This September, BMW will unveil a new version of the i3 electric car. BMWBLOG reported earlier this year that the i3S will be the top model of the electric range with a series of subtle styling updates that help to visually differentiate it from its four-year-old predecessor, but also performance improvements.
Built upon the current i3, but with tech and features from the upcoming i3 facelift, the i3s is expected to deliver between 10 and 15 more horsepower than the current model – which offers 168 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque – enough to propel the i3 from 0 to 62 mph in 7.3 second. The slight bump in power is likely to offer a faster standard sprint.
Autocar UK reports that the front-end will feature a re-profiled front bumper housing new slim line fog lamps in place of the round units used today, altered LED headlight graphics, revised sills underneath the doors, reworked tail-light lenses, a deeper and reshaped rear bumper, new alloy wheels and a wider range of optional two-tone exterior colour schemes.
The final badge on the boot is rumored to be i3S Performance which emphasizes the sporty abilities of the revised i3. The increased performance of the i3S iPerformance is achieve through a number of detailed chassis tweaks, including the adoption of a 40mm wider front track and a 10mm reduction in ride height over the standard version of the updated i3.
Autocar also confirms that BMW has also reprogrammed the dynamic stability control system of the i3 to provide the facelifted model with added grip and traction in wet conditions.
The interior is expected to be refreshed with an updated infotainment system, as well.
