Munich. The BMW i3 (combined fuel consumption: 0.0 l/100 km; combined power consumption: 13.1 kWh/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 0 g/km) is sustainably on course for success - in both senses of the word. Almost seven years after its market launch, the purely electrically powered and thus locally emission-free compact model is still in continuous high demand. At the BMW Group plant in Leipzig, the 200 000th BMW i3 model rolled off the production line yesterday - almost silently as always. The BMW i3s (combined fuel consumption: 0.0 l/100 km; combined power consumption: 14.6 – 14.0 kWh/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 0 g/km) with Fluid Black metallic paint finish and accents in BMW i Blue was produced for a customer from Saxony and will be delivered by the BMW branch in Leipzig.

The BMW i3 with 125 kW/170 hp and BMW i3s with 135 kW/184 hp are built in Leipzig for the entire world market on a dedicated production line and by specially trained employees. With the start of production in 2013, the plant in Saxony became a pioneer and centre of excellence for sustainable mobility. The BMW i3 was the BMW Group's first purely electrically powered large-scale serial model and also the company's first vehicle with a passenger cell made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP). The Life module made of CFRP is part of a vehicle architecture specific to BMW i and designed for electric mobility from the outset. It is shaped in Leipzig from carbon fibre scrims and assembled in a unique process developed by the BMW Group. This is followed by the union with the drive module, the aluminium chassis, which bears the drive, chassis and high-voltage battery. State-of-the-art manufacturing processes ensure that the body construction and assembly of the BMW i3 in Leipzig takes only about half the time required for conventional vehicles.

BMW i3 as innovation driver for electric mobility and lightweight construction.

The success of the BMW i3 and the experience gained in developing and manufacturing it have significantly boosted progress in the fields of electric mobility and lightweight construction. In this way the BMW i brand has become the workshop of the future for the entire company. The drive of the BMW i3s now also powers the MINI Cooper SE (fuel consumption combined: 0.0 l/100 km; combined power consumption: 16.8 – 14.8 kWh/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 0 g/km) to provide purely electric driving joy. In addition, the gross energy content of the high-voltage storage unit was almost doubled from initially 22.6 to 42.2 kWh without changing its size. The range of the BMW i3 thus increased to between 285 and 310 kilometres in the WLTP test cycle.

Based on the know-how acquired with the BMW i3, numerous innovations have also been achieved in the fields of drive, power electronics and charging technology. The fifth generation of BMW eDrive technology is now ready for series production. It is used, among other things, in the new technology flagship of the BMW Group, the BMW iNEXT, which will be manufactured at the BMW Group plant in Dingolfing, with components from the BMW plant Landshut, from 2021 onwards. The high-tech material CFRP is for example now also contributing to intelligent lightweight construction in the BMW 7 Series.

Leipzig as a location for the future: Battery module production to start in 2021.

The BMW Group plant in Leipzig will continue to make a significant contribution to expanding electric mobility in the future. The site will become part of the BMW Group's international production network for battery modules as early as 2021. By 2022, the BMW Group will invest more than 100 million euros in establishing battery module production in Leipzig. In future, the lithium-ion cells supplied, will be assembled into standardised modules in a highly automated process. These will then be assembled together with the connections to the vehicle, the control units and the cooling units in an aluminium housing specific to each model. By 2022 more than 150 employees will be working in the battery module production in Leipzig.

In this way, the expertise gained at this BMW i3 production site is consistently used for manufacturing electrified vehicles in Germany. The BMW Group plant in Leipzig, where in addition to the BMW i3, models of the BMW 1 and 2 Series with conventional and plug-in hybrid drive are also manufactured, is thus even more comprehensively equipped for the "Power of Choice" approach in the company's model strategy in the future.

Pioneer for premium electric mobility in the city and for an overall understanding of sustainability.

The BMW i3 was developed as a revolutionary new vehicle concept for individual mobility in urban areas. With the BMW i3, the BMW Group has provided significant impetus for change in the field of inner-city transport, which has also inspired other car manufacturers to devote more attention to electric mobility. Today, the BMW i3 is not only still the best-selling premium car in its segment, but also a world-renowned symbol of locally emission-free driving in the city and for commuting between home and work.

According to a 2019 study by the German Automobile Club (ADAC), customers benefit not only from ecological but also from significant economic advantages. According to the calculations, the total costs for a BMW i3 or BMW i3s are on average around 20 percent lower than for a BMW model with a combustion engine that is comparable in terms of engine performance and equipment. All expenditures for the acquisition, operation and depreciation of the vehicles were taken into account, with a holding period of five years each and a total mileage of 75 000 kilometres. Thanks to the now increased state subsidies for electrified vehicles, the lead of the BMW i3 and the BMW i3s in terms of economy is currently even greater.

