2019 i3 120Ah
Today, BMW announces the next chapter in the i3 story of electromobility; the new 2019 i3 and i3s with 120 Ah batteries. Since its launch in 2014, the battery capacity and range of the i3 has grown from the original 60Ah / 81 miles to 94Ah / 115 miles in 2017 and now 120Ah for 2019. With the high voltage battery cell capacity increased to 120 ampere hours (Ah) and a gross energy content of 42.2 kilowatt hours (kWh), the new generation of high-voltage batteries enables the BMW i3 120 Ah and the BMW i3s 120Ah to achieve a range of up to 153 miles, nearly a 30% improvement from the 94 Ah model and almost double its original range. The 2019 i3 REX model range is expected to be similarly improved, pending EPA certification.
The BMW i3 is a visionary electric vehicle and an inspirational design that has helped to make BMW i so popular through its innovative mobility solutions with sustainability as a key defining element. The BMW i brand has established itself as a pioneer for forward-thinking mobility by offering such products while also adopting an all-embracing approach that takes into account the complete lifecycle, from raw material production, through the manufacture and operation of the vehicles to their later recycling.
Complementing the introduction of the new battery, a new exterior color, a new color for the optional Mega World upholstery and full LED headlights with cornering lights and automatic high beams, are also available for the BMW i3 and BMW i3s. iDrive 6.0, previously available only with the optional Navigation Professional, is now featured on the standard navigation system. Additionally, a Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless charging tray for your personal mobile devices is available for the first time. The WiFi hotspot accommodates up to 10 devices and comes free with a 3 month or 3 GB trial offer.
2019 BMW i3 120Ah
New generation battery development: increased energy
The BMW eDrive technology enables drivers to enjoy emission-free mobility with instantaneous power delivery, efficient use of energy and an optimized range for everyday practicality that even extends beyond the demands of purely urban travel.
Like the electric motors, the high-voltage batteries are an integral part of the BMW eDrive technology used in BMW i automobiles and developed in-house the BMW Group. Based on research and development work conducted in close cooperation with the manufacturer of the individual battery cells, constant improvements to the battery packs’ power output, vehicle range, safety and durability have been achieved. Installed low in the floor of the vehicle, the new high-voltage battery is produced at the BMW plant in Dingolfing and consists of eight modules, each with twelve storage cells: the latest cell capacity of 120Ah along with a gross energy content of 42.2kWh. The exterior dimensions of the battery pack remain unchanged. When launched in 2014, the i3’s battery pack provided 60 Ah and 22.6kWh, while the second-generation battery introduced for 2017 offered a capacity of 94Ah and 33kWh.
The BMW i3, powered by a 170 hp electric motor, accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, while the BMW i3s with 181 hp completes the standard sprint in 6.8 seconds. The two models set the benchmark for sporty performance within their vehicle segment.
With its battery capacity increased to 42.2kWh, the latest version of the BMW i3 follows the brand's holistic concept; a responsible use of resources including not only locally emissions-free power but also material selection, production techniques and available mobility services. The BMW i3 120Ah and the BMW i3s 120Ah have a much more favorable CO2 footprint across the entire vehicle lifecycle – from raw material extraction and manufacture through to use and recycling – and this makes for significantly lower global warming potential than is the case with comparable, conventionally powered automobiles.
Design and Interior: great sense of roominess, sustainable materials.
The interior styling of the new BMW i3 and BMW i3s is rooted in the LifeDrive vehicle architecture. The carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) passenger cell has a wonderfully spacious feel about it and is dominated by a sense of lightness. The design principle of the two four-seater models means there is no need for either fixed B-pillars or a transmission tunnel. Doors that open in opposite directions allow the occupants to get in and out with the greatest of ease.
New for 2019 exterior color choices is Jucaro Beige Metallic w/ Frozen Grey accents which replaces the outgoing Protonic Blue Metallic w/Frozen Grey accent.
Interior trim changes include Mega World now offering Electronic Brown Trim and Mega Carum Spice Grey SensaTec with Brown Cloth highlights. Tera World now includes higher quality Tera Dark Truffle Vernasca Leather. The BMW i3 and BMW i3s apply the concept of sustainability throughout, as other materials used are recycled plastics, renewable raw materials, natural fibers and open-pored, unbleached eucalyptus wood. Over 80 percent of the surfaces visible to the passengers are made from recycled materials or renewable resources. The available seat belts in BMW i Blue for the BMW i3s provide a splash of color in the interior.
Connectivity and Driver Assistance Systems.
BMW Connected bolsters the link between the i3 and the digital experience. Remote Services allow you to check if your windows are closed and doors are locked. You can also precondition the climate of the i3 for a comfortable temperature before your departure as well as warming the battery under certain conditions. On the eDrive tab, one can browse through various efficiency statistics, monitor your electrical consumption, energy recuperation statistics and observe your efficiency.
The driver assistance systems available for the 2019 BMW i3 and BMW i3s ease the driver’s workload and provide support in various traffic situations, as well as helping with longitudinal and lateral vehicle control. The optional Technology and Driving Assistance Package includes LED headlights with cornering lights, Active Driving Assistant, Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Daytime Pedestrian Protection, Frontal Collision Warning with City Collision Mitigation, and Advanced Real-Time Traffic Information. ConnectedDrive Services and front/rear Park Distance Control are now standard equipment. Parking Assistance is a standalone options for the i3 (not available on the i3s). Once activated, Parking Assistance scans for suitable parking spaces and at the press of a button takes control of acceleration, braking, gear selection and steering to perfectly park your i3.
