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2014 BMW i3 Overview

BMW has at last released the full details of its new i3 electric vehicle. The i3 is part of BMW's new sub-brand, i, and it ushers in a new type of BMW. 

 The i3 is a very different beast compared to other BMWs. Starting with the structure, it isn't conventional steel. The body of the car is divided into the Life Module and the Drive Module. The Life module is the passenger compartment, and it is formed out of lightweight carbon fiber. The Drive module houses the drivetrain of the vehicle, and it is made of aluminum.

 All that lightweight material allows for a relatively low curb weight of about 2700 pounds. That, combined with the 170-horsepower and 184-pounds-feet of torque electric motor, makes for an approximate 0 to 60 miles per hour acceleration time of 7 seconds. Top speed is 93 miles per hour. 

 The electric motor is fed by a 450-pound, 22-kwH lithium-ion battery pack. Normal range in Comfort mode is 80 to 100 miles, but Eco Pro mode earns roughly 12% more range. Driving in the Eco Pro+ mode further extends the range around 12% compared to the Eco Pro mode.  Those two range-extending modes increase the range by limiting your top speed and putting the heating and A/C systems into an energy-saving state.

 If you really want more range, a two-cylinder gasoline engine can be ordered to generate electricity. The two-cylinder engine automatically kicks in when the battery charge drops under an unspecified to keep the battery charged. The whole gasoline engine and gas tank system adds 330 pounds to the i3. 

 Another way to generate electricity is by lifting off the acceleration pedal at low speeds. This activates the regenerative braking, so you could theoretically not use the brake pedal at all while driving at low speeds. After a certain speed, the regenerative braking function turns off when you lift off the accelerator to allow coasting. 

 Charging an i3 from a depleted battery to fully-topped off only takes 3 hours using a 220-volt outlet. Optional is a 480-volt DC charging system that charges a depleted battery to 80% charge in 20 minutes and a full charge in 30 minutes. 

 The i3 comes with the 360 Electric support program that covers the setup of the home charging unit, and the assistance of searching for the closest public charging station. As part of that program, the iRemote app links the i3 to the owner's smartphone to allow the owner to access the charge status, and activate the power locks, the horn, the lights, and the climate control system. 

 There are three 'Worlds' (trim levels) to the i3. The base Mega costs $42,275, including a $925 destination fee, and includes a navigation system, 19-inch wheels, BMW's ConnectedDrive, and cloth and fake leather interior upholstery. The midlevel Giga adds a built-in garage door opener, a moonroof, satellite radio, keyless entry, and wool and leather interior upholstery. The top-of-the-line Tera brings a full leather interior. 

 The truly innovative and controversial i3 goes on sale next year.

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