BMW Malaysia has launched the fully electric i3s at the Malaysia Autoshow 2019. The i3 represents BMW’s first ever mass-produced fully electric vehicle and is also the vehicle to spearhead the brand’s electric focused range – BMW i.
Despite being in production since 2013, the i3s now available locally is the latest model that is equipped with a 120 Ah lithium-ion battery. This translates to 42.2 kWh of power that allows for 260 km of range when fully charged. Of course being a fully electric vehicle is special in its own right. The synchronous electric motor has 184 hp with 270 Nm of torque from zero, the century sprint takes a mere 6.9-seconds but is limited to a top speed of 160 km/h. The other benefit of having a vehicle like this? There are no CO2 emissions. Zero.
What makes the i3 special is in its construction. Built on BMW’s LifeDrive vehicle architecture, the chassis is aluminium with a passenger cell made from carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP). Because CFRP is extremely rigid, the i3 doesn’t have B-pillars, allowing for the unique coach door set-up.
In terms of looks, the i3s sports a bold front bumper with a black U-shaped surround and a high-gloss black accent for its closed kidney grille, making it more distinct. It comes with full LED headlights as standard, has the turn signals integrated into the front apron.
What separates the i3s with the standard i3 is the sports suspension, which is standard in the ‘s’ version. This includes specific dampers, springs and stabilisers and a suspension lowered by 10 mm, as well as a wider track of 40 mm and the 20-inch light alloy wheels.
As for the interior, the design language has comfort, innovation and spaciousness with the core of being sustainable. On over 80 per cent of all visible surfaces within the i3s, recycled and renewable resources are used, ensuring the low carbon footprint that the car is meant to be. The many sustainable materials used to furnish the interior include recycled plastics, natural fibres and open-pored, unbleached eucalyptus wood.
When it comes to being behind the wheel, the Driving Experience Control has Sport mode for a more direct accelerator response and tighter steering characteristics. As with every BMW, the i3s also comes with Dynamic Stability and Traction Control, Cornering Brake Control and ABS with Brake Assist for safety.
Owners will be able to purchase the i Wallbox that provides 11 kW of charging. It takes roughly three hours of charge from a depleted battery to have a range of 180 km, or about 80 per cent. The i Wallbox is equipped with WiFi access, which can be operated via smartphone, smartwatch, PC or tablet and allows access to all features of the BMW Digital Charging Service.
How much is the i3s and what colours will you be able to get it in? The i3s is priced at an estimate RM 279,000 on the road without insurance and comes with BMW’s unlimited mileage 5-year warranty and free scheduled service. Colours include Fluid Black, Capparis White, and Mineral Grey in highlights of the i Blue. As for financing, you can own the i3s with monthly instalment plans from RM 3,188.
BMW's latest 7th generation 3 Series is now in Malaysia. Click here to learn more.
Also catch up with the 3 Series' history with a brief infographic here.
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