The BMW i3 is a B-class, high-roof hatchback manufactured and marketed by BMW with an electric powertrain using rear wheel drive via a single-speed transmission and an underfloor Li-ion battery pack and an optional range-extending gasoline engine. The i3 was BMW's first mass-produced zero emissions vehicle and was launched as part of BMW's electric vehicle BMW i sub-brand. Styled by Richard Kim, the i3 uses a single five-door configuration with bodywork consisting of a passenger module of high strength, ultra-lightweight CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic) glued to a lower aluminium module holding the chassis, battery, drive system and powertrain. The bodywork features two smaller clamshell rear-hinged rear doors. The i3 debuted as a concept at the 2011 International Motor Show Germany, and production began in July 2013 in Leipzig, Germany.
The new updated i3 now comes as fully electric with no petrol powered range extender offered, however due to the improvements in battery capacity since its original release the now fully electric i3 offers just as much range as the old Rex models without the need for filling up at a petrol station every week.
Our car the i3S is the sports offering of the new i3, fitted with lower suspension, bigger wheels as standard, a wider track, 14 extra bhp and a new sport button turning the i3 into a credible hot hatch in todays market. With a 0-60 of 6.9 seconds the i3s will comfortably keep up with the likes of a Fiesta ST, Corsa VXR or Clio RS, and as its a BMW it has to be rear wheel drive something that none others can offer.
