BMW i3s to be revealed at Frankfurt

It’s been quite some time since BMW revealed their electric i3 model, and being the technological marvel that it is, it also faces the risk of early obsolescence. Therefore, an updated i3 will hit the roads in 2018!
Four new models will kick start the second wave of BMW’s electric range, with the i8 convertible coming soon afterward, possibly alongside a sportier i8s model, perhaps?

The sportier i3s model will sit at the top of the i3 line-up. It’s powerful electric motor feeds 135kW of power and 270Nm of torque to the rear wheels. This is quite an increase when compared to the standard i3, which produces 125kW of power and 250Nm of torque.
Another sporty element of the BMW i3s is the larger 20” alloy wheels paired to wider tyres. The standard i3 will come with restyled 19” alloys as seen on the current model. The bigger wheels do come at a price, though, as the i3s is 20kg heavier than the 1265kg BMW i3.
Thankfully the extra weight won’t affect the acceleration of the i3s, which does 0-100km/h in 6.9-seconds versus the 7.2-seconds that the standard i3 will take. The top speed is also higher on the flagship model, sitting at a feisty 161km/h. The full potential of the i3s is accessed through the new ‘sport’ driving mode that adjusts the steering and throttle to be more responsive.

The increased performance can also be attributed to the new dimensions of the BMW i3s. The rear track is 40mm wider and the car sits 10mm lower than the standard i3. A fresh sports suspension, new springs, dampers and anti-roll bars make the i3s a force to be reckoned when it comes to handling and stability. Another significant change is the tweaked dynamic stability control system, which now responds even faster to any losses in traction.
The new models will make use of the same 94Ah lithium ion battery that was introduced early in 2016. With a capacity of 33.2kWh, the battery is claimed to provide a maximum range of between 235km and 254km on one charge.
The BMW i3s will also be available with an optional 0.6-litre two-cylinder petrol engine to act as a generator, providing charge to the battery when needed. This option packs on an extra 120kg of weight.
The rest of the facelift changes include new upholstery, revised front and rear bumpers, new sills, lightly refreshed tail lamps and a black roof. The circular outboard high-beam lights have also been replaced with a thin and sleek LED unit that will double as an indicator light. The sportier i3s model will get flared wheel arches along with blue highlights all around the car to differentiate it from its standard siblings.
The electric super-mini will make its debut in Frankfurt later this month.