2019 BMW i3 and i3s Double Driving Range.

BMW has announced new specification and pricing for the 2019 BMW i3. The little electric creation now comes in a 120Ah configuration that basically doubles the driving range. The battery started life as a 60Ah unit when the i3 launched in 2013. But what really shows how far these types of batteries have come is the fact that while storage capacity of the 42kWh battery has doubled, the actual size remains the same.

Australian BMW Boss Vikram Pawah said, “BMW has once again demonstrated its technical capability in the EV space with the latest BMW i3 120Ah,”

“Effectively doubling the real-world driving range from the i3’s 2013 global introduction, the newest addition to our BMW i stable remains a trailblazer.

“Beyond that, the constant evolution of materials and specification, as well as the i3s sports- focused variant, makes the car more relevant than ever,” he said.

EV driving range is said to now sit at up to 260km. Charging is performed like most electric cars, there’s the slow option via the supplied domestic charging cable that can take up to 20 hours. Or you can install a three phase BMW iWallbox Plus at home that reduces the charging time to three hours to claw back 80 per cent capacity. The standard iWallbox will do it within 10 hours.

The 2019 range is available in the usual i3 and i3s specification and includes Apple CarPlay and wireless charging as standard. There’s a large 10.25-inch colour infotainment display and a host of interior tweaks and colour options. In keeping with the i3’s renowned, almost extreme green credentials the fabric covering in the seats is almost 100 per cent recycled polyester. In fact, much of the cabin features a range of enviro friendly materials.

Standard highlights include:

• Telephony with wireless charging
• BMW i Interior Design ‘Loft’
• Comfort Access System
• Navigation system Professional with iDrive6
• Driving Assistant Plus, including:
• Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function
• Speed Limit Information
• Forward Collision Warning
• Pedestrian Warning
• Driving Assistant Package including:
• Rear view camera
• Active Park Distance Control
• Fully automated parallel Parking Assistant
• BMW ConnectedDrive Services including:
• Real-time traffic information
• Intelligent Emergency Call
• TeleServices
• Remote Services
• Connected+
• Concierge Services
• USB Map Updates
• Apple CarPlay

The BMW i3s 120Ah adds:

• 20-inch BMW i light alloy wheels, Double-spoke style 431
• Driving Experience Control including SPORT mode
• Specific traction control system
• Sport Suspension – lowered by 10mm
• Sport Steering

The BMW i3 120Ah kicks off at $68,700, the i3s 120Ah $69,900*