BMW i3

BMW i3. ELECTRIC
AND ELECTRIFYING.

Meet the BMW i3. 

                 

  

     BMW i3. CHANGING PERSPECTIVES.

 

The BMW i3 with eDrive.

An experience that can change your mobile everyday life.

• Experience highlight

Time to rethink mobility. Time for a sustainable, emission-free mobility. The BMW i3 with eDrive can also redesign your mobile everyday life.

Inspiring design

The BMW i3 opens a new chapter of a visionary design language for BMW tailor-made for electric vehicles. The innovative LifeDrive architecture with carbon passenger compartment provides an especially roomy feeling in the interior (in part thanks to the absence of a centre tunnel