BMW i3 120Ah here in February from $68,700
Upgraded EV brings more range, more kit, and new colour options for no additional cost.
BMW Australia has confirmed availability and details for the updated i3 120Ah line-up, scheduled to touch down locally early next year.
As before, both standard 'i3' and 'i3s' variants will be offered, with the former kicking off at $68,700 before on-road costs, and the latter priced from $69,900 plus ORCs.
Key upgrades include a new 42kWh lithium-ion battery pack, twice the capacity of the original i3. BMW claims the new power source allows for a 'real world' driving range of up to 260 kilometres, 60km more than the outgoing 90Ah version.
The new battery system takes 19.5 hours to charge from 0 to 80 per cent using a domestic 1.8kW socket, 9.7 hours with a 3.7kW one-phase wall box, 3.2 hours with a three-phase 11kW wall box, and 42 minutes with a 50kW DC fast charger.
Performance remains unchanged, with the standard i3 putting out 125kW and 250Nm from its electric motor, while the i3s makes a slightly peppier 135kW and 270Nm from its e-motor.
BMW claims a 7.3-second sprint to 100km/h for the base model, and 6.9 seconds in 's' trim.
As for equipment, the 2019 i3 range benefits from a specification upgrade, now including comfort access, wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless phone charging as standard.
Carryover equipment highlights include Navigation System Professional, which incorporates a 10.25-inch infotainment display, ConnectedDrive suite with Concierge Services, the Driving Assistant Plus Package (low-speed AEB, adaptive cruise control with stop&go and speed sign recognition), and the Parking Assistant Package which includes a rear-view camera and automated parking assistant.
Adaptive LED headlights with High Beam Assistant are optionally available – though pricing is still TBC.
For 2019 the i3 and i3s can now be had in 'Jucaro Beige' (pictured) with Frozen Grey accents, while the standard 'Loft' interior option gets a new 'Electronic' brown trim panel along with cloth/sensatec upholstery that comprises of almost 100 per cent recycled polyester.
Meanwhile, the optional 'Suite' interior design picks up a refreshed colour pallette for the new model year, too, including Dark Truffle 'Vernasca' leather along with a choice of open-pore Eucalyptus or Oak Dark matte wood trims.
The i3 120Ah line-up arrives in local showrooms from February. Click here for more images (overseas model shown)
2019 BMW i3 pricing
- i3 120Ah (125kW/250Nm) – $68,700
- i3s 120Ah (135kW/270Nm) – $69,900
All prices exclude on-road costs
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