Specifications
| i3 | i3 REX | i3s | i3s REX | ||
| Seats | -- | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Number of Doors | -- | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Drive type | -- | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD |
| Length | inches | 158.3 | 158.3 | 158.1 | 158.1 |
| Width | inches | 69.9 | 69.9 | 70.5 | 70.5 |
| Height | inches | 62.9 | 62.9 | 62.6 | 62.6 |
| Width including mirrors | inches | 80.3 | 80.3 | 80.3 | 80.3 |
| Wheelbase | inches | 101.2 | 101.2 | 101.2 | 101.2 |
| Ground clearance | inches | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.2 | 5.2 |
| Turning radius | feet | 16.2 | 16.2 | 16.9 | 16.9 |
| Shoulder width front | inches | 53.6 | 53.6 | 53.6 | 53.6 |
| Shoulder room rear | inches | 49.2 | 49.2 | 49.2 | 49.2 |
| Legroom front | inches | 40.5 | 40.5 | 40.5 | 40.5 |
| Legroom rear | inches | 31.9 | 31.9 | 31.9 | 31.9 |
| Headroom front | inches | 39.6 | 39.6 | 39.6 | 39.6 |
| Headroom rear | inches | 37.2 | 37.2 | 37.2 | 37.2 |
| Cargo volume (SAE) | ft³ | 15.1 – 36.9 | 15.1 - 36.9 | 15.1 – 36.9 | 15.1 – 36.9 |
| Fuel Tank capacity | gallons | -- | 2.3 | -- | 2.3 |
| Curb weight | lbs. | 2,965 | 3,269 | 3,034 | 3,302 |
| Gross vehicle weight | lbs. | 3,907 | 3,960 | 3,907 | 3,960 |
| Payload | lbs. | 814 | 627 | 814 | 627 |
| Electrical Machine motor type | Traction | Traction | Traction | Traction | |
| Engine | IB1 | IB1 | IB1 | IB1 | |
| Engine configuration | synchro | synchro | synchro | synchro | |
| Peak Power | hp | 170 | 170 | 181 | 181 |
| Maximum torque | lb-ft. | 184 | 184 | 199 | 199 |
| Gasoline generator type | -- | -- | W20 | -- | W20 |
| Cylinders | -- | -- | 2 | -- | 2 |
| Valves per cylinder | -- | -- | 4 | -- | 4 |
| Stroke | mm | -- | 79 | -- | 79 |
| Bore | mm | -- | 66 | -- | 66 |
| Displacement | cm³ | -- | 647 | -- | 647 |
| Compression rate | :1 | -- | 10.6 | -- | 10.6 |
| Engine power | hp | -- | 38 | -- | 38 |
| at rpm | 1/min | -- | 5,000 | -- | 5,000 |
| Engine torque | Lb-ft. | -- | 41 | -- | 41 |
| at rpm | 1/min | -- | 4,500 | -- | 4,500 |
| Fuel type | -- | -- | Gasoline | -- | Gasoline |
| Recommended Fuel | -- | -- | Regular | -- | Regular |
| Engine oil capacity | quarts | -- | 2.7 | -- | 2.7 |
| Transmission type | -- | GE1B | GE1B | GE1B | GE1B |
| Transmission type | -- | Auto | Auto | Auto | Auto |
| Gear ratio 1st gear | -- | 9.655 | 9.655 | 9.655 | 9.655 |
| Battery capacity (low voltage) | Ah | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 |
| System voltage (low voltage) | V | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Battery capacity (high voltage) | Ah | 120 | 120 | 120 | 120 |
| System voltage (high voltage) | V | 352 | 352 | 352 | 352 |
| Battery type, high voltage | Li-Ion | Li-Ion | Li-Ion | Li-Ion | |
| Gross battery content, high voltage | kWh | 42.2 | 42.2 | 42.2 | 42.2 |
| Net battery content, high voltage | kWh | 37.9 | 37.9 | 37.9 | 37.9 |
| Charging Level 1 AC | kW | 7.4 | 7.4 | 7.4 | 7.4 |
| Charging Level 2 AC | kW | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
| DC Charging Combo | kW | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
| Charging time Level 2 (0-80%) | hrs | 4.9 | 4.9 | 4.9 | 4.9 |
| Charging time Level 2 (0-100%) | hrs | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| Charging time DC (0-80%) | hrs | 0.7 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 0.7 |
| Charging time DC (0-100%) | hrs | 1.4 | 1.4 | 1.4 | 1.4 |
| Steering ratio | :1 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 |
| Recuperation power | kW | up to 50 | up to 50 | up to 50 | up to 50 |
| Tires 19” standard front | -- | 155/70R19 | 155/70R19 | -- | -- |
| Tires 19” standard rear | -- | 155/70R19 | 175/60R19 | -- | -- |
| Wheels 19” front & rear | inches | 5J x 19 | 5 / 5.5 x 19 | ||
| Tires 20” standard front | -- | -- | 175/55R20 | 175/55R20 | |
| Tires 20” standard rear | -- | -- | 195/50R20 | 195/50R20 | |
| Wheels 20” front | inches | -- | -- | 5.5J x 20 | 5.5J x 20 |
| Wheels 20” rear | inches | -- | -- | 6.0J x 20 | 6.0J x 20 |
| Track, front | inches | 61.9 | 61.9 | 62.7 | 62.7 |
| Rear, track | inches | 62.0 | 61.3 | 62.1 | 62.1 |
| Cx | -- | 0.29 | 0.30 | 0.30 | 0.31 |
| 0-60 mph | seconds | 7.2 | 8.0 | 6.8 | 7.6 |
| Top speed | mph | 93 | 93 | 99 | 99 |
| Electric range, up to | miles | 153 | 153 | 153 | 153 |
| Range extender range, up to | miles | -- | tba | -- | tba |
