BMW i3: The BMW i3 shows off what BMW’s got when it comes to eco-friendly zooming around. It took a hard left from the usual car stuff back in 2013. Even though they stopped making it in 2022, this cool electric ride keeps on making its mark on how we get around the city without hurting the planet.
BMW i3’s design tossed tradition out the window rocking a cool “black belt” that stretches from the front hood to the back popping out against the rest of the car’s color. The “Life Module” is this fancy bit made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic sitting on top of the “Drive Module” chassis that’s all aluminum. It’s like a big brainwave in car design – it cranks up the room inside but keeps the car from getting chunky.
Then you’ve got these doors that open back-to-front, they’re called suicide doors, and with no B-pillars in the way, it’s like rolling out the red carpet to jump in. Plus, the windows are super tall, so you can see everything, and it feels like you’re outside even when you’re not. Even though the i3 looks small on the outside, inside it’s like, “Surprise!” because there’s a bunch of space, and that’s all thanks to the mega-smart design of its electric car skeleton.
BMW i3 Engine and Performance
Throughout its run, the i3 got several updates to its engine. The last version has a 170 horsepower electric motor that powers the back wheels and gives you 250 Nm of instant torque. It lets you zoom from 0 to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds showing you can have quick rides without losing eco-friendliness.
If you go for the extra range extender model, it adds a 647cc two-cylinder gas engine. But it works to make electricity giving you around 200 miles before you need a recharge. Without the extender, the i3 can go up to 153 miles with its 42.2 kWh battery pack.
BMW i3 Tech and Cool Stuff
BMW proves its dedication to being eco-friendly in the i3’s cabin with its use of reclaimed substances and renewables. You’ll find eucalyptus on full display in the dash, while the seats and door trims mix in reused plastics and leather that’s been processed . The 10.25-inch screen seems to float above it all giving you a window into the BMW iDrive system. It lets drivers manage car operations and entertainment options.
The ‘BMW Connected’ app is a handy tool for keeping an eye on your i3 from a distance. It lets you check in on charging, mess with the AC, and even pinpoint your car’s location. As for getting around town, the nav system’s got you covered with routes that save battery life and updates on charging points. This makes running on electricity super practical and a whole lot less of a guessing game.
BMW i3 Safety and Innovation
Dynamic Stability Control, Dynamic Traction Control, and a complete set up of airbags are part of the safety features. A carbon fiber spot for passengers makes sure the car can withstand crashes and still keep its weight low. The car’s got a bunch of advanced systems to help the driver, like Parking Assistant, Active Driving Assistant, plus a Forward Collision Warning that comes with City Collision Mitigation.
BMW i3: It’s All About Being Efficient and Handy
So, the i3’s got this cool build and shape that helps it slip through the air, which is why it’s pretty good on power using 13.1 kWh for every 100km. This awesome regenerative stopping system means you have to touch the brake, well, unless you gotta stop right now now!
Okay so the inside of the car is pretty handy! It can fit four grown-ups and has a space in the back that can hold 260 liters of stuff. But if you fold down the seats in the back, you can fit a whopping 1,100 liters. Plus, sitting up high means you can see everything around you, which is super nice when you’re trying to get around in the city.
BMW i3 Dough and When You Can Get One
So they stopped making the i3 in 2022 right? But if you’re looking for one, you can still snag a pre-owned one that’s in good shape and won’t break the bank. They used to sell for somewhere between $44,450 and $51,500. Oh, and the one with the extra battery cost more. But nowadays, if you’re after a fancy electric ride without spending loads, a used i3 is a solid choice.
BMW i3 Roots and How It Changed Over Time
The BMW i3 played a key role in jump-starting BMW’s move into electric cars. It led the pack for BMW’s full lineup of electric vehicles today. This trailblazer set industry benchmarks with its unique carbon fiber build and eco-friendly materials. These innovations had an influence on the creation of later electric vehicles from all carmakers.
Over its life cycle, the i3 saw a bunch of cool upgrades. They cranked up the battery size from the first 22 kWh all the way to 42.2 kWh. It also got boosts to power that upped both the driving range and how zippy it felt. Then came the i3s variant in 2018, which threw in even more horsepower and some tweaks to make it handle like a dream.
BMW’s i3 did more than just rack up sales; it sparked a change in the game for luxury car makers aiming for greener ways to get around. You can spot its mark in the push for lighter builds, eco-friendly stuff, and tailor-made EV bases.
Putting together the i3 led to some cool tech leaps when it comes to working with carbon fiber and giving it a second life. The green tactics BMW honed while making the i3 are still paying off in their latest electric rides.
The i3 took a fresh look at city driving showing people that eco-friendly wheels can be top-notch and fun. It’s not just about function; the i3 rocked a standout style and new ways of building cars that showed BMW was all-in on dreaming up electric rides from square one.