Recently Norway has come to the attention of car manufacturers on account of its legislation that encourages its people to buy electric or hybrid vehicles over the classic fuel functioning cars. This is truly an important move in automotive industry, as Norway will become the perfect test ground for electric and hybrid vehicles released around the world. Among these vehicles, the BMW i3 is the second best choice for the Norwegian people.

The BMW i3 proved the perfect candidate for the changes made in the Norwegian legislation. No emission or low emission vehicles will prove to be the future of the automotive industry. The folks over at BMW have already acknowledged that. They regard the move made by Norwegian authorities as a first step towards changing people’s perspective regarding the importance of hybrid and electric vehicles. This will prove most beneficial for the environment.

In the face of such change, BMW is sure to release new electric and hybrid models. In Norway’s case the demand is high for such cars. This has been achieved as a result of the raised taxes applied for those that own or want to own fuel based vehicles. It is much more profitable to own a hybrid or electric vehicle in Norway. Of course, investments had to be made in Norwegian infrastructure. The investments made in this area helped sustain the changes in legislation.

Norway will prove to be the perfect place to test the limits of electric vehicles. BMW as well as other automakers that produce electric or hybrid vehicles will have the perfect chance to test the limits of the technology used in their cars in the cold Norwegian weather. Improvements will most likely be on the way, as glitches and problems may or may not surface in these harsh conditions. No matter how you look at it, the legislation change in Norway regarding the automotive industry brings many advantages.

BMW has already produced successful electric and hybrid models. The new trend regarding the importance of these environmentally friendly vehicles will most likely prompt automakers to design and produce new electric and hybrid cars. It remains to be seen what new models BMW will come up with and what new ideas the Bavarian automaker will bring to the table. Without a doubt, the changes brought by the Norwegian state will encourage other states to move in the same direction, prompting, as a result, the change of the automotive industry.

About Post Author

Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post BMW i3 Among Favorite Electrified Cars Sold in 2017 Norway appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

As usual, the 2017 Geneva Motor Show is not only hosting the world`s most prestigious models or concepts, as it also announces the World Car of the Award 2017, with six categories nominating the top three cars. The winner will be announced at the 2017 New York Auto Show, this April.

Amongst the sixth categories, we deliberately stopped at the World Luxury Car Award, which is topped by the gorgeous and extremely luxurious 2017 G30 BMW 5-Series. The list is completed by the Mercedes-Benz E-Class or Volvo S90 and V90.

As for the 2017 World Urban Car category, the BMW i3 all-electric was also chosen the first out of the three models, shortly followed by the Citroen C3 and the Suzuki Ignis.

Other models that will take the 2017 New York Auto Show by storm are those nominated in the SUV category – the Audi Q5, Jaguar F-Pace and the Volkswagen Tiguan, all exceptional models with exceptional features.

Please find more details about all sixth categories and their nominated models. Which one do you think it will win the prestigious award?

2017 World Car of the Year Award

2017 World Car of the Year
Audi Q5
Jaguar F-Pace
Volkswagen Tiguan

2017 World Luxury Car
BMW 5 Series
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Volvo S90 / V90

2017 World Performance Car
Audi R8 Spyder
McLaren 570S
Porsche 718 Boxster / Cayman

2017 World Green Car
Chevrolet Bolt
Tesla Model X
Toyota Prius Prime

2017 World Urban Car
BMW i3 (94 Ah)
Citroen C3
Suzuki Ignis

2017 World Car Design of the Year
Jaguar F-Pace
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet
Toyota C-HR

About Post Author

Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post All-New G30 BMW 5-Series Tops World Car Luxury Category at 2017 World Car of the Year Award appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

In order to stay plugged-in in the all-electric segment, BMW engineers have to come with viable solutions concerning their only EV from the entire range, which is the BMW i3 in its current 2017 state. The video below is showcasing the car`s new battery that allows for improved mile range.

