09/28/2018
BMW
Today, BMW announces the next chapter in the i3 story of electromobility; the new 2019 i3 and i3s with 120 Ah batteries. Since its launch in 2014, the battery capacity and range of the i3 has grown from the original 60Ah / 81 miles to 94Ah / 115 miles in 2017 and now 120Ah for 2019. With the high voltage battery cell capacity increased to 120 ampere hours (Ah) and a gross energy content of 42.2 kilowatt hours (kWh), the new generation of high-voltage batteries enables the BMW i3 120 Ah and the BMW i3s 120Ah to achieve a range of up to 153 miles, nearly a 30% improvement from the 94 Ah model and almost double its original range. The 2019 i3 REX model range is expected to be similarly improved, pending EPA certification.
The BMW i3 is a visionary electric vehicle and an inspirational design that has helped to make BMW i so popular through its innovative mobility solutions with sustainability as a key defining element. The BMW i brand has established itself as a pioneer for forward-thinking mobility by offering such products while also adopting an all-embracing approach that takes into account the complete lifecycle, from raw material production, through the manufacture and operation of the vehicles to their later recycling.
Complementing the introduction of the new battery, a new exterior color, a new color for the optional Mega World upholstery and full LED headlights with cornering lights and automatic high beams, are also available for the BMW i3 and BMW i3s. iDrive 6.0, previously available only with the optional Navigation Professional, is now featured on the standard navigation system. Additionally, a Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless charging tray for your personal mobile devices is available for the first time. The WiFi hotspot accommodates up to 10 devices and comes free with a 3 month or 3 GB trial offer.
New generation battery development: increased energy
The BMW eDrive technology enables drivers to enjoy emission-free mobility with instantaneous power delivery, efficient use of energy and an optimized range for everyday practicality that even extends beyond the demands of purely urban travel.
Like the electric motors, the high-voltage batteries are an integral part of the BMW eDrive technology used in BMW i automobiles and developed in-house the BMW Group. Based on research and development work conducted in close cooperation with the manufacturer of the individual battery cells, constant improvements to the battery packs' power output, vehicle range, safety and durability have been achieved. Installed low in the floor of the vehicle, the new high-voltage battery is produced at the BMW plant in Dingolfing and consists of eight modules, each with twelve storage cells: the latest cell capacity of 120Ah along with a gross energy content of 42.2kWh. The exterior dimensions of the battery pack remain unchanged. When launched in 2014, the i3's battery pack provided 60 Ah and 22.6kWh, while the second-generation battery introduced for 2017 offered a capacity of 94Ah and 33kWh.
The BMW i3, powered by a 170 hp electric motor, accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, while the BMW i3s with 181 hp completes the standard sprint in 6.8 seconds. The two models set the benchmark for sporty performance within their vehicle segment.
With its battery capacity increased to 42.2kWh, the latest version of the BMW i3 follows the brand's holistic concept; a responsible use of resources including not only locally emissions-free power but also material selection, production techniques and available mobility services. The BMW i3 120Ah and the BMW i3s 120Ah have a much more favorable CO2 footprint across the entire vehicle lifecycle - from raw material extraction and manufacture through to use and recycling - and this makes for significantly lower global warming potential than is the case with comparable, conventionally powered automobiles.
Design and Interior: great sense of roominess, sustainable materials.
The interior styling of the new BMW i3 and BMW i3s is rooted in the LifeDrive vehicle architecture. The carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) passenger cell has a wonderfully spacious feel about it and is dominated by a sense of lightness. The design principle of the two four-seater models means there is no need for either fixed B-pillars or a transmission tunnel. Doors that open in opposite directions allow the occupants to get in and out with the greatest of ease.
New for 2019 exterior color choices is Jucaro Beige Metallic w/ Frozen Grey accents which replaces the outgoing Protonic Blue Metallic w/Frozen Grey accent.
Interior trim changes include Mega World now offering Electronic Brown Trim and Mega Carum Spice Grey SensaTec with Brown Cloth highlights. Tera World now includes higher quality Tera Dark Truffle Vernasca Leather. The BMW i3 and BMW i3s apply the concept of sustainability throughout, as other materials used are recycled plastics, renewable raw materials, natural fibers and open-pored, unbleached eucalyptus wood. Over 80 percent of the surfaces visible to the passengers are made from recycled materials or renewable resources. The available seat belts in BMW i Blue for the BMW i3s provide a splash of color in the interior.
Connectivity and Driver Assistance Systems.
BMW Connected bolsters the link between the i3 and the digital experience. Remote Services allow you to check if your windows are closed and doors are locked. You can also precondition the climate of the i3 for a comfortable temperature before your departure as well as warming the battery under certain conditions. On the eDrive tab, one can browse through various efficiency statistics, monitor your electrical consumption, energy recuperation statistics and observe your efficiency.
The driver assistance systems available for the 2019 BMW i3 and BMW i3s ease the driver's workload and provide support in various traffic situations, as well as helping with longitudinal and lateral vehicle control. The optional Technology and Driving Assistance Package includes LED headlights with cornering lights, Active Driving Assistant, Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Daytime Pedestrian Protection, Frontal Collision Warning with City Collision Mitigation, and Advanced Real-Time Traffic Information. ConnectedDrive Services and front/rear Park Distance Control are now standard equipment. Parking Assistance is a standalone options for the i3 (not available on the i3s). Once activated, Parking Assistance scans for suitable parking spaces and at the press of a button takes control of acceleration, braking, gear selection and steering to perfectly park your i3.