In addition, the BMW i3 represents a new understanding of premium mobility, which is also strongly characterised by sustainability beyond the purely electric drive. Its roof is made of recycled CFRP at the BMW Group plant in Leipzig. Painting its plastic outer skin requires 75 percent less energy and 70 percent less water compared to conventional processes. 25 percent of the materials used for the thermoplastic exterior parts were either recycled or produced from renewable resources. A high proportion of renewable raw materials and recycled materials is also used in the interior. Production of the BMW i3 at the BMW Group plant in Leipzig is 100 per cent CO₂ neutral. Wind turbines on the factory premises supply the electricity required for production.

The outstanding life cycle assessment of the BMW i3 has already been confirmed by an ISO certificate issued by independent auditors immediately after its market launch. To this end, experts from TÜV Süd analysed all relevant data and evaluations, from which the environmental balance of the BMW i3 for the entire vehicle life cycle was derived, from raw material extraction and production to use and recycling. According to the study, the use of energy from the EU-25 electricity mix already resulted in a greenhouse gas potential reduced by around 30 percent compared to similar vehicles with conventional drive systems. When operated exclusively with regeneratively generated energy, such as wind or solar power, the CO₂ footprint was even reduced by more than 50 percent.

Fuel consumption, CO₂ emission figures and power consumption were measured using the methods required according to Regulation VO (EC) 2007/715 as amended. The figures are calculated using a vehicle fitted with basic equipment in Germany, the ranges stated take into account differences in selected wheel and tyre sizes as well as the optional equipment. They may change during configuration.

The figures have already been calculated based on the new WLTP test cycle and adapted to NEDC for comparison purposes. In these vehicles, different figures than those published here may apply for the assessment of taxes and other vehicle-related duties which are (also) based on CO₂ emissions.

For further details of the official fuel consumption figures and official specific CO₂ emissions of new cars, please refer to the “Manual on the fuel consumption, CO₂ emissions and power consumption of new cars”, available at sales outlets, from Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH (DAT), Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, 73760 Ostfildern-Scharnhausen and at https://www.dat.de/co2/.

Singapore. BMW Asia and Performance Motors announced the availability of the new BMW i3s (120 Ah). The BMW i3 shows the way ahead to a new era of mobility. It is recognised the world over as a symbol of driving pleasure, sustainability and intelligent connectivity in the urban traffic environment, which is why it has become the best-selling electric car in the premium compact segment.

Consistent further development of BMW eDrive technology once again ensures enhanced driving pleasure in the purely electrically powered models of the BMW i brand. A new generation of high-voltage batteries enables the new BMW i3s (120Ah) to achieve a significantly further enhanced range – battery cell capacity has increased to 120 ampere hours (Ah) and a gross energy content of 42.2 kilowatt hours (kWh). In everyday use, the new BMW i3s is now able to cover a distance of 260 kilometres (everyday driving) – an increase of almost 30 per cent. For comparison: at the market launch of the BMW i3 in 2013, the equivalent figures were 160 kilometres, while the second-generation battery introduced in 2016 allowed a range of 200 kilometres.

In this way, BMW i is consolidating its position as an innovation leader and trendsetter in the field of pioneering electromobility with hallmark brand driving pleasure and excellent everyday practicality. Since the market launch of the BMW i3, the storage capacity of its high-voltage battery has been doubled, thereby increasing the car's range as well. At the same time as the introduction of the new battery, a new body finish, and adaptive LED headlights with matrix function for the high beam are also optionally available for the new BMW i3s (120 Ah).  

Ongoing progress in battery development: increased energy content while dimensions remain the same.

Like the electric motors and power electronics, the high-voltage batteries are an integral part of the BMW eDrive technology used in BMW i automobiles and developed independently by the BMW Group. Its lithium-ion cells are produced exclusively based on specifications defined by the BMW Group. Based on sound research and development work conducted in close cooperation with the manufacturer of the battery cells, consistent optimisation of the storage units is achieved in terms of power output, range, safety and durability.

In addition to vehicle weight and the installation space taken up by the high-voltage battery, driving performance and energy consumption likewise remain virtually unaltered by the increased range achieved by the latest advancements. The new BMW i3s (120 Ah) with 135kW/184hp completes the standard sprint in 6.9 seconds. Thanks to spontaneous power delivery as is typical of electric motors, the new BMW i3s (120 Ah) even reaches the level of sports cars that have a considerably more powerful combustion engine: the sprint from 80 to 120 km/h takes just 4.3 seconds.

