BMW’s ground-breaking electric i3 hatchback is priced from $63,900 when it goes on-sale in November.
The i3 will be sold in two model grades – the i3 ($63,900) and i3 with range extender ($69,900).
While the entry-level BMW i3 is pure electric, the i3 with range extender – like Holden’s Volt comes with a tiny petrol engine which is used exclusively as a generator to maintain the cnarge of the lithium-ion battery. BMW uses a 27kW .650-litre, two-cylinder.
Amongst many innovations, the BMW i3 can perform around 75 per-cent of braking maneuvers res with the driver touching the brake pedal – the electric motor switches from drive to generator mode and generates a precisely controlled barking effect.
As well, the BMW i3 uses a carbon-fibre passenger cell.
Inside are trim materials and equipment as you’d expect from BMW. There are three different interiors ‘Lodge’ (standard), ‘Loft’ (no cost option) and Suite. All feature sustainably sourced wood, natural fibres and naturally tanned leather.
Drivers look at two screens – a 5.5-inch digital display with essential information and a 10-inch central screen with satellite navigation, infotainment and the Control Display.
There are six unique paint colours and a choice of three types of alloy wheels.
Supporting the i3’s customer experience is BMW’s ‘360° Electric’.
This includes ‘BMW i Add-on Mobility’ which, for example makes available BMW hire cars for those occasions when your electric vehicle may struggle (for example holiday road trips or when you need to lug a load).
For charging, the BMW i3 is equipped with the Type 1 SAJ1772 connector as used by all electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles in Australia. BMW recommends i3 owners re-charge at home using the BMW I Wallbox Pure which allows for up to 3.7kW at 16amps (six hour full re-charge) or you can use public charging points which halve the time and operate at up to 7kW.
BMW will launch the i3 in specialist dealers in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth with Canberra and Adelaide joining early next year.
