BMW i3S To Be Unveiled In September, Performance Improvements + Styling Changes (Rumors)
BMW will be unveiling a new, higher-performance version of the all-electric i3 (or, alternately, range-extended i3) at the upcoming Frankfurt Auto Show in September, according to recent reports.
This new version, to be dubbed the BMW i3S, will reportedly include some “subtle” styling changes that allow the new offering to be clearly differentiated from the current (4 year old) i3 iteration.
BMW Blog provides more: “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.”
Notably, the i3’s dynamic stability control system is also to be reprogrammed, to allow for better traction and grip on wet roads — something that’s probably important if the offering is faster than the current one. The interior is also slated to be changed.
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