After eight and a half years and 250,000 units produced, the production of the BMW i3/i3s has ended.
The BMW i3 was created in the BMW Group facility in Leipzig, Germany, and distributed to more than 74 nations.
It was a ground-breaking vehicle for the business as it was one of the first standalone all-electric models to hit the market and the first series battery-electric model from BMW.
A passenger cell built of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) and an aluminum chassis made the BMW i3 a distinctive vehicle.
The business also marketed a REx (range-extender version) of the i3/i3s, which has a small gasoline engine for emergency use, in addition to the 100% electric i3/i3s (sporty version). The car’s battery capacity increased over time, from 21.6 kWh in the first iteration to 33.2 kWh (27.2 kWh useable) and 42.2 kWh for up to 307 km (191 miles) of WLTP range.
According to BMW, it is also the most popular electric vehicle in the world in the premium compact sector with 250,000 units sold worldwide.
BMW i3 production ceased at the end of June 2022. The last 10 are unique BMW i3s HomeRun Edition models. The completion of the automobiles in the assembly hall was open to customers.
HomeRun Edition trim for the BMW i3:
- Frozen Dark Grey or Frozen Dark Red II are two new BMW Individual paint colors.
- Double-spoke light alloy wheels measuring 20 inches in diameter
- a glass roof that is electrically powered
- solar-controlling glass
- LED headlights that can adjust
- Vernasca Dark Truffle leather upholstery, a leather instrument panel, a leather steering wheel with galvanized detailing, a Carum Grey roof lining, ambient lighting, and the welcome light are all examples of the high-quality interior design of the suite.
- The Comfort package, Driving Assistant Plus, Professional navigation, wireless charging for phones, a Harman Kardon hi-fi sound system, and online entertainment with music flat rate are all included.
Some BMW i3/i3s electric vehicle components, such as battery modules or drive units, were also utilised in other EVs. The MINI Cooper SE specifically uses e-drive components (although in the front-wheel-drive configuration). Additionally, battery modules can be found in Torqeedo electric motorboats, Turkish Karsan electric buses, and Streetscooter vehicles used by the German postal service.
Due to the planned release of the next-generation fully electric MINI Countryman, the BMW Group Plant Leipzig will become the first BMW Group facility to produce both BMW and MINI vehicles.
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BMW i3
W20K06U0 25 kW I2range extender, 647 cc Europe 9 L (2.4 US gal) In the US, 7.2 L (1.9 US gal) (2014-2016) In the US, 9 L (2.4 US gal) (2017+)
The BMW i3 is a BMW-made, high-roof, B-segment hatchback with an electric drivetrain that utilizes rear-wheel drive, a single-speed transmission, an underfloor lithium-ion battery pack, and an optional gasoline engine that can expand the vehicle’s range. The BMW i3 was the company’s first mass-produced zero-emission vehicle and was introduced under the BMW I sub-brand for electric vehicles.
The Richard Kim-designed i3 comes with a single five-door configuration, a CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced polymer) passenger module that is extremely lightweight and strong, and a lower aluminum module that houses the chassis, battery, drive system, and motor. Two smaller clamshell rear doors with rear hinges are included on the bodywork. The i3 had its concept premiere at the 2011 International Motor Show Germany, and Leipzig manufacturing of the vehicle started in September 2013.
From 2014 to 2016, it was the third-best-selling electric vehicle in the world; by the end of 2021, it had sold over 220,000 units globally. With over 47,500 units supplied until December 2021, Germany is listed as its top-selling market, followed by the United States with more over 45,000.
The 2014 World Green Car of the Year and 2014 World Car Design of the Year were both given to the i3, earning it two World Car of the Year Awards. The i3 won the first UK Car of the Year Awards for Best Supermini of 2014 and UK Car of the Year 2014, each of which came with an iF Product Design Gold Award.
Images of the BMW i3 eDrive35L
This report claims that when the new i3 hits the market later this decade, the United States and/or Canada will receive a long-roof version of the vehicle, which is probably much more intriguing. The 3 Series EV will be produced in Mexico in two models, with internal designations NA0 for the i3 sedan and NA1 for the i3 wagon. However, at this very early stage, nothing can be confirmed.
These two vehicles are not the only next-generation EVs from BMW that will be made in Mexico. The new X3’s electric variant, which we spotted earlier this month, will also be produced at the Plant San Luis Potosi factory, according to Bimmerpost. The Bavarian business is anticipated to adopt a similar approach to Mercedes-Benz for the crossover, providing electric and combustion-powered vehicles for the same class. Spartanburg is anticipated to produce the standard X3. The next-generation iX3 is expected to start rolling off the assembly lines in Mexico in 2027, much like the new i3.
