and greatest! Now this! lol

[Nahlem]

Not to bad BMW, although one got to wonder why the REX version of the I3s weights so much more then the regular one witch is full electric granted the "small" range extender can it really add up so much more weight to the car and increase its 0-60 from 6.8 to 7.6 sec that's a lot.

Although this one is close to my wanted list for now at least.

But 153 miles come on BMW you can do better then that.

Nissan Leaf is going 225 miles on the next gen.
Tesla model 3 is a wopping 310 miles.

[Arcades]

Hey this is great news. Now you can drive further :P

[alexhasin]

When the hell they are gonna replace that instrument cluster, then I will get one.

[rallybull]

Wonder how much this will cost. More than the chevy bolt that is faster and has more range?

[cc3]

Range still not up to scratch particularly given premium pricing

Even Hyundai offer 300 for less price
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review...2018-uk-review

[DML]

Originally Posted by stoweboarder720

they make these things look like warped appliances and wonder why they don't sell

My Whirlpool looks nicer, truth.

[ADS-UK]

As much as I'd like to buy an electric car, this is easily the ugliest BMW car ever. It's almost as if they went, how do we design a car that keeps demand low but shows that we can do electric cars.

[Beefcake]

And then I start wondering what the Mini Electric will have as range, as the Mini Electric's powertrain is based on the i3's

If this is the same, then again it's a disappointment...

[Tallest]

love it, the brown interior is sick. Great city car.

[cwhands]

Honestly this is good news, makes the car more marketable.

In my opinion the thing is actually not bad at all. It's not aesthetically pleasing but it is a great option for those with shorter commutes/daily driver use. Turning radius, low end torque make it a great local car as well.

[wdeerfield]

with their SUV concept there is no way they will ever give this more range than that. they are banking on that ugly suv crossover abomination.

they replaced the nice blue with boring beige. Thats basically like saying "hey.. dont look at me, just let me blend in with all the other traffic so you forget its a BMW"

[ron_jeremy]

Wonder if the G20 will have the same battery package as is in the i3 and electric mini.

[x5mannn]

Originally Posted by DML

My Whirlpool looks nicer, truth.

I don't mind the styling except for the interior door panels which look like they are made from the styrofoam packaging they were shipped in

[GOLFFRR]

now we are getting some solid range. Could become a nice DD for a lot of people who were a little on the fence with the older model.