BMW will be introducing a new model to the i3 electric car lineup, the i3s. This sportier version of the best-selling i3 reduces range by a few miles and gains a lot of power and sport handling to compensate. The BMW i3s will debut in Frankfurt at the International Motor Show in September.
The standard BMW i3 models are powered by a 125 kW (170 horsepower) electric motor that produces up to 184 lb-ft (250 Nm) of torque. The range for the i3 is from 180-186 miles (290-300 km) per charge in the NEDC cycle, or roughly 124 miles (200 km) in everyday use per BMW. The standard i3 has a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) speed of 7.3 seconds with a top speed of 93 mph (150 km/h).
The BMW i3s boosts those performance figures, and sacrifices some range to get them. The i3s has a high-performance 135 kW (184 hp) electric motor that outputs a peak 199 lb-ft (270 Nm) of torque. The drive system features taper roller bearings and a modified motor controller to improve power output to the wheels at higher RPM. Top speed is boosted to 99 mph (160 km/h) and 0-100 km/h time is reduced to 6.9 seconds in the i3s.
Read more about it at NewAtlas.com.
Aaron is an automotive journalist living in Wyoming, USA. His background includes technology, mechanics, commercial vehicles, and new vehicle evaluations. Aaron is a member of several automotive media groups and writes for many well-known publications.