Yahoo Autos 2019 BMW i3 Packs More Juice But Still Can’t Dust a Nissan Leaf
Now in its sixth model year, the electric 2019 BMW i3 updates the 2018 refresh of the stylish mini-hatchback with an upgraded battery and a few extra features. For 2019, all i3 models, including the gasoline-powered range extender (REX), use a 42.2-kWh battery in place of the 33.2-kWh version introduced in the 2017 model year (and larger still than the original car’s 21.6-kWh battery).
BMW estimates a driving range of 153 miles for all fully electric models, an increase of 39 miles, although current 2018 EPA estimates ding the more powerful i3s from 114 to 107 miles. BMW hasn’t cited an estimate for the REX model, which currently stands at 180 miles with the help of a 647-cc twin-cylinder engine. Output remains the same, at 170 horsepower and 184 lb-ft for the regular i3 and 181 hp and 199 lb-ft in the i3s. The onboard 7.4-kW charger grows by 200 watts, although, due to the larger battery capacity, charging from dead to full on a Level 2 connection takes an extra two hours, at 6.5 hours total. DC fast charging at 50 kW cuts that time to under 1.5 hours, if you can easily find such a connection.
Despite weaving its own carbon fiber, designing a recyclable interior, and fitting the skinniest 20-inch tires to a modern production car, the i3 hasn’t led the field the way its prestigious nameplate might suggeset. With more electric cars breaking the 200-mile range barrier, the newest i3 is well behind the Tesla Model 3 and the Chevrolet Bolt EV, which are both in the same price range. That hasn't changed; it was in the same boat against competitors in 2014, with the i3 had only an 81-mile estimated range. Despite this, BMW hopes it can tempt buyers with newly standard parking sensors, Connected Drive apps, and iDrive 6.0 (not 7.0 as in the new X5).
For colors, Jucaro Beige Metallic replaces Protonic Blue Metallic, while the Mega and Tera World trims offer new shades of brown SensaTec and leather, respectively. New options include a Wi-Fi hotspot with 3 GB of trial data, wireless device charging, and auto high-beams with cornering beams for the LED headlights.
Never mind that your iPhone X probably offers more uptime than a BMW i3, or that a Nissan Leaf carries nearly identical battery capacity, EPA estimated range, and a similarly quick and silent driving experience for 50 percent less. How much less, we’re not certain, but expect a couple percent premium above the $45,445 that BMW asks for a base 2018 i3.
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