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.

BMW Australia recently announced the arrival of the brand-new 2018 i3 LCI on the local market starting with January next year. Prices start from $68,700 and go up to almost $76,000.

Besides the standard variant i3, there are also other versions to consider, like the i3s ($69,900), i3 Range Extender ($74,700), as well as the top of the line i3s Range Extender ($75,900).

Compared with the last year`s i3, the new model stands out from the crowd with the “black belt” feature at the exterior extended over the A-pillars and roof. This provides a more exciting look. There are also the new LED technology with LED indicators and wider front and rears which create the impression of a much bigger i3.

The i3s versions are also enhanced with some new mechanical stuffs, like sports suspension with lower ride height, about 10 mm, adding as well new springs, sway bars and dampers. The rear`s track width has also been increased by 40 mm to provide better stability.

In the cabin, both the i3 and the i3s versions come with standard features and technology. However, the i3s adds the newest iDrive infotainment system with a 10.25-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay compatibility, Professional grade navigation or On-Street Parking Informational Search technology with real-time traffic.

In the engine department, the standard 2018 BMW i3 is powered by an electric motor and 34 Ah battery, with an overall of 125 kW and 250 Nm of torque. This translates in a sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds.

On the other hand, the 2018 i3s version comes with the same powertrain, but with higher output – 135 kW and 270 Nm of torque. That also makes faster as well – 6.9 seconds from a standstill to 100 km/h. The i3 Range Extender outputs the same power, yet adds a 340 km range.

You can find out more the model in the media gallery provided by BMW Australia! Enjoy and don’t forget to share your impressions with us!

About Post Author

Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post Australia: 2018 BMW i3 LCI Arrives in January at $68,700 appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

The 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show is opening its gates starting with September 12, and BMW carmaker has already started campaigning its future model range ahead the event.

Besides the 2018 BMW M5 already presented, the German based carmaker has also announced the arrival of the new 2018 i3 and i3S in the United Kingdom, with prices starting at £34,070 for the facelifted i3. On the other hand, the much more powerful i3S can be had at £36,975.

As we can see in the massive media gallery below, BMW has not added significant changes at the exterior. However, both models do come with a new front bumper and updated fog lamps. The i3S adds metallic and black accents as well as the new 20-inch alloy wheels.

The interior updates refer to the new iDrive infotainment system with Apple CarPlay connectivity. Another noticeable chance is the adding of the “i-Wallbox” charging system, which increases the charging time to less than 3 hours.

In the engine department, the 2018 BMW i3 comes with an electric motor developing 168 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h is done in 7.3 seconds, at a top speed of 150 km/h. On the other hand, the i3S churns out 181 horsepower and 270 Nm of torque, and reaches 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds.

There is also the choice for the REx petrol burner, with a two-cylinder engine which adds 38 horsepower. The good news for the new REx is the increase 235 km range NEDC and 200 km WLTP. Design details of both exterior and interior are provided in the media gallery below.

About Post Author

Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post Gallery: 2018 BMW i3 & i3S Kick Off in the UK, Prices also Released appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

With the fast developments in the electric segment, more and more carmakers are developing fully-electric vehicles that come with impressive mile range, and in order for the BMW i3 to remain competitive on the market, it has to be improved as well.

As seen in the recent spy photos including those presented in the media gallery bellow, the German based carmaker is indeed working on a facelifted variant of the current i3. Visually, we are talking just a couple of enhancement, the car`s main highlights being the updated technology and improvements under the hood.

From a visual standpoint, the test mule seen here is wearing slight camouflage at the lower section of its body style, meaning just an updated front bumper with revised fog lights, new headlights and taillights design, and …that would be all.

According to new reports, the 2018 BMW i3 will also feature some new colours for its exterior, which will make it even more interesting.

Inside, the cabin will also suffer some changes – better quality materials and updated technology. We are looking here at BMW`s latest infotainment system, latest active safety systems and a suite of new gadgetries from the new 5- and 7-Series.

As for the car`s drivetrain under the hood, we might be looking here at an increased torque, especially in the extended range variant. The electric i3 will also come with a new range of 320 km and better lithium-ion battery pack.

The model is expected to hit the market towards the end of the year, with full details and prices to be unveiled prior to its arrival in dealerships.

About Post Author

Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post Slightly Updated 2018 BMW i3 Pops-Up in New Testing appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

Ever since its unveiling on the market in 2013 the BMW i3 has represented the carmaker`s benchmark in the electric segment, the model coming with an impressive drivetrain under the hood, the latest technology available on the market at that time and with an astonishing mile range.

The increase development in the electric segment has led to more and more innovations from different carmakers like Chevrolet, Hyundai or Renault, not to mention Tesla, a fact that has forced BMW to find solutions to stay fit on the market.

