The i3 is BMW’s first take at an all-electric car and despite that, the end result is a lot better than many others out there. In order to keep it up there with the best, the car received a small update with the 2017 BMW i3. This gets updated technology and slightly better powertrain; that’s about it. Even though the changes are small, it is more than enough to make it an even better choice than before. Well, the best option until the new Tesla Model 3 comes to the market, at least if you want a higher level of luxury. The price for the new car hasn’t changed a bit. This means that the base model will start at around $43,000 while the plug-in hybrid version will set you back about $4,000 more.
While it may seem like a large amount of money, with all the technology BMW infused in the tiny i3, it is quite cheap. Also, with the government grants, the price can drop to as low as $35,000 which is a fair amount for what it has to offer. The 2017 model will become available for sale in the upcoming months. A small difference over the previous version is that the European and US models are now different.
Range and Battery pack of new 2017 BMW i3
How? Well, the difference between the 2017 BMW i3 and the older model is the new battery pack. Buyers on the US market will have to buy a new car to receive the new technology. However, in Europe, for a fee of roughly $8,000 BMW will install the all new battery-pack. This is a 33 kWh pack, nearly 50% larger than before. The weight only increased by around 100 pounds, and regarding size, it is identical to the older generation. This will allow the all-electric model to get up to 114 miles of all-electric range which is quite good and makes it quite a bit more useful than before. When it comes to recharging, you will need just four hours from a normal 220 volts socket that is about one hour longer than it was the case with previous 22kWh battery. The range-extender version of the car also gets small changes. BMW unlocks an extra half a gallon of capacity from its tank. It is the same tank like before but BMW limited its size previously so it would have zero emission status. This will allow the small i3 to get more than 190 miles of extended range which is great; especially considering it can be used with ease for longer distances.
In the near future the upgraded battery pack will also likely hit the US market but at what price we don’t know for sure, at least for now. Like before, the best part about the i3 is the aluminum and carbon fiber construction. There is no other car at this price point to use these materials which makes the i3 unique. On top of that, it is said that BMW improved the way the car handles. While it will still be delivered with skinny low-rolling resistance tires, the car should now provide a much nicer experience thanks in part to the heavier battery which is mounted low in the chassis resulting in the low center of gravity.
Design
Not much else has changed for the 2017 BMW i3, and it was expected considering that it was recently introduced to the market. BMW is very likely using the model as a development platform, and we do expect new electric cars in the future from a German company. Also, rumors suggest that in a few years a larger version of the i3 might be released. Until then this model will have to do with its quirky personality and great looks.
The interior is no different either; there are still no needs to change much. Among the things that did change we are getting display dashboard instead of analog dials the car used. Also, the center screen has been improved with better viewing angles and an easier to use interface. A sporty package could also be added in the following months which could include a set of sports seats wrapped in Alcantara, which would be a nice upgrade.
