29 Jul 2013 11:30:59

BMW i3 (2014)

BMW officially revealed today their first production electric vehicle, the i3, which will go on sale in the third quarter of 2014 in the United States. The BMW i3's price for the USA market is set at $41,350 MSRP, which does not include the $925 Destination & Handling fee. For the United Kingdom market, the BMW i3's price list starts at £25,680 GBP for the standard, electric only versions, while the Range Extender model is going to cost you at least £28,830 GBP. THE UK price list for the BMW i3 takes into account the £5,000 GBP OLEV Government grant. The BMW i3 is powered by a hybrid synchronous electric motor that has an output of 125 kW / 170 hp and 250 Nm of torque. The range extender internal combustion engine of the BMW i3 is a 647cc unit that has an output of 34 hp at 4,300 rpm and 55 Nm of torque at 4,300 rpm.

The power of the i3 goes to its rear wheels via an automatic single speed transmission with a fixed ratio. With this powertrain, the BMW i3 is able to accelerate from zero to 37mph (60 km/h) in 3.7 seconds and from nought to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 7.2 seconds. BMW rates the i3 with a top speed of 93 mph (150 km/h). BMW says that the i3 can offer a range of up to 80-100 miles (130 – 160 km). If equipped with the range extender engine, the i3 can run for up to 160-186 miles (240 – 300 km).

The BMW i3 measures 3,999 mm in length, 1,775 mm in width and 1,578 mm in height. It features a CFRP passenger cell and an aluminum module that holds the powertrain, battery and chassis. Thanks to lightweight construction, the i3 weighs just 1,195 kilograms.

BMW i3 (2014)

For the i3, BMW is offering four interior styles, including the standard Atelier, the Loft, the Lodge and the Suite trim levels. The i3 comes as standard with the iDrive system and Radio Professional, hands-free, air conditioning, Park Distance Control with rear-mounted sensors and onboard connectivity via an integrated SIM card. BMW also equips the i3 with USB / Bluetooth connectivity, and the i Remote App. The BMW i3's options list includes various navigation systems, Adaptive LED Headlights, an electrically operated glass roof, automatic climate control, heated seats, Comfort Access and others.

BMW says that the i3 has a perfect 50:50 weigh distribution. It comes with standard 19-inch alloys or optional 20-inch wheels.

The i3 comes with the full set of BMW Connected Drive technologies and the 360° ELECTRIC services, as well as all the safety features you would expect from a modern vehicle.

The full details and specifications of the BMW i3 for the USA market are available here. If you live and the UK or other European markets, you'll need these specifications.