Even if the model was declared the best-selling BEV in its segment last year with a 7.5 percent growth and overall of 25,528 vehicles sold worldwide, BMW has to stay sharp if it wants its model to achieve more success for 2017.

In this sense, the 2017 BMW i3 brings on-board a new battery-pack that would allow an increase mile range. We are dealing here with a higher-density 94 Ah battery pack, which is quite a significant improvement from the last year`s 60 Ah battery.

The new 94 Ah battery pack would allow for a total range of 114 miles, which is another significant improvement with 41 percent compared to the present electric i3.

As expected, the all-new 2017 BMW i3 will be sold alongside its Range Extender sibling, which in the United States will have a starting price of $47,450, accounting for $1,200 more than the previous model.

The Range Extender i3 will continue to use the same hybrid powertrain with a 97 mile electric range, adding a total range of 180 miles, thanks to the new 2.4 gallon fuel tank.

Until further news concerning the prices of the new and much more improved 2017 BMW i3, feel free to watch the video below which highlights the electric`s new 94 Ah battery!

About Post Author

Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post 2017 BMW i3 Gets Fully Charged with 94 Ah Battery, Allows for Improved Mile Range appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

Right now, the electric car segment is officially dominated by three models – the gorgeous BMW i3, the hot-looking Chevy Bolt and the daring Renault ZOE, all cars coming with exceptional performance abilities and impressive mile range.

Below we will find out which one is the most profitable to be bought in 2017. World Auto Evolution has recently released three videos that perfectly describe the cars` main highlights, like performance figures, fuel-efficiency and CO3 emissions.

Starting with the gorgeous BMW i3, the model has dominated the electric market for quite some time now, but it seems that its supremacy is facing hard times. Even so, it still remains one of the most appreciated and valued electric vehicles.

The comparison between the BMW i3 and the Chevy Bolt turns the latter one into a much more appealing and appreciated model, and that because the Bolt comes today with more power and torque – 200 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, adding as well a total of 310 mile range, achieved via a powerful 50 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Also, the Chevrolet Bolt is less expensive than the BMW i3.

On the other hand, the i3 was also put together along the Renault ZOE, which come with rather similar sizes, with the i3 being more practical when it comes to wider cargo space at the back. However, the ZOE also seems to come with a wider 41 kWh battery than the i3`s 33 kWh, which also translates through more mile range. We are looking here at the ZOE`s 250 miles, compared to the i3`s total of 190 miles.

So, judging by these realistic comparisons, it seems that the BMW i3 falls behind two relatively new electric concepts on the market – the revised Chevy Bolt and the newly arrived Renault ZOE. Push the play buttons for a more in-depth analysis!

About Post Author

Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post Which Is the Best Electric Car to Buy in 2017? BMW i3 vs. Chevy Bolt vs. Renault ZOE appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

Along with the introduction of the all-new and high-performance Volkswagen e-Golf, Nissan Leaf or brand-new Hyundai Ioniq all-electric vehicles, a lot of purists and not only have begun to doubt the extraordinary driving capabilities of the BMW i3 and are now criticizing the car`s exquisite characteristics.

In an effort to shed light on that matter, Autocar magazine has put the four aforementioned models head-to-head and added the main highlights that each one are coming with.

The first one to receive the laurels is no other than the BMW i3, which in Autocar`s opinion is still the best on the market, especially since journalists stated that the model is “So good that it`ll make you think differently about the EVs. The i3 is one of the best urban cars money can buy, and great fun to drive.”

And these appreciations refer to the electric`s rear-wheel drive layout, extraordinary design and aerodynamics, up-to-date interior as well as the impressive electric drivetrain which provides a total range of 100 miles in the latest model.

Autocar`s second best small electric vehicle would be the all-new Volkswagen e-Golf, which comes with impressive driving capabilities and gorgeous design. However, as opposed to other electrics in the segment, it lacks a high mile range.

