2019 BMW i3 gets a 30 percent larger battery, reach of 153 miles



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The BMW i3 has been on sale since 2014 and, at that time, BMW has seen fit to increase its battery size and, at the same time, its range. For the 2019 model year, a new battery upgrade is underway, and that 's a big improvement.

The 2019 BMW i3 will be delivered with a 42.2 kWh (120 amp-hour) battery, which should allow driving up to 153 miles of all-electric driving. This is an improvement of about 30% compared to the old battery of 94 Ah, which allowed a range of 115 miles. The first battery of the i3 was only 60 Ah, offering a range of only 81 miles. Oh, until we came.

BMW will offer the battery in both variants of the i3. The standard i3 uses a 170 horsepower electric motor, powerful enough to bring the small EV to 60 mph in just 7.2 seconds. The i3s, meanwhile, is the sportier trim, offering an electric motor of 181 hp and a sprint of 6.8 seconds to 60.

You will never hear me complain when another shade of brown paint is available.

BMW

BMW also offers the i3 with a gas-powered range-extending engine that helps ease the anxiety of the lineup. BMW has not specified the scope of the i3 with its new battery, but the automaker said it should be "improved in the same way." The most recent iteration of the beach extension has added 66 miles of range, according to the EPA. Adding 66 miles to the estimated range of the new i3 battery would mean that a 2019 i3 with range extender could travel up to 219 miles.

The 2019 i3 also features some upgrades beyond the battery. A new exterior color, the metallic beige Jucaro, replaces the proton metallic blue of years past. The Mega World trim now has an optional interior trimmed with brown trim, gray vinyl and brown fabric. LED headlamps with cornering lights and automatic high beams are now available, and the BMW iDrive 6.0 infotainment system is now available on all vehicles with navigation. The i3 also adds a Wi-Fi access point and a wireless phone charging tray for the first time.

The production of i3 2019 begins in November 2018, but an on-sale date has not yet been announced. Prices will likely arrive closer to the date of sale.

2018 BMW i3s: Do you want to know how BMW Motorsport is doing? Read our opinion.

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