After numerous i3 concepts, lots of testing sessions and numerous teaser images, BMW->ke178 finally unveiled the new i3 electric car in its production form. The model is the first from BMW's i sub-brand and opens a new era for electro mobility at BMW. Like everyone else, we are excited to see the i3, but the real prize is the still-in-development i8.

The i3 was built on a new LifeDrive architecture that will help reduce the car's weight by 250 to 300 kg (551 to 661 pounds). The LifeDrive concept consists of two horizontally separated, independent modules. The Drive module integrates the battery, drive system, and structural and crash functions into a single construction within the chassis. Working in conjunction with the Drive module is the Life module, which consists primarily of a high-strength and extremely lightweight passenger cell made from CFRP. These aspects of car building will lead the way to a whole new process for building cars. A process that will be simpler, more flexible, and use less energy.

Updated 09/17/2015: LAPD just added one BMW i3 to its fleet. The car was a loan from BMW and will be used as a test car for twelve months.

Click past the jump to read more about BMW i3.

2015 BMW i3

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 BMW i3
  • Engine/Motor: Hybrid synchronous motor
  • Horsepower: 170
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The i3 really offers no grand surprises on the outside. It retains the same three-door hatchback setup with a pair of rearward-swinging quarter doors that we expected to see. The i3 does get a more mainstream look than we all anticipated, with its very plain front end that features BMW’s kidney grilles and a BMW i blue background and U-shaped LED headlights.

The profile view of the i3 is about as plain-Jane as it comes, as the anticipated swooping roofline is not as dramatic as we were expecting. In place of the dramatic roofline is a swooping window-line that seems almost awkward as you reach the rear-quarter window. Under the camp, you can see one unique bodyline that looks to run the base of the front and rear door windows, then kick up sharply as you approach the rear-quarter window. Short of that neat line, the rest of the profile view is about as vanilla and un-BMW-like as it gets.

At the rear the model will be offered with a large window that provide a great visibility and easy access to the trunk, while the tail-lights received the same U-shape as the headlights. For improved aerodynamics the model received a rear diffuser outlined in blue.

Despite the uninspired roofline, the rest of the i3 is just as we expected to see it. It has just enough flare to set it apart from the likes of the Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi i-MiEV, but it's certainly not instantly recognizable as a BMW from all angles but the front.

Now, the i3 may be vanilla in looks, but its carbon-fiber-reinforced-plastic passenger cell and perfect 50:50 weight ratio make it a stunner under the surface. This CFRP cell helps keep the weight low and to give it a perfect 50:50 weight balance. Other weight saving items, including forged-aluminum 19-inch wheels and aluminum fasteners, all contribute to the super-low 1,195 kg (2,434-pound) curb weight.

2014 BMW i3 Exterior Features:

BMW i3 Mega World

-19-inch extra-efficient forged aluminum wheels

- 7.4 kW on board charger

-LED headlights

-DRLs and taillights

BMW i3 Giga World:

-All Mega World features, plus:

-Giga-specific 19-inch wheels

BMW i3 Tera World

-All Giga World features

Exterior Dimensions

Length

3,999 MM (157.4 Inches)

Width

TBA

Height

TBA

Wheelbase

2,570 MM (101.2 Inches)

Curb Weight

2,700 pounds, Est.

Turning Radius

9.86 Meters (32.34 Feet)


Interior

One of the most notable features of the new BMW i3 is the lack of center tunnel and the fact that both the front and rear bench seats allow for easy movement inside the vehicle and even allow the driver to exit through the passenger door if necessary. The model has been designed around the driver, meaning that all the controls are placed at easy access.

The i3 is also offered with a freestanding steering column that includes all the driving controls, such as the instrument cluster, start/stop button and gear shift selector.

A weight savings of 10 percent is achieved via the use of raw, renewable materials on the door trim, additionally, the instrument panel supports are made from magnesium for an extra 20 percent in weight savings over the equivalent steel material.

