The i3s features a more potent motor even if the i3 has a longer range. A 135 kW electric motor in the BMW i3s produces 184 horsepower. It can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 6.9 seconds and has a top speed of 99 mph. The i3, however, features a 125 kW motor (170 bhp).
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BMW i3s
The BMW i3s debuted in 2018 with the mid-cycle upgrade of the electric vehicle. It is the Sport Edition of the i3 model. The i3s improvements consist of the trifecta of more power, better handling, and an athletic look.
The BMW i3s versions have unique bigger 20-inch wheels with performance summer tires, as well as a lowered and wider stance. The i3s may be recognized visually by its gloss black wheel arch molding, distinctive front and rear clips, and i3s badging.
The new Sport button on the center console driving style switch and the i3s logo on the floor mats are virtually the only interior alterations for an i3s. Unlike other BMW Sport variants, this one lacks a M sport headliner, sport seats, a specific instrument cluster, and a sport steering wheel.
A button and floor mats come to mind. Although BMW I is a separate branch from BMW, it is still not your traditional sports package.
However, the largest modification from the original BMW i3 is best appreciated while behind the wheel. The original BMW i3’s handling, which was once regarded as tipsy, is simply miles superior to that of the i3s.
BMW increased the track of the i3s by 40mm, lowered the ride height by 10mm, used a custom suspension, and used 20″ tires that were 20mm wider.
With specialized springs, dampers, and anti-roll bars, BMW customized the i3s. Crosswinds on the highway could easily blow the base i3 around. None of this affects the new i3s. While driving on a regular basis, the ride is firm but not harsh.
BMW was able to increase the normal i3 motor’s output by 11 horsepower and 15 lb-ft of torque by altering its programming. Additionally, the top speed of the BMW i3s is higher at 99 mph as opposed to 93 mph.
Surprisingly, the rated range is unaffected because both vehicles have an EPA-rated range of 153 miles. This is due to the fact that both of them have the same battery pack, motor, and approximate weight. The equivalent range rating is predicated on your ability to keep your foot off the gas and stay out of sport mode.
What changed between the 2017 and 2018 BMW i3S models, and why did we choose the latest one?
The 2021 BMW i3S BEV has just been acquired by our very own Chuck Vossler. However, this is not your “typical” i3. It is also the first totally electric i3 in the nation to be painted Galvanic Gold, according to Vossler. Some of you may recognize the moniker, and you would be correct. It made its debut on the BMW X2 years ago. The compact-sized, zero-emission hatchbacks, which are inspired by the new iX3 full-electric SAV, are now offered with a choice of three eye-catching color combinations as follows:
- Cashmere Silver with BMW I Blue highlights
- Metallic Frozen Grey accents contrast with Galvanic Gold.
- metallic Frozen Grey highlights with Fluid Black accents
The 2018 BMW i3S in Imperial Blue Metallic is replaced by the new i3S. Even while the new hues are stylish, it’s the technology that sets the two apart. The new 2021 i3 comes with a 120Ah battery, compared to the 2018 model’s 94Ah battery pack. For the electronauts out there, the battery pack is actually measured at 42.2 kWh because the Ah isn’t a proper measure of energy (kiloWatt hours). The 2021 i3S gains roughly 65 km (40 miles) of additional range with the 94Ah battery pack, for a total of 260 km (161 miles).
A little different leather, a louder pedestrian alert sound, a weight difference, and PSI ratings are other improvements. Please watch the entire video as Chuck covers all of these specifics.
There are still four separate i3 models available in the United States: the i3 and i3S BEV, as well as the i3 and i3S REx. In Europe, BMW discontinued the range extender option back in 2019. The base price for the 2021 BMW i3 BEV is $44,450, and the sportier i3S BEV is $47,650. The cost of the i3 REx is $48,300, and the i3S REx is $51,500. For electric BMW vehicles, there is still a $7,500 EV credit available.
I3S wins.
What was already a great idea is enhanced by the i3S. Even though I never had many issues with the i3, the lower, steadier chassis and superior ride won me over after about five minutes of driving it.
The additional $1200 for the S is a no-brainer when you’re already paying nearly $70,000 on roads for a little electric hatchback. To appreciate it, you don’t need to be a skilled driver. Additionally, because it is a cult classic, its value is likely to hold up a little better.
I continue to believe that the i3 is the best city car available right now. Even if it does somewhat depend on the city, the package is incomparable. Although it is small and stubby, it has a large interior, innovative packing, and quick performance. It simply gets better with the i3S.
