The BMW i3 is Born, will this premium Zero Emissions model create a new era in acceptability

We think so, The BMW i3 is the first premium car designed from the ground up to be powered by an electric drive system and the first electric passenger act for BMW. All of the expected from BMW in an electric car and a range extended model.

Watch our Drive.co.uk Short Video of the BMW i3.

Handling is as expected from BMW. A lightweight CFRP used for the passenger cell gives the car a low centre of gravity, enhancing the car’s agility thanks to perfectly balanced 50:50 weight distribution and a low centre of gravity.

The BMW i3 is priced at £25680 on the road including the £5000 OLEV government grant. This model with 170hp and torque of 250 Nm brings a swift 0-62mph of 7.2 seconds and a top speed of 93mph, with absolutely zero emissions and a range of 80 -1 00 miles.

The BMW i3 Range Extender is priced at £28830 on the road with 170hp and torque of 250 Nm. 0-62mph is slightly reduced to 7.9 seconds with the same top speed, with emissions of just 13g/km CO2, the range is increased to a pretty acceptable 160-186 miles.

Leasing is expected to be favoured by customers new to zero emission cars and concerned about batteries and depreciation. The monthly rates will be highly competitive. Starting at £369p/m for a 36 month deal, rising to £480p/m for an i3 Range Extender with the Suite interior.

The electric motor generates an output of 170hp, with peak torque of 250Nm on demand instantly. This allows the BMW i3 to sprint from zero to 37mph in a mere 3.7 seconds and zero to 62mph in just 7.2 seconds, while the lithium-ion battery gives a range of 80 –100 miles in everyday driving. This rises by approximately 15 per cent in ECO PRO mode and by the same again in ECO PRO+ mode.

As a point of reference, since 2009 BMW has conducted research on a global scale with the MINI E and BMW Active E programmes.  A UK government report found that the average commute was found to be 13.1 miles each way, and the average daily mileage 25 miles.

For customers particularly conscious of ‘range anxiety’, the BMW i3 is available with a range extender engine, powering a generator to maintain the charge of the lithium-ion battery at a constant level while on the move. This is performed by a 650cc two-cylinder four-stroke petrol engine developing 34hp and mounted immediately next to the electric motor above the rear axle. The range extender increases the car’s maximum range in day-to-day driving to around 180 miles on one tank of fuel.

Both BMW i3 models include a three-year, unlimited mileage vehicle warranty and an eight-year, 100,000 mile battery warranty. The battery is also included in the price of the car negating a separate lease charge for battery, as is the case for other electric vehicles.

The i3 is available with four different interior worlds: Standard, Loft, Lodge and Suite.  These allow customers to change the look and feel of the interior.  All worlds feature sustainable materials such as sustainably sourced wood, natural fibres and naturally tanned leather.

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