The i3's full list of standard features will be released later this fall, but there is a standard navigation that makes use of BMW Connected Drive services. This nav system uses a Driving Range Assistant to help you plan a long journey by figuring out if the route is beyond the car's range and compensating for that by switching driving modes automatically and pointing out an ideal charging location along the way if there is no possible way to make it in one shot.

This nav system also privies you to all sorts of variable info, like battery charge, driving style, electrical draw from accessories, driving mode, traffic, topography and temperature. This data is then crunched and the i3 automatically adjusts its drivetrain to maximize efficiency.

ConnectedDrive also hooks up to any iOS or Android device and allows you to access it remotely. This app allows you to preplan a route based on the car's current charge and all of the aforementioned variables before you even walk out of your front door. Additionally, the app will show you nearby charging stations, and allow you to activate the battery pre-heating feature to get the battery up to temperature to help maximize performance and range.

The interior is upholstered in sustainable recycled material and the steering wheel is wrapped in leather, as standard. Optional leather and wool, and full olive leaf-tanned leather are available on the Giga World and Tera Worl trims, respectively.

2014 BMW i3 Interior Features:

BMW i3 Mega World

-BMW Navigation

-BMW ConnectedDrive with eCall

-BMW i Remote

-Alarm

-Bright, lightweight Sensatec and sustainable cloth made from recycled materials

-Leather trimmed steering wheel

-Grained dash trim

BMW i3 Giga World

-All Mega World features, plus:

-Interior wrapped in leather and wool cloth

-Universal garage door opener

-Comfort Access

-Sunroof

-Satellite radio

-Leather-trimmed steering with contrasting stitching

BMW i3 Tera World

-All Giga World features, plus:

-Luxurious full leather

-Olive leaf-tanned interior, with textile accents and contrasting stitching

-Anthracite floors mats.

Drivetrain, Suspension and Brakes

Now the part that everyone is most curious about: what's under the i3's hood? Well under there is a hybrid synchronous electric motor that puts out 125 kW (170 horsepower) and 250 Nm (184 pound-feet) of torque to the rear wheels from the second you touch the accelerator, via a single-speed automatic transmission. This pushes the petite hatchback to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a spirited 7.2 seconds and to a top speed of 93 mph. Both are rather impressive, as is its sprint to 30 mph in 3.5 seconds, to 60 mph in an estimate 7 seconds and 50 to 75 mph in only 4.9 seconds.

What really matters in the compact EV class is the efficiency of the car, and the i3 delivers in that area too. Its motor only takes up 0.13 kWh from its eight-module lithium-ion battery per mile of driving. This battery stores a total of 22 kWh of energy, which affords the i3 an everyday driving range of 130 to 160 km (81 to 99 miles). With ECO PRO mode activated, the i3's range jumps to 150 to 180 km (93 to 111 miles) and ECO PRO+ mode jumps it to 170 to 200 km (105 to 123 miles). Charging can take less than 30 minutes on a fast-charge station and about 8 hours on a domestic socket.

On top of all of that, you can also opt for a range extender at an additional cost, which adds a 650 cc twin-cylinder gasoline engine to the mix. This 25 kW (34-horsepower) engine jumps the total range to up to 300 km (180 miles) in everyday driving.

In terms of handling, the i3 is competent, thanks mostly to its 50:50 weight distribution and battery back that helps lower its center of gravity. Its rear-drive configuration allows for mild oversteer, and its McPherson strut front suspension and five-link rear suspension help it deliver spirited handling. The only real downfall for the i3 are its super skinny and tall 155/70R19 tires. While these do increase efficiency, they are also not the greatest for handling and will be super-expensive to replace.

BMW didn't dive too much into the i3's braking system with the exception of noting that it does feature ABS and automatic braking when you lift your foot off of the accelerator. No, this automatic braking won't completely stop the car, but it does apply about 75 percent braking power, which also helps recharge the batteries.

