Steve Sutcliffe of Autocar had a chance earlier this year to perform a comprehensive test of the BMW i3. In his typical approach, the UK journalist looks at the i3 from all angles and even pushes the electric car quite hard on curvy roads.
The BMW i3’s 170 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque hybrid-synchronous electric motor, developed and produced by BMW, is electrified by a 22-kWh lithium-ion battery, good for 80-100 miles of emission-free driving. Designed from the ground up to be an electric car, the BMW i3 uses the Industry’s first mass produced carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) passenger cell mounted on an aluminum chassis.
The BMW i3 sprints from 0 to 60 km/h in 3.7 seconds and from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds. Its top speed is limited to 150 km/h for efficiency reasons.
The base price of the 2014 BMW i3 starts at $41,350 and those looking for the i3 REx (Range Extender) will have to shell out $45,200. Destination and Handling fee is set at $925.
The non-metallic paints, Arravani Grey and Capparis White are standard, but those looking for the metallic colors (Ionic Silver, Solar Orange, Laurel Grey and Andesite Silver) will have to pay $550.
Two World packages are offered, Giga and Tera, for $1700, respectively $2700.