The third place is taken by the Hyundai Ioniq, a real hit from the start, with the plug-in hybrid managing a sand lap record. The electric variant is also standing out from the crowd with the perfect mile range and driving dynamics. On that matter, Autocar has also declared: “Hyundai’s first dedicated battery car shows plenty of promise but needs better dynamic finishing. Good on value, practicality and range.”

Finally, the fourth place finds the Nissan Leaf with a good price and modest mile range. Even so, it also received the magazine`s best appreciation: “Original electric poster boy shows how far rivals have moved the game on. Leaf is still very credible and genuinely usable, though.”

About Post Author

Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post Which Is the Best Small Electric: BMW i3 vs Volkswagen e-Golf vs Nissan Leaf vs Hyundai Ioniq? appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

In 2013 BMW managed to revolutionize the electric industry by introducing the all-electric i3 model, which used a battery pack instead of a conventional engine. Additionaly, BMW also launched the i3 range extender, with a petrol engine which allows the battery to recharge while driving.

Now, the carmaker is ready to add significant improvements to the second-generation BMW i3, which recently received the green light from the German based carmaker, the facelift arriving somewhere next year.

Speaking about confirmation, Automotive News has interviewed Heinrich Scwackhoefer, the i3 project manager stating that the second-gen i3 is still a standing project, even if the carmaker only managed to sell 60,000 units so far.

He also stated that this fact will not interfere with BMW`s future plans of a second-gen i3. ”It`s not the sentiment within the company that it`s been a failure – absolutely not at all. The ”i” subbrand is stable and you can count on a successor to the i3, but I cannot say when that will be”, he Scwackhoeger concluded.

Once it will arrive, the new BMW i3 will come with rather the same styling and design lines, adding however an improved mile range as opposed to the present model. We are now looking at a total of an electric range of 144 miles, which will be significantly increased to at least 200 miles.

As a reminder, the present BMW i3 is using an electric drivetrain outputting an impressive 170 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque, being capable of sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited at 150 km/h.

About Post Author

Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post All-New BMW i3 Is just around the Corner, Will Come with Better Mile Range appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

A lot of hot models from BMW, Audi or Mercedes-Benz have found themselves face-to-face with their worst replicas created by unknown Chinese carmakers or simply by fans that tried to put their imagination at work.

For instance, last year, during a special event in China dedicated to pure electric vehicles, two carmakers have displayed their own interpretations of the BMW i3, and believe me that those looked ugly as hell compared to this one seen here below.

We are not sure which Chinese manufacturer has put together this copy of the BMW i3, but it is surely one of the best copies we have ever seen.

It comes with rather the same dimensions, being 4,163 mm long, 1,720 mm wide and 1,630 mm high, with a 2,515 mm wheelbase as well. In comparison, the original BMW i3 comes with a wheelbase of 2,570 mm, being 3,999 mm long, 1,775 mm wide and 1,578 high.

We don’t have any deep details on this Chinese BMW i3 but we would like to thank PC Auto for letting us know about it.

This particular model also comes with a 1.0-liter internal combustion engine with 68 horsepower, adding 41 horsepower squeezed from an electric motor, with the EV being powered by the electric motor alone.

Even if it is not a genuine BMW i3, is fun to look at it and observe it in full. Please find out for yourself what other styling details make it distinguish from the original i3, and don’t forget to share your opinions with us!

About Post Author

Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post Chinese BMW i3 Is the Best Replica ever Seen appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

The art of painting has reached maximum peaks in the aftermarket segment, as tuners worldwide are perfecting their skills when dealing with body wrapping on different hot models like the BMW i8 or i3.

Recently, Garage Italia Customs tuner that deals with extremely sophisticated body wrapping, has taken the BMW i3 and i8 to be their new special projects, both German models coming with the so called CrossFade design, which “uses geometrical shapes for a gradient effect.” Both were recently displayed at the 2016 Paris Motor Show.

In a strong partnership with BMW, Garage Italia Customs have created a special livery which “would emphasize the true essence of the BMW i philosophy, breaching traditional methods of varnishing.”