Drivetrain Specifications:

Engine technology

BMW eDrive technology: hybrid synchronous motor with integrated power electronics, charger and generator mode for recuperation

Output (kW/hp)

125 / 170

Torque (Nm/ft-lb)

250 / 184

Rated voltage

360V

Energy capacity (kWh)

22

Storage technology

Lithium-ion

Drive concept

Rear-wheel drive


Performance Figures:

Power-to-weight ratio (hp/lb)

14.31

Acceleration 0–60 mph

7 Sec.

Acceleration 0–35 mph

3.5 Sec.

Acceleration 50 - 75 mph

5.4 Sec.

Top speed

93 mph


Efficiency:

Range in everyday driving (Comfort mode)

130 – 160 km (81 - 99 miles)

Range in ECO PRO+ mode

170 - 200 km (105 - 123 miles)

Range In Comfort mode with Range Extender

Approx. 300 km (180 miles)

Charging times (for 80% charge)

< 30 min. at 50 kW fast charge to ~ 8 h for 100% at domestic socket


Suspension Specifications:

Front Type

Aluminum single-joint McPherson spring strut with anti-dive

Rear Type

Five-link axle directly mounted to Drive module

Tires front/rear

155/70 R19

Rims front/rear

5J x 19 light-alloy


Pricing and Release

We expected the i3 to come in at about $45k in the U.S. and BMW has just announced that it will come in well under this mark. The i3 will start out at a relatively cheap $41,350 before federal tax credits, plus a $925 delivery fee, for the Mega World trim. The range-extender model will have a starting price of $45,200.

The i3 will make its global debut on July 29th and it will be available for purchase in the U.S. in the second quarter (April to June) of 2014, making it a 2015 model year vehicle.

Pricing Details:

Model

MSRP

2015 BMW i3 Mega World

$42,275 (Incl. delivery)

2015 BMW i3 Giga World

TBA

2015 BMW i3 Tera World

TBA


Spy Videos

BMW i3, Presumably During Commercial Filming

Cold Weather Testing in Sweden

Competition

2014 Nissan Leaf

The Nissan Leaf is currently the most successful electric car offered on the North American market. It comes with a front-mounted, electric-drive motor that delivers a total of 107 horsepower. The Leaf requires a total of 8 hours for a full charge from a 200-volt source.

With the battery at an 80-percent charge, you can drive a total of 80 miles and you can get an additional 31 miles after plugging in for only 10 minutes.

2014 Chevrolet Volt

Chevrolet Volt is among the first Extended-range EVs offered on the market, but somehow it failed to be as successful as Chevrolet was hoping. Its lack of success was like due in large part to its inflated $40k price tag.

Volt is designed to drive up to 40 miles on electricity without using gasoline or producing tailpipe emissions, thanks to the lithium-ion battery pack that runs it. The model delivers an equivalent output of 150 horsepower and 273 ft lbs of torque with a 0-to-60 mph time of about 9 seconds and a top speed of 100 mph.

2014 Fiat 500e

Though it is only in a very limited market, you can still consider the 500e as a competitor to the i3. It comes up pretty short in power at only 111 horsepower and it only travels a certified 87 miles on a charge. Additionally, there is no optional rage extender available and its $32,500 price tag puts it too close to the i3's anticipated pricing. Where the Fiat wins out is in overall looks, as the 500e is pretty cute and the i3 is a little flat.

Conclusion

The jury is still out, pending the release of standard features and trim pricing, but the $41k starting price seems like a relative steal, given it is relatively well equipped. We particularly like the optional range extender, which is something that none of the other EVs offer: they either have one or they do not. Additionally, its 7-second run to 60 mph is likely going to lead the class for many years and its nice handing will put it on a pedestal that other compact EVs can look up at.

Updated History

UPDATE 07/29/2013: The new BMW i3 finally made its world debut today after undergoing years of testing. Sales will begin in the second quarter of 2014.

Updated 10/10/2013: BMW confirmed that the new i3 will go on sale in the U.S. market in the second quarter of 2014. The battery electric model will have a base price of $41,350, while the range-extender model will have a starting price of $45,200. We have also added a new set of more than 100 new high res images, so check the picture gallery to see them all!