2019 BMW i3 electric small hatchback uses a 33.2 kWh Li-ion battery pack to run as much as 280 km on a single charge

BMW India took to the show floor at 2018 Auto Expo in February to unveil the sportier version of the i3 small electric hatchback but did not confirm any launch plans. It had been said, however, that the German luxury carmaker was considering the possibility of a market entry and feasibility study was being conducted before taking a final call.

In an exclusive report, we can show you the i3 being spotted testing and it will more likely be launched in India sometime next year. BMW revealed the latest i3 and i3S sold globally at last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show with improvements in every department. The i3S takes power from a revised and more powerful synchronous electric motor producing 184 hp and 269 Nm – an increase of 14 hp and 20 Nm over previous version.

The smallest electric car from the i range can achieve zero to 100 kmph in just 6.9 seconds aided by the seamless acceleration advantages of any zero-emission vehicle – 0.8 s quicker than the regular i3. It has a top speed of 160 kmph and uses a floor-mounted lithium-ion battery pack with 33.2 kWh capacity and claimed driving range of 280 km on a single charge.

In the latest i3, the charging cable has been improved with five times faster charging capacity that will help replenish in just 3 hours. The optional range extending 647 cc twin-cylinder rear-mounted petrol engine acts as a generator to provide electrical charge but the additional 120 kilograms kerb weight brought by it would make the i3S 0.8 s slower from zero to 100.

BMW engineers have made mechanical changes as the sportier i3S has lowered suspension by half an inch with sporty characteristics and wider rear track. As for the cabin, the i3 range comes equipped with 10.3-inch infotainment system with BMW’s latest iDrive software enabling Apple CarPlay connectivity and uses Giga Brown Natural Leather and Carum Spice Grey Wool Cloth interior package.

The exterior of BMW i3 boasts an attractive front profile and distinctive design elements peculiar to the i3 range as aggressive black accents, dual-tone exterior shade, metallic trims and bold alloy wheel add to the visual collection. BMW appears to be introducing the standard i3 in India as well alongside the i3S to pioneer the brand’s electrification push.

2019 BMW i3 Images