This means that Garage Italia Customs and BMW have used a special technique used in Pointilism in the 19th century, meaning that special motifs were created by mixing colors with small and evenly distributed dashes of paint. The result is what you get to see in the media gallery below.

Lapo Elkannn, Chairman and Founder of Garage Italia Customs, has better explained the making of its special CrossFade design:

“Technological development and constant search for innovation are common key values to both Garage Italia Customs and BMW. BMW i automobiles provide our designers with ideal opportunities for an artistic exploration of the future of mobility. The CrossFade project was a great opportunity to create something beyond the traditional idea of car painting, generating amazing effects with a unique geometrical pattern.”

Adrian van Hooydonk, head of BMW Group Design, has also praised the impressive work of Lapo Elkann:
“Lapo Elkann is a pioneer in linking the disciplines of fashion, automobile and design. As a designer, I find this comprehensive approach particularly exciting. With BMW i, we have been successful in overcoming previous restrictions in automotive design through the use of entirely new materials. So the progressive expressiveness of the Garage Italia CrossFade Edition is perfectly in keeping with the BMW i3 and the BMW i8.”

About Post Author

Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post Garage Italia Customs Wraps BMW i3 & i8 with Outstanding CrossFade Design appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

The London Fire Brigade recently said goodbye to the Vauxhall Astras and welcomed the newly received batch of BMW i3 electric vehicles with the REx option as well, contributing thus to a more friendly environment.

All models will be used as rapid response vehicles by commanders and officers within the LFB in different missions, the models being extremely fast and arriving faster from one side of town to another.

As we can depict from the video below, the BMW i3s are equipped with the red and yellow liveries, LFB emblem, sirens and blue lights.

They also use the range-extender engines which rechargers the car`s lithium-ion battery on the go. The BMW i3 uses a 7.4 kW lithium-ion battery which allows a range of 114 miles. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h is done in 6.5 seconds.

The LFB was able to acquire the BMW i3 because it is part of the UK government`s Go Ultra Low campaign, an explicit campaign that encourages state or private companies to purchase low-emissions vehicles.

It is also known, that not only the London Fire Brigade has taken its share of the BMW i3, the New York or Detroit Fire Brigade also purchasing the gorgeous BMW i3.

Enjoy the video with the BMW i3 wearing the London Fire Brigade`s emblem and don’t forget to share your opinions with us!

About Post Author

Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post London Fire Brigade Receives BMW i3 Units, Give-Up the Vauxhall Astra appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

Slowly but surely, the BMW i3 is becoming the most preferred model for all kind different social sector like state police or fire brigade. And the last social unit to receive a whole fleet of BMW i3s is no other than London Fire Brigade.

The London Fire Brigade considered that the Vauxhall Astras were a thing of the past and decided to switch to the all-new BMW i3s, all 52 models being equipped with the latest technology. We are thus dealing with the most environmentally-friendly vehicles ever equipping the local Fire Brigade.

Ron Dobson, London Fire Commissioner, is very proud of the good news stating that “Officers often travel at speed across London, so it was essential the cars could stand up to the rigors of being a blue light vehicle, as well as having green credentials. I am proud that the Brigade is leading the move from diesel to electric, which will make a big difference to the air quality for Londoners”.

“Officers often travel at speed across London, so it was essential the cars could stand up to the rigors of being a blue light vehicle, as well as having green credentials. I am proud that the Brigade is leading the move from diesel to electric, which will make a big difference to the air quality for Londoners”.

”In our 150th year, while celebrating our past we’re also investing in the future and it’s vital that we adopt policies today that future generations will thank us for. Who knows, perhaps in the future we will also be the first Brigade to run a fleet of electric fire engines. Taking on the vehicles means we have achieved our ambition to become a ‘Go Ultra Low Company’ – with a commitment to operate low emission vehicles on at least 5% of its fleet by 2020.”

About Post Author

Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post BMW i3s Are Now Equipping the London Fire Brigade appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.