Time for a debate between Honda e and BMW i3s.
Horrell, Paul The current electric car of choice is without a doubt your adorable little Honda e. So I assumed I would lose this competition. Despite having loved the i3 for more than seven years—even before I had the chance to drive one—that is. Seven EV years are equivalent to 49 human years, so you see. I was worried that the BMW would seem out of date next to the Honda.
But guess what? Just plain doesn’t. I have a space within that is equally as unique, enjoyable, and spacious. My handling and acceleration are considerably improved. Significantly wider range, as well. Jack, what the heck has Honda been up to all these years?
John Rix It makes sense. What does the Honda truly bring to the table in terms of engineering that advances the situation? Not much. Tossing this many screens, cameras, and other high-end technologies at a car this size is an alchemy that raises it to something ludicrously desirable, but Honda has created something that is greater than the sum of its parts. In all honesty, I’ve talked more about the wing mirrors—or lack thereof—than anything else. The appearance is also really unique, slightly retro, but yet adorable and recognizable. The i3 is a spaceship in comparison, and is surely still too loud for most people?
Fair right, the i3’s proportions are simply strange and prevent it from having any potential for beauty. But there is one particularly intriguing thing: when you compare the two, you see they are almost the same size. The scale on the BMW is difficult to read due to its large wheels and snub snout. Due to the use of aluminum and carbon fiber, it is also nearly 200 kg lighter than the Honda.
You want to talk about screens, then? First, the camera mirror. They are a truly absurd idea. While a screen view is not stereoscopic, a mirror view is, making it much harder to determine distance. The technology we have here is the pinnacle of BMW’s iDrive, which is the company’s infotainment system that allows you to operate it without taking your eyes off the road. Additionally well CarPlay integrated. Only the speedo screen is antiquated, but it still serves its purpose. However, since your car is useless off the ring road, your speedometer need only register 40 or less.
JR: Strict but just. It’s a shame that my eyes are fixed to the range while I meander along at 65 mph on the motorway, since it’s a beautiful, mature little thing to float about in and never feels out of its depth. It’s a car, however, that begs for battery technology to advance, since a 250-mile range in the same small container would fully realize its potential. Oh, and I’ll add that I initially detested on-wing cameras, but now that my eyes seem to have adjusted, I get along with them just fine. What I find difficult to comprehend is that there are many good reasons not to purchase the Honda and that the i3 is more advanced and a superior all-around vehicle. But I prefer the Honda. Why is that so?
PH: It might be a generational issue. Software and screens are impressive to your generation. Carbon fiber and mechanical innovation have me in awe. The i3 is much more than a novelty item. Let’s check out the screens on the Honda in seven years.
Describe the BMW i3s.
The electric vehicle from BMW is called the i3. From 2012 to 2022, it was made in the BMW facility in Leipzig. The rear-hinged rear doors, the distinctive design, the high body carbon content, and the comprehensive approach to material selection are the characteristics of an electric car that set it apart from other vehicles.
What variations of the BMW i3 are there?
Models of BMW i3. A tiny four-door hatchback with an all-electric drivetrain is the BMW i3 from 2021. It comes in two trim levels: the standard i3 and the slightly sportier i3s.
What does the I in BMW i3 stand for?
CONTENTS. BMW I represents futuristic cars and mobility solutions, beautiful design, and a view of premium that is highly influenced by sustainability.
Why is BMW ending production of the i3?
It is extremely heartbreaking to see BMW discontinue its little electric hatchback after nine years on the market given how great it was.
In 2011, as interest in electric vehicles increased, the BMW i3 was first unveiled as a concept car. The design was later evolved into a working model that was released for purchase in 2013 as a 2014 model. The BMW i3 has enjoyed considerable success since that time. The compact electric hatchback from BMW has sold over 250,000 units and was named the World Car Design and World Green Car of the Year winners at the 2014 World Car Awards.
Unfortunately, all wonderful things must eventually come to an end. BMW terminated the i3 in all markets in July 2022 after ceasing manufacturing for the US market in July 2021. The company cited consumer demand for larger-than-the-i3 electric automobiles as justification for the withdrawal. Another reason is that the manufacturer wants to move away from the i3’s distinctive appearance and produce electric vehicles with more traditional styling. The BMW i4 and BMW iX models are taking the place of the i3 as a result. We are sad to see the i3 depart, but there are other reasons as well.