Specifications
2019 BMW i3 120Ah
i3
i3 REX
i3s
i3s REX
Seats
--
5
5
5
5
Number of Doors
--
5
5
5
5
Drive type
--
RWD
RWD
RWD
RWD
Length
inches
158.3
158.3
158.1
158.1
Width
inches
69.9
69.9
70.5
70.5
Height
inches
62.9
62.9
62.6
62.6
Width including mirrors
inches
80.3
80.3
80.3
80.3
Wheelbase
inches
101.2
101.2
101.2
101.2
Ground clearance
inches
5.5
5.5
5.2
5.2
Turning radius
feet
16.2
16.2
16.9
16.9
Shoulder width front
inches
53.6
53.6
53.6
53.6
Shoulder room rear
inches
49.2
49.2
49.2
49.2
Legroom front
inches
40.5
40.5
40.5
40.5
Legroom rear
inches
31.9
31.9
31.9
31.9
Headroom front
inches
39.6
39.6
39.6
39.6
Headroom rear
inches
37.2
37.2
37.2
37.2
Cargo volume (SAE)
ft³
15.1 - 36.9
15.1 - 36.9
15.1 - 36.9
15.1 - 36.9
Fuel Tank capacity
gallons
--
2.3
--
2.3
Curb weight
lbs.
2,965
3,269
3,034
3,302
Gross vehicle weight
lbs.
3,907
3,960
3,907
3,960
Payload
lbs.
814
627
814
627
Electrical Machine motor type
Traction
Traction
Traction
Traction
Engine
IB1
IB1
IB1
IB1
Engine configuration
synchro
synchro
synchro
synchro
Peak Power
hp
170
170
181
181
Maximum torque
lb-ft.
184
184
199
199
Gasoline generator type
--
--
W20
--
W20
Cylinders
--
--
2
--
2
Valves per cylinder
--
--
4
--
4
Stroke
mm
--
79
--
79
Bore
mm
--
66
--
66
Displacement
cm³
--
647
--
647
Compression rate
:1
--
10.6
--
10.6
Engine power
hp
--
38
--
38
at rpm
1/min
--
5,000
--
5,000
Engine torque
Lb-ft.
--
41
--
41
at rpm
1/min
--
4,500
--
4,500
Fuel type
--
--
Gasoline
--
Gasoline
Recommended Fuel
--
--
Regular
--
Regular
Engine oil capacity
quarts
--
2.7
--
2.7
Transmission type
--
GE1B
GE1B
GE1B
GE1B
Transmission type
--
Auto
Auto
Auto
Auto
Gear ratio 1st gear
--
9.655
9.655
9.655
9.655
Battery capacity (low voltage)
Ah
20
20
20
20
System voltage (low voltage)
V
12
12
12
12
Battery capacity (high voltage)
Ah
120
120
120
120
System voltage (high voltage)
V
352
352
352
352
Battery type, high voltage
Li-Ion
Li-Ion
Li-Ion
Li-Ion
Gross battery content, high voltage
kWh
42.2
42.2
42.2
42.2
Net battery content, high voltage
kWh
37.9
37.9
37.9
37.9
Charging Level 1 AC
kW
7.4
7.4
7.4
7.4
Charging Level 2 AC
kW
50
50
50
50
DC Charging Combo
kW
50
50
50
50
Charging time Level 2 (0-80%)
hrs
4.9
4.9
4.9
4.9
Charging time Level 2 (0-100%)
hrs
6.5
6.5
6.5
6.5
Charging time DC (0-80%)
hrs
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
Charging time DC (0-100%)
hrs
1.4
1.4
1.4
1.4
Steering ratio
:1
14
14
14
14
Recuperation power
kW
up to 50
up to 50
up to 50
up to 50
Tires 19" standard front
--
155/70R19
155/70R19
--
--
Tires 19" standard rear
--
155/70R19
175/60R19
--
--
Wheels 19" front & rear
inches
5J x 19
5 / 5.5 x 19
Tires 20" standard front
--
--
175/55R20
175/55R20
Tires 20" standard rear
--
--
195/50R20
195/50R20
Wheels 20" front
inches
--
--
5.5J x 20
5.5J x 20
Wheels 20" rear
inches
--
--
6.0J x 20
6.0J x 20
Track, front
inches
61.9
61.9
62.7
62.7
Rear, track
inches
62.0
61.3
62.1
62.1
Cx
--
0.29
0.30
0.30
0.31
0-60 mph
seconds
7.2
8.0
6.8
7.6
Top speed
mph
93
93
99
99
Electric range, up to
miles
153
153
153
153
Range extender range, up to
miles
--
tba
--
tba
BMW Group In America
BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars; Designworks, a strategic design consultancy based in California; technology offices in Silicon Valley and Chicago, and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is the BMW Group global center of competence for BMW X models and manufactures the X3, X4, X5, and X6 Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 346 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 153 BMW motorcycle retailers, 127 MINI passenger car dealers, and 36 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group's sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.