BMW has announced the next chapter in the i3 story of electromobility – the new 2019 i3 and i3s with 120 Ah batteries.
Since its launch in 2014, the battery capacity and range of the i3 has grown from the original 60Ah/81 miles to 94Ah/115 miles in 2017 and now 120Ah for 2019.
With the high voltage battery cell capacity increased to 120 ampere hours (Ah) and a gross energy content of 42.2 kilowatt hours (kWh), the new generation of high-voltage batteries enables the BMW i3 120 Ah and the BMW i3s 120Ah to achieve a range of up to 153 miles, nearly a 30 per cent improvement from the 94 Ah model and almost double its original range.
The 2019 i3 REX model range is expected to be similarly improved, pending EPA certification.
Complementing the introduction of the new battery, a new exterior color, a new colour for the optional Mega World upholstery and full LED headlights with cornering lights and automatic high beams, are also available for the BMW i3 and BMW i3s.
The iDrive 6.0, previously available only with the optional Navigation Professional, is now featured on the standard navigation system.
The BMW eDrive technology enables drivers to enjoy emission-free mobility with instantaneous power delivery, efficient use of energy and an optimized range for everyday practicality that even extends beyond the demands of purely urban travel.
Installed low in the floor of the vehicle, the new high-voltage battery is produced at the BMW plant in Dingolfing and consists of eight modules, each with twelve storage cells: the latest cell capacity of 120Ah along with a gross energy content of 42.2kWh.
The exterior dimensions of the battery pack remain unchanged.
The BMW i3, powered by a 170 hp electric motor, accelerates from 0-60 mph in 7.2 seconds, while the BMW i3s with 181 hp completes the standard sprint in 6.8 seconds. The two models set the benchmark for sporty performance within their vehicle segment.
The interior styling of the new BMW i3 and BMW i3s is rooted in the LifeDrive vehicle architecture.
The carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) passenger cell has a wonderfully spacious feel about it and is dominated by a sense of lightness.
The design principle of the two four-seater models means there is no need for either fixed B-pillars or a transmission tunnel. Doors that open in opposite directions allow the occupants to get in and out with the greatest of ease.
![[1]](https://www.autochargers.ca/images/1407oliqucskfd/big/small-bmw-i3-with-120-ah-battery.jpg)