Originally launched in late 2013, the BMW i3->ke4694 has stood tall amongst the competition thanks to its premium European packaging and high-end technology.->ke1701 However, standards in the segment are on the rise, especially when it comes to affordability and range per charge. To address this, the Bavarians are introducing a new model series for the i3 called the 94 Ah, which offers an upgraded battery, and consequently, more miles between plug-in sessions. To complement the extra range, the new model also gets a fresh exterior color and a few added features for the interior.

Of course, the biggest news is the 94 Ah’s improved lithium-ion battery, which gets 50 percent higher capacity compared to the regular model, and according to “independent BMW->ke178 testing cycles,” up to 114 miles of emission-free driving with each full charge.

Some will undoubtedly cry foul, as the first i3 offered up to 123 miles in Eco Pro + mode. So where’s the difference? The 94 Ah’s range was determined in “everyday conditions,” which means Comfort driving mode with the climate control activated, suggesting much more range is possible if you max/min all the settings and drive like a hyper miler (the previous model returned only 81 miles in Comfort mode).

Exactly how many miles is possible when the 94 Ah is pushed to the limit is not yet known, but for now, read on to see how BMW is keeping pace in the world of EVs.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2017 BMW i3 94 AH.

2017 BMW i3 94 AH

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2017 BMW i3 94 AH
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Take an i8,->ke4622 toss it in the oven for a few hours, then press the sides together to form a box. Voila – you have the i3’s styling.

The 94 Ah is essentially unchanged compared to the outgoing model, with a funky, futuristic look, and a rounded, bubbly shape. Blend into the crowd, the i3 does not. The proportions are very much what you’d expect for an aerodynamic little town car, and there’s plenty of two-tone color cues front to back. Five doors aid ingress and egress (the rear doors have a hinge towards the tail, a.k.a., “coach” style), and the diminutive dimensions are perfect for slotting into that narrow last-chance parking space.

Framing the iconic kidney grille are LED headlights as standard, while LEDs are also used for the taillights and daytime running lights. The wheels are measured at 19 inches in diameter and 5 inches in width (20-inch wheels are available as well). The side-view mirrors are power folding and heated as standard.

The only exterior upgrade you get with the 94 Ah is the availability of the very sexy Protonic Blue metallic paint option, which was previously only available on the i8. Other options include the non-metallic hues of Capparis White and Fluid Black, plus metallic hues like Mineral Grey, Platinum Silver, and Ionic Silver.

Interior

Inside the i3, there’s seating for four, plus 15.1 cubic feet of luggage space with the rear seats up and 36.9 cubic feet of luggage space with the rear seats down.

BMW divides the trim levels into specific “worlds,” including Mega World, Giga World, and Tera World. New for the 94 Ah is the inclusion of the Deka World trim, which incorporates dark cloth fabric made from recycled materials. Meanwhile, the Tera World trim now throws in Dark Oak Wood for the interior, or alternatively, Light Eucalyptus wood. Both the Oak and Eucalyptus are available for the Giga World spec as well.

The steering wheel is wrapped in leather, while an electric moonroof is now available to U.S. buyers. Also standard is a universal garage door opener, real-time traffic info, keyless entry, automatic climate control, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, HD Radio, navigation, BMW Assist (roadside assistance), and BMW Teleservices (automatic tune-up scheduling).

Infotainment comes courtesy of BMW’s iDrive system, which throws in the BMW I Remote App (remote vehicle locater and pedestrian navigation), and hands-free phone operation.

Finally, the optional (and more EV-friendly) Navigational System Professional will calculate the distance to your chosen destination and make suggestions about the driving mode, calculate a more efficient route if possible, and even point out available charging stations along the way. The system will also provide a dynamic range map that takes into account charge status, driving style, activated electric features (stereo, climate control, etc.), topography, traffic, and outside temperature to help pin down exactly how far the i3 can go.

Drivetrain

Battery And Charging

Here’s the heart of the update. The “94 Ah” nomenclature is a reference to the new battery’s cell capacity, which was upped to 94 ampere hours (Ah) from the previous model’s 60. Battery energy is rated at 33 kWh. BMW claims the i3 94 Ah is the “most efficient car in its segment with the lowest electricity consumption costs of approximately 2.81 USD/100mi,” assuming an average of 10.42 cents per kWh.

Basically, the battery has a higher energy density thanks to new lithium ion cells. There are eight modules, with 12 storage cells apiece. Developed in conjunction with Samsung SDI, BMW managed to optimize the cell-internal packages through additional electrolyte and adaptation of the active material, effectively increasing the battery from 22 kWh gross (19 kWh net) to 33 kWh gross (27.2 kWh net). That’s a 50-percent increase, all while keeping identical exterior dimensions.

To get the most from the newfound power, the i3 is equipped with a battery thermal management system, which uses air-conditioning coolant and a heater to keep the battery at its ideal operational temperature.