Last but not least, BMW debuted the i3 electric sedan earlier this year, although the company has no plans to market it outside of China. The electric motor in this car has a peak output of 281 horsepower (210 kilowatts) and 295 pound-feet (400 Newton-meters) of immediate torque. It is powered by a 66.1 kWh battery pack.
At the BMW Brilliance plant in Lydia, Shenyang, the Bavarians put the automobile together while adapting some of the parts to the needs of the local supply chain. There are currently no plans to produce an electric 3 Series, so we will have to wait till the all-new i3 makes its debut later this decade.
Supposedly, manufacture of the BMW i3 will finish in 2022.
The BMW i3’s eight-year run of success, during which time more than 200,000 units were sold, has come to an end. The U.S. production will stop in July 2021, and the final units will be rolled out of the worldwide production in 2022, as we learnt last week. The Leipzig Plant, BMW’s first facility to make electric cars, is solely responsible for producing the BMW i3. Since its debut in 2013, the carbon fiber electric car has often benefited from technological advancements in the form of new, more potent batteries. However, the most recent improvement was made in 2018, when a 42.2 kWh battery with a 120 Ah battery delivered an electric range of more than 150 miles.
There is now little motivation for BMW to sell or promote the significantly discounted and incentivized i3 because the company is heavily focused on the launch of the BMW i4 and iX next-generation electric vehicles. After a rough debut in 2013, BMW’s first electric vehicle in the production series gained popularity and improved the Bavarian automaker’s sales. The i3 hatchback is a well-liked option in Europe, especially in the Nordic nations, because to its distinctive aesthetics and entertaining driving qualities.
The MINI Cooper SE will still use the technology and drivetrain from the BMW i3. The compact electric car from MINI mostly makes use of the same technological elements as the i3, but it combines them with a typical mass-produced body sans carbon fiber lightweight construction. Additionally, the rear wheels of the i3 always maintained a similar resemblance to the normal BMW configuration, in contrast to the front wheels of the electric MINI.
By allowing designers and engineers a great deal of latitude in terms of design and packaging, the BMW i3 ultimately demonstrated why a specialized EV platform is the best course of action. The BMW I business propelled the Munich-based automaker into an early electric future despite the significant investment it required—in the billions of euros. Additionally, it provided them with a wealth of production knowledge that they eventually used to several BMW models.
Ulrich Kranz, the project manager and person in charge of the first BMW i3, will now also contribute his ideas elsewhere: He was just officially named the new project leader for Apple’s iCar. Inquiries on the i3 production were made to BMW.
Sadly, the BMW i3’s production has now come to an end.
Even if the inventive little BMW i3 has been on life support for some time, it is nevertheless difficult to accept BMW’s news that production has come to a stop.
Yes, the i3 has officially died eight and a half years after its debut. Just a few days ago, according to BMW, the 250,000th copy was produced in Leipzig, and the last ten vehicles received a special HomeRun edition specification.
The HomeRun variants come with 20-inch wheels, new Frozen Dark Grey or Frozen Red II paint finishes, and practically every i3 option imaginable. It sounds like certain component bins needed to be cleaned out. That entails a heated leather instrument panel, wireless charging, a rear-view camera, an electric glass roof, adaptive LED headlights, heated leather seats in “Vernasca Dark Truffle,” a Harman Kardon speaker system, and more.
What vehicle will succeed the BMW i3?
After nine years of production, BMW has declared that the i3 is no longer being made, putting an end to the inventive and long-lasting little electric car.
Just a few weeks after the model reached a production run of more than a quarter of a million, the final i3 came off the production line in Leipzig, Germany. Ten units of the i3 HomeRun Edition, an ultra-exclusive special edition model with the company’s “Frozen paint finish,” have been ordered to commemorate the event.
The i3 was originally seen by the public in concept form at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2011, and when the production vehicle was introduced in 2013, it substantially resembled the show-car design.
The upright proportions, glass tailgate, two-tone paint job, and dipping shoulder line all deviated from the typical BMW design cues that customers had grown accustomed to. It launched BMW’s new I sub-brand, which was one of the factors contributing to the bizarre appearance (along with the i8 sports car).
Rear-hinged doors are always interesting, and they undoubtedly contributed to the i3’s personality, along with the interior. The technology was updated over the course of its existence to keep it feeling modern. The interior itself featured a low dash and window line for a light and airy atmosphere.
A custom platform made of a combination of aluminum, magnesium, and carbon fiber is positioned below the i3 to keep weight at just over a tonne. Due to the lack of weight, the vehicle’s ultimate fully-electric design had a maximum range of 190 miles.
The UK’s police, fire, and ambulance services all adopted the i3 due to its popularity with emergency services.
There won’t be a direct replacement for the i3, and a completely electric version of the 3 Series saloon is anticipated to receive the i3 badge. The iX1, an electric variant of the new X1 SUV, will be the company’s entry-level EV model.
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.