BMW i3s 2018 Review

What's it all about?

A mid-life update to BMW's i3 electric green-car sees changes to styling and technology as well as charging improvements to the German manufacturer's pioneering EV.

In pure electric form (a 94Ah battery), a 200km claimed driving range remains but opt for the range extender (REX) variant of the i3 that benefits from the addition of a petrol engine and your potential daily drive range is boosted to 330km, says BMW.

The headline here, however, is that the BMW i3s joins the eco line-up, bringing a dose of sporting prowess to a car that's gained much praise… but rarely for its dynamics.

The BMW i3s dials up its eco-credentials with sports suspension, a lower ride height (10mm), new springs, dampers and anti-roll bars while the 'Sport' mode adjusts both throttle response and steering feel.

Following its international launch in December 2017, the new BMW i3 and i3s are now on Australian soil, patiently awaiting Australia's electric vehicle groundswell to take hold. If any car can cause a stir so worthy, it's the i3s.

<a href="https://motoring.pxcrush.net/motoring/general/editorial/2018-bmw-i3s-0339.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-csn-inline-image wp-image-235812" src="https://motoring.pxcrush.net/motoring/general/editorial/2018-bmw-i3s-0339.jpg?height=427&width=640&aspect=fitWithin" alt="" width="640" height="427"></a>

How much will it cost?

Local BMW i3s pricing and specifications do not help break new ground - for the uninitiated it remains a hard sell where value is concerned. Enthusiasts may argue the point.

Entry into the four-model line-up begins with the all-electric i3 priced from $68,700 (plus ORcs) and the i3 REX is $74,700 (plus ORCs).

The new i3s starts at $69,900 (plus ORCs) for the pure EV, with a similar $6k premium for its REX version at $75,900 (plus ORCs). Not only do you pay for your luxury status, but also range extending peace of mind.

And the options are a plenty, from metallic paint ($1090) to the Comfort Package ($2000) that includes comfort access, heated front seats and Harman/Kardon HiFi loudspeaker system. Or perhaps you want a tilt and slide sunroof ($2246). It's easy to blow the budget. Apple CarPlay is now available, but it costs ($479). Ouch!

<a href="https://motoring.pxcrush.net/motoring/general/editorial/2018-bmw-i3s-0331-8jto.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-csn-inline-image wp-image-235810" src="https://motoring.pxcrush.net/motoring/general/editorial/2018-bmw-i3s-0331-8jto.jpg?height=427&width=640&aspect=fitWithin" alt="" width="640" height="427"></a>

Why should I buy it?

The i3s is a step up in its drive experience, and its numbers game lifts too, with an extra 10kW and 20Nm (135kW/270Nm), resulting in a 0-100km dash of under seven seconds (6.9sec claimed). In more practical measures, the rolling acceleration from 80-100km is significantly improved. BMW quotes 4.3sec.

But is this the incentive needed for initial uptake of the prestige EV? Time will tell. The move to Type 2 charging hardware reveals a more compatible i3, that can now benefit from existing DC charging infrastructure as well as a claimed 0-80% charge time of just three hours - so it's no longer an overnight proposition.

We can as good as dismiss the REX value as this model is tipped to cease to exist in future generations.

The i3's environmentally friendly qualities remain a strength, but we can't help but think they've missed the mark on its potential to seduce a broader market - city-based families for a start.

The real value to speak of here is the incremental price difference between the standard i3 and the new i3s. At just $1200 extra, it feels like a no brainer. The i3s delivers well above that price differential (particularly where prestige Euro pricing is concerned).

<a href="https://motoring.pxcrush.net/motoring/general/editorial/2018-bmw-i3s-0159-ma9o.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-csn-inline-image wp-image-235801" src="https://motoring.pxcrush.net/motoring/general/editorial/2018-bmw-i3s-0159-ma9o.jpg?height=427&width=640&aspect=fitWithin" alt="" width="640" height="427"></a>

When is it available in Australia?

All four i3 models are in Australia now and waiting for you to part with your hard earned, as well as talk it up to your nearest and dearest sceptics.

Who will it appeal to?

The i3 and i3s remain early-adopter (as ridiculous as that sounds) and enthusiast territory. The price range, unique aesthetic and design idiosyncrasies [still] deter many.

With generous room for just four occupants, suicide style doors (that prevent second row passengers exiting without the front doors opening) and limited luggage space all but rule out the i3 as a realistic city-limits family vehicle.

Shame, too, because its interior space (thanks to no b-pillar) lends itself beautifully to the flexibility and ease of use the family load demands. Gently wrangling children into car seats in that easy-to-access second row: priceless.

So we're left with people who are fortunate enough to have the i3 as their second car… It's the one they drive when both distance and occupants are limited.

<a href="https://motoring.pxcrush.net/motoring/general/editorial/2018-bmw-i3s-0098-y83a.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-csn-inline-image wp-image-235797" src="https://motoring.pxcrush.net/motoring/general/editorial/2018-bmw-i3s-0098-y83a.jpg?height=427&width=640&aspect=fitWithin" alt="" width="640" height="427"></a>

Where does it fit?

Historically, the i3 has failed to position itself as anything other than an eco hero, thanks to its story of emission free motoring, sustainability and recycled materials.

With its key competitors defined by their price and stature alone (small car over $40k), the i3 range competes with vehicles such as Audi's A3, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and the BMW 1Series.

The i3's uniqueness is both its key selling point and its biggest detractor. The hybrid five-seater Audi A3 e-tron, for example, is a much softer entry to the world of electric vehicle ownership.

The validity of electric vehicles in Australia will be top of mind, again, when the second-generation Nissan Leaf (the world's biggest selling electric vehicle) arrives in Australia (later this year), with a claimed driving range up to double that of the i3.

<a href="https://motoring.pxcrush.net/motoring/general/editorial/2018-bmw-i3s-0313.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-csn-inline-image wp-image-235808" src="https://motoring.pxcrush.net/motoring/general/editorial/2018-bmw-i3s-0313.jpg?height=427&width=640&aspect=fitWithin" alt="" width="640" height="427"></a>

So, what do we think?

For now, I'm not concerned about people buying the BMW i3s, I'd settle for them just getting behind the wheel. Consider it baby steps for a nation devoted to performance variants of their preferred prestige marque.

After some EV emersion, maybe then we can have a real conversation about electric vehicles and why you should consider buying one. This midlife update and the addition of a sporty sibling is a solid step ahead for the i3.

2018 BMW i3s pricing and specifications:
Price: $69,900 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 360-volt DC
Output: 135kW/270Nm
Transmission: automatic
Fuel: N/A
CO2: N/A
Safety Rating: four-star ANCAP