Using a Level 2 charger, the 94 Ah tops off in four-and-a-half hours. That’s an hour longer than the 60-Ah model, which makes perfect sense given its larger capacity. You can also go for DC quick charging, if desired (DC quick charging capabilities come standard). Plug into DC, and you’ll get an 80 percent charge in 40 minutes, versus the 25 minutes required in the 60-Ah model.

BMW also says that the individual battery modules can be swapped for easier service, which presumably means existing i3 models can be retrofitted with the new battery (although no official word has been given on whether the automaker will offer this).

Alongside the release of the 94 Ah will be the availability of the BMW Home Charger Connect. Basically a Level 2 charger for your garage, the Home Charger will offer LED interface operation, plus built-in Wi-Fi connectivity for a host of remote charging services.

If you’re looking for a place to plug in while out and about, there’s also ChargeNow, wherein BMW-partnered charging networks are made available to drivers for public electricity outlet options. This also includes something called ChargeNow DC Fast5, which offers two years of no-cost charging at select EVgo Stations.

The Electric Motor And Range Extender

Making the go is the same three-phase AC synchronous electric motor as the previous i3. Mounted in the rear, this motor sends 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels through a single-speed transmission, which is enough to propel the EV to 60 mph in a little over seven seconds. Top speed is electronically limited at 93 mph. EPA electricity consumption is rated at 27 kWh/100 miles.

If range anxiety is an issue, BMW also offers the 94-Ah battery in the range extender model, a.k.a. the REx, which adds a 650 cc (0.65-liter) two-cylinder internal combustion engine to the drivetrain. Mounted next to the electric motor above the rear axle, this gas burner will kick over when the battery reaches a 6.5 percent charge to keep the electricity flowing.

To complement the new battery in the REx, BMW also added the larger 2.4-gallon fuel tank from the Euro-spec i3, replacing the old 1.9-gallon unit. There’s no word on exactly how far this set-up will go, but the old REx gained an additional 80 miles with a full tank in normal everyday driving. Unfortunately, the internal combustion engine also adds weight, dropping the i3’s 0-to-60 mph time to eight seconds.

Chassis, Suspension, And Brakes

One of the i3’s biggest strengths lies in its construction. Underneath is a carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) passenger cell, which helps to maintain high torsional rigidity without too much weight. The new battery adds a little heft, but overall, the i3 is still pretty light, tipping the scales at 2,961 pounds for the BEV and 3,234 pounds for the REx.

The mass is allocated in a perfect 50/50 distribution front to back. Making the car turn is a MacPherson strut set-up in front, and a five-link set-up in back. The brakes are discs at each corner, and incorporate an energy recuperation system.

Safety

Both the NHTSA and IIHS have yet to post crash results for the i3. However, it’s expected the compact will perform decently well, considering the strong CFRP backbone.

Other safety features include ABS, traction control, air bags, and an aluminum drivetrain module with battery protection. A mobility tire repair kit makes more space and trims weight by replacing the usual spare wheel donut.

Prices

BMW has not yet announced pricing for the i3 94 Ah, but I would hope it wouldn’t see too much of a bump over the current MSRP. For the time being, the i3 starts at $42,400 for the BEV and $46,250 for the REx.

Expect exact pricing closer to the on-sale date later this year.

Competition

Nissan Leaf

For a while, the Nissan->ke62 Leaf was seen as the safest bet when it came to all-electric transportation. These days, the competition is fierce, but the Leaf still remains the best-selling all-electric highway-capable vehicle of all time. Originally put into production in 2010, the Leaf has seen a series of updates over the years, and is currently available in three different trim levels. At the top is the SL, which boasts 107 miles of range per charge from a 30-kWh battery. Pricing starts at $29,010.

Read the full review here.

Chevy Bolt

With a debut at the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, the Bolt looks poised to make a serious dent in the EV world thanks to solid practicality, a 0-to-60 mph time of seven seconds, and 200 miles of range per charge. Throw in a price tag of $30,000 (after incentives), and this might be the one to beat for BMW.

Read the full review here.

Tesla Model 3

While the Model 3 isn’t a strict competitor for the i3 (it’s a sedan->ke142 in a different price range), you can’t help but mention Tesla’s->ke1842 latest four-door when discussing electric transportation. The most important numbers should make Bimmer sweat – 215 miles for just $35,000 (and that’s before incentives, by the way). Of course, the Model 3 isn’t exactly, uh, available yet, but that hasn’t stopped hundreds of thousands of folks from placing a pre-order.

Read the full review here.

Conclusion

BMW carved a neat little niche for itself when it first offered the i3. While a little pricey, the compact’s interior and standard features more than made up for it, making for quite the premium package compared to other products in the segment. Now, however, the focus is on range and affordability thanks to the unavoidable Model 3, and quite frankly, I’m not so sure the Bimmer can keep pace, even with 50 percent higher battery capacity.

If BMW can double down on the luxury it’s known for, I think it has a chance. The price, I’m afraid, has to stay around the same $40,000- to $45,000-range, otherwise, Nissan, Chevy,->ke199 and Tesla will leave it behind in an emission-free dust cloud.