For 2017, the BMW i3 will be receiving its first major update, making it more competent in the segment its in. Currently, the BMW i3’s biggest flaw is its range. At 81 miles, it’s just not enough to be competitive in a market where the Nissan Leaf can sport almost 100 miles. While we feel 81 miles is more than enough for the average driver, it doesn’t do a lot to help the ongoing issue of range anxiety. So BMW has set out to remedy this for 2017.
To do so, BMW has given its i3 a new, high-density battery that sports a 50 percent increase in capacity, from 22 to 33 kWh. With this new battery, the BMW i3’s range increases from 81 miles to 114 miles, putting it well over that 100-mile sweet spot. While 114 still isn’t enough to match even the smallest battery Tesla Model S, it’s more than enough to reduce range anxiety in most customers. It’s the ‘100-mile’ number that puts people at ease.
The beautiful part about the i3’s new battery, though, is that it doesn’t actually take up anymore space than before. It’s a bit heavier, as the battery has a higher density, but not by much and not enough to throw off the i3’s excellent performance. 0-60 mph is still claimed to be just over seven seconds, as the current model does it in 7.2.
For the BMW i3 REx, there will still be the same two-cylinder gasoline range extender, but 2017 models will be able to utilize their full 2.4 gallon tank. This is likely because the pure electric range is now higher, thus allowing for more gasoline-extended miles while still being considered an EV in the US. However, BMW hasn’t released the total range for the new REx.
The only real downside of the new battery is the fact that it takes a bit longer to charge, but that’s to be expected, as it is a larger density battery with a longer range. With a 240-volt fast-charger, the 2017 i3 can fully charge in 4.5 hours, compared to the 3.5 of the previous model. With a 50 kW fast charger, the 2017 BMW i3 will charge 80 percent in 40 minutes.
But it isn’t just a new battery. The 2017 BMW i3 gains the lovely Protonic Blue Metallic paint color that was previously only available on the BMW i8. We can see this becoming the new favorite color among i3 enthusiasts. The new standard “World” trim is Deka World but Mega, Giga and Tera Worlds will still be optional.
However, the really big news is the addition of an optional power moonroof. This alone would have made the 2017 BMW i3 a successful refresh in many owners’ eyes. The fact that the current car doesn’t have a moonroof option is probably the most complained about flaw with the i3 from current owners. It was always available in Europe, but not in the US. Until now, anyway.
BMW will also be offering a new version of its BMW Home Charger Connect which will feature Wifi, that allows owners to check the status of their charge and even control the charge remotely, and a more compact design.
The 2017 BMW i3 will go on sale later this year and will start at $44,595 for the BEV model and $48,445 for the REx. This new model will likely have a lot of current i3 owners trading theirs in for it and will probably convince a lot of fence-sitters to buy or lease. The reason is that it corrects the two main issues most people had with the i3; a sub-100 mile range and the lack of moonroof. The 2017 BMW i3 remedies both of those issues, so it’s nearly the perfect EV at its price range.
Ditching the two tone paint wouldn’t be a bad idea. And put a damn grill on those i cars.
An open grill would serve no purpose, and take away from their aerodynamics.
I doesn’t matter. The 7 Series has active kidneys that open and close. Simply put a decent grill on i cars that doesn’t open. It would diminish the Playmobile look.
The G11/G12 has kidneys that open and close. Simply put a decent grill on i cars that doesn’t open.
Ok, so it has the look of the traditional grill like this……
I was thinking more along these lines:
I was thinking along these lines.
Yes that would look good, I only posted the custom i3 pic because I remembered seeing the grill on it.
My 2014 i3 regularly reports my total range anywhere between 95 to 105 miles, it’s always full when I leave my house, what range anxiety?
Why is British publication autoexpress.co.uk saying 195miles?
“The fully electric model now boasts a range of 195 miles, though, that will change in the real world depending on your driving style. However, it’s significantly more than the previous car’s range of about 100 miles – going some way to help alleviate the range anxiety that some owners face with an all-electric car.”
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/bmw/i3/96423/bmw-i3-94ah-2016-review
They probably considered the REx model.
I don’t think so, Horatiu. They are most likely using the European range rating, the NEDC. It is unrealistically optimistic, and promotes the absolute maximum range under nearly perfect conditions in a controlled environment. In the US we use the EPA’s 5-cycle test which more accurately simulates real world driving for city, highway and in different temperatures, which we all know has a strong impact on EV range.
The NEDC range is usually 33 to 40% higher than the EPA range rating.
Yes, EU cycle = 300km.
Nissan is even promoting that, which is ridicolous:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DhCfsnqYiE
BMW is at least honest and writes on its webpage:
BMW i3 (94 Ah) mit reinem Elektroantrieb BMW eDrive:
Stromverbrauch in kWh/100 km (kombiniert): 12,6
CO2-Emissionen in g/km (kombiniert): 0
Reichweite rein elektrisch in km: 300
Alltagsreichweite in km: bis zu 200 = (Real/daily use range up to 200km)
“it’s more than enough to reduce range anxiety in most customers. It’s the ‘100-mile’ number that puts people at ease.”
[citation needed]
At least in the US, the polls I’ve seen indicate that 200 miles is the magic number that puts people at ease. I’ve not read *any* reports that claim 100 miles is enough to eliminate range anxiety so if you have some data on this I’d certainly like to see it.
We already know that 80 miles meets the average commute easily. Range is massively psychologically important for the buying decision. This isn’t new to EVs–People buy trucks using the same “what can I use it for” thinking. Whether they actually use it that way or not is totally irrelevant. The only thing that matters is what decision factors will convince someone to buy the car.
Also the 80 mile range in the worst sub-zero conditions can translate to 55 miles. I’ve witnessed it. That limits you to 27 miles each way without stopping at a charger. Since some of us actually have weather, it’s not realistic to only consider the range in ideal conditions as found in Southern California. I would say a practical person should consider the worst conditions when deciding what is practical for their use.