While the new M5 shows what BMW is capable of when it comes to ultimate performance, at the other end of the company’s line-up is the electric i3.
But now BMW has developed a sporty new version, the i3s, that claims to deliver more performance and driver-focused dynamics without impacting the ‘real-world’ range. Can you have your cake and eat it?
The German firm certainly believes there’s an appetite for this sportier version of its updated urban runaround. Tested in pure electric form, the new car features the same battery as the standard i3, but gets a more powerful 180bhp electric motor, with 270Nm of torque. That’s 12bhp and 20Nm more than the standard i3, which drops the car’s claimed 0-62mph time to 6.9 seconds and means the i3s is as fast as a previous-generation Ford Fiesta ST.
A new, more responsive traction control system also means less of that power is wasted in wheelspin. The initial hit of torque rockets the i3 away, but the acceleration subsides as the speed rises, so next you notice the wind noise around the doors.
As with all i3 models, the regenerative braking is nicely judged, so you quickly get used to driving using just one pedal, coming on and off the accelerator to adjust your speed.
When you find a twisty section of road, it’s clear that the i3s is more positive than the standard car. Tweaks to the springs, dampers and anti-roll bars in the sports suspension combine with the wider tyres to deliver more grip, weightier steering and a generally greater feeling of confidence behind the wheel. But, despite all the changes, this is no hot hatchback.
Although the carbon fibre construction helps to keep the car’s weight down and locates the battery pack low down in the car, the i3s still weighs a fairly heavy 1,265kg and the combination of a tall body and a high driving position means the car doesn’t feel particularly nimble.
It’s better, but still no driver’s car, then. So, what about the impact of all these sporty changes on everyday usability? Despite featuring 20-inch wheels, the ride is less brittle than before. There’s also a little more compliance in the suspension, which helps to make the car feel more comfortable.
On the official NEDC cycle, the i3s will travel up to 174 miles on a full charge (12 miles less than the standard i3), but BMW claims that the ‘real-world’ range is no different at 125 miles.
- Model: BMW i3s
- Price: £32,475 (incl. Govt grant)
- Engine: 33.2kWh battery, one electric motor
- Power/torque: 180bhp/270Nm
- Transmission: Single-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
- 0-62mph: 6.9 seconds
- Top speed: 99mph
- Range: 174 miles
- CO2: 0g/km
- On sale: Now
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