And the BMW i3 really needed a new face and some major improvements to cope with the growing competition; as a result, the long-expected facelifted was recently seen in the first spy photos, revealed by Automedia via Motor1 auto magazine.

As expected, the new i3 is covered in camouflage, which indicates that there are going to be some modifications at the exterior, starting with new colours and slightly revised body styling, and continuing inside, with the cabin becoming more ergonomic and adding the latest technology, also found on the new models from BMW.

Besides the exterior which may not be that important, BMW needs to work on the car`s power under the hood and to improve its mile range. Thus, according to recent reports, the BMW i3 facelift should come with more power – around 170 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque in the top of the line S variant, with less than 7.3 second run from 0 to 100 km/h. Also, the mile range is expected to increase by up to 50 percent, meaning around 321 kg.

We are not sure when the BMW i3 facelifted will be officially unveiled, but we should expect it on the market in early 2018. Prices will be announced prior to their debut.

About Post Author

Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post These Are the First Spy Photos with the BMW i3 Facelift 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.

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.

The BMW i8 Roadster gets the media attention once more, after the carmaker has announced that the long-expected cabriolet would arrive somewhere in 2018.

First previewed as the BMW i8 Roadster Concept at the 2012 Beijing Auto Show, the model is now taking shape and is set to arrive in around two years from now.

AutomotiveNews Europe has also confirmed that the carmaker would add the Roadster to the i8 lineup, the auto magazine also citing Harald Krueger, CEO at BMW, concerning the arrival of the new model.

Unfortunately, Krueger has not revealed any details concerning the roadster`s body styling or drivetrain specifications, but as we already know, the model is rumored to come with rather the same styling as the standard i8, except for the chopped roof, yet adding some new performance upgrades and better mile range.

The same report from AutomotiveNewsEurope is also stating that the new BMW i8 Roadster would come with a much stronger battery pack which would improve the car`s performance figures and mile range.

The stock BMW i8 comes with a 1.5-engine with the BMW TwinPower Turbo petrol three-cylinder engine, hooked to an electric motor which sends the power to the rear wheels. We are looking here at 231 horsepower plus 131 horsepower and an electric range of 35 kilometers, at a top speed of 120 km/h. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h is done in just 4.6 seconds, which is extremely impressive for a plug-in hybrid version.

Attending a press conference in Santa Monica, taking place last Tuesday, in California, the same Krueger has also declared that besides the arrival of the new BMW i8 Roadster, the company is also planning to introduce the new i3 with much better battery pack, also designed to deliver improved range mile. As the CEO declared, we might be looking here at 300 km, which is way impressive than the present i3 with 190 km.

About Post Author

Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post BMW Confirms i8 Roadster`s Arrival in 2018 appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

BMW is on a big role with its i green cars and thinks that the cards are in its hands, with no important competitors to face, not even from Tesla Motors.

We are talking about the major advantages that the German base luxury car manufacturer has with two of the most important units: the i green 3 car and the i8 hybrid.

Senior vice president for the BMW`s product management at, Hildegard Wortmann, states that electricity is a very important part of our lives and has to be taken as it is.

The same happens to electric cars that have really begun to take their share on this particularly market.

More than that, the BMW`s main aim is to learn more and be consequent in terms of electricity. Its sole purpose is not only launching i cars, but understand the principle and taking advantage of this kind of power.

Thus, the BMW team will take this newly enhanced knowledge about electricity and use it wisely in developing more advanced green cars than the already successful i3 fully electric.

We will slowly but surely see BMW coming up with more solutions on how to keep their quest on the green market, coming up with other revolutionary products in that field.

About Post Author

Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post BMW Foresees Big Future with Its Green Cars appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

The standard i3 battery-running vehicle will be eligible deemed for the California`s white stickers, which let owners drive only in HOV lanes alone.

With the unlimited number of white stickers for the EVs like the Nissan Leaf and Tesla Model S, California has set a law limiting the number of the green stickers, which allow solo-HOV access to plug-in hybrids and as well extended-range plug ins, to only 40,000 units.

Last year, there were around 29,000 green stickers alone to be given to cars like Chevrolet Volt and the Toyota Prius Plug In, as the stickers for this year, for other green cars like the BMW i3 might be running out in just a couple of months.

There is also a waiting list for the i3 Range extender to be running out starting with January, so the time is slowly ticking away, and that would put off the customers looking to buy the i3.

Earlier this year, the German manufacturer said that the i3 REx would be the perfect suitor for the white stickers, as the car is also called BEVx, meaning it is an electric motor with a single-charge range.

With all that, BMW assured us that the green stickers wouldn’t run out until the end of 2014.

About Post Author

Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post BMW i3 Rex to Arrive in California after HOV Stickers Run Out appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.