Pricing confirmed for new BMW i3 and i3s

A major upgrade and a sportier version are coming from the BMW i3 range.

More than 200 BMW i3 cars have sold in New Zealand since its launch, making it one of the best-selling cars in the premium electric segment.

Now it’s had a major refresh in styling and technology, including new digital services.

Plus there’s a sportier variant available, the BMW i3s, with higher output, additional chassis technology, improved driving dynamics and model specific design features.

They are due in New Zealand early next year.

The new range has a recommended retail price from $76,900, plus on-road costs.
Pricing for the BMW i3s is around $84,300.

Both have the option of a range extender, taking the price to $84,500 for the BMW i3 and $91,900 for the BMW i3s.

The latest safety features, including driving assistant plus (collision and pedestrian warning, city braking, speed limit information, active cruise control, stop and go function), are standard throughout.

These include front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera

The new BMW i3s is powered by a high-performance 135kW electric motor that generates peak torque of 270Nm
Sports suspension is included. Drivers can also select sport mode using the driving experience control switch which delivers more accelerator response and tighter steering characteristics.

The i3s has 20-inch light-alloy wheels 20mm wider than previous versions.

The BMW eDrive technology aboard the new BMW i3 and i3s offers emission-free driving with instantaneous power delivery, efficient use of energy and increased range. Both have a 33kWh battery. A 28kW two-cylinder range extender petrol engine is available as an option for both to drive a generator, extending the overall range to around 330km.

Full-LED headlights are standard.

LifeDrive vehicle architecture features a carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) passenger cell and the two four-seater models’ design avoids fixed B-pillars or a transmission tunnel. “Coach doors” that open in opposite directions allow easy access.

More than 80% of the surfaces visible to the passengers are made from recycled materials or renewable resources.

Standard equipment on the BMW i3s and optionally available on the BMW i3 is navigation system professional with an updated version of the iDrive operating system for infotainment, communication and navigation functions.
New to the options list is Apple CarPlay preparation.

BMW Group New Zealand announced in 2016 a collaboration with ChargeNet NZ to establish an ‘electric highway’ of DC fast chargers, allowing EVs to travel the length of the country. Charging an EV at a BMW ChargeNow-branded DC fast-charging station takes around 30 minutes to reach 80% capacity, with a real-world scenario of charging from about 30% to 80% achievable in around 15 minutes.

The BMW i3 has been selected by Yoogo Share as part of a new car sharing initiative in Christchurch. The i3 will initially be available to 12 of the city’s largest organisations whose combined pool of drivers totals over 3000, with the programme opening up for public use in March 2018.