The high-quality charging electronics of the new BMW i3s (120 Ah) allows fast and flexible refreshment of the energy reserves. The standard charging cable is designed to be plugged into an industrial socket. Here, the battery can be fully charged in 13 hours with a charging capacity of 3.7kW (0-80% in approximately 10 hours). Connection to the BMW i Wallbox Plus (with 11kW charging) enables rapid three-phase charging. Here, the time required to achieve a 100 per cent charge of the large-capacity high-voltage battery is 4h 20 mins. The power electronics and high-voltage battery in the new BMW i3s (120 Ah) can also be used in conjunction with quick-charging stations that run on DC power. Here, the charging capacity is 50kW and the high-voltage battery reaches 80 per cent of its total power in just 45 minutes.

With its battery capacity increased to 42.2kWh, the latest version of the BMW i3 also follows the brand's holistic concept, applicable since market launch and geared towards responsible use of resources: this includes not just locally emissions-free power but also material selection and production techniques. The new BMW i3s (120Ah) has a much more favourable CO₂ footprint across the entire vehicle lifecycle – from raw material extraction and manufacture through to use and recycling – and this makes for significantly lower global warming potential than is the case with comparable, conventionally powered automobiles.

New body finishes, adaptive LED headlights, optimised controls and connectivity.

Since 2014, the BMW i3 has been the world's best-selling electrically powered vehicle in the premium compact segment. On the streets of urban conurbations it has come to stand as a symbol of pioneering mobility. Its characteristic shaping is closely linked to the LifeDrive vehicle architecture, which combines an aluminium chassis with a passenger cell made from carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP). With the introduction of the new battery generation, the design of the new BMW i3s (120 Ah) has been enriched with fresh accentuations. The choice of body finish has been extended to include the new variant Jucaro Beige metallic with accentuations in Frozen Grey. Meanwhile the exterior paint finishes Mineral Grey metallic, Imperial Blue metallic, Melbourne Red metallic, Capparis White and Fluid Black are still available.

As an alternative to the standard LED headlights, adaptive LED headlights are now available with an automatic, selective dip function for the high beam. The innovative matrix technology for the high beam increases visibility range while at the same avoiding any dazzle effect on other road users. For this purpose it is divided into four horizontally arranged segments which can be activated and deactivated independently of each other at speeds of over 70km/h. The high beam segments are controlled based on the traffic situation. As soon as the front camera registers an oncoming vehicle or a vehicle travelling ahead in the same direction, the space in which this vehicle is located is illuminated using the low beam only. This is effected by deactivation of the matrix high beam segments that are responsible for this area. The remaining areas of the road continue to be illuminated by the high beam. Adaptive LED headlight functions also include the cornering light and the high beam assistant.

The optimised menu display for the iDrive operating system with buttons in tile structure and in live mode is now also available in conjunction with the Navigation system Business (available as standard). This means that the desired content is now available even more quickly and conveniently.

Home Charging.

In Singapore, all BMW i vehicles come as standard with the BMW i Wallbox Plus and a basic installation package. Combining BMW i design and reliability in the convenience of the customer’s home, the BMW i Wallbox Plus provides a fast way to charge their vehicle. A 4.0-metre charging cable is also provided to enable charging flexibility. Once the BMW i vehicle is plugged in, charging begins and will end automatically when the car is fully-charged.

Greenlots, a provider of open standards-based technology solutions for electric vehicle network, provides BMW i customers in Singapore with charging infrastructure services to ensure safe and reliable charging at their homes or offices. This includes the onsite installation of relevant hardware, supplying and assembling the BMW i Wallbox Plus, as well as other services.

A qualified advisor will support BMW i customers throughout the installation process. Prior to the purchase of a new BMW i vehicle, a Greenlots electrician / surveyor will conduct a site visit to determine if the intended buyer’s home or office environment is electric mobility-friendly. Once the environment has been deemed suitable, full installation will commence upon the purchase of the BMW i vehicle. The installation is backed by a Greenlots warranty with ongoing technical support.

Public Charging.

ChargeNow, the public charging programme of BMW i, gives drivers access to the largest network of public charging stations located in various office buildings, shopping malls, hotels and industrial parks in Singapore by using the BMW i ChargeNow card and Greenlots mobile app. Real-time information on the availability and location of these stations is provided to BMW i drivers via the car’s BMW Navigation system Professional to assist them in locating the nearest available charging point.

The new BMW i3s (120 Ah) is now available for viewing at the Performance Motors showroom.

Additional information enclosed:

1. The new BMW i3s (120 Ah) prices.
2. The new BMW i3s (120 Ah) specifications.

-End-

1. The new BMW i3s (120 Ah) prices.

1. The new BMW i3s (120 Ah) specifications.

* Power consumption, emissions figures and ranges are calculated based on the new WLTP test cycle and adapted to NEDC for comparison purposes, dependent on the tyre format selected. In these vehicles, different figures than those published here may apply for the assessment of taxes and other vehicle-related duties which are (also) based on CO₂-emissions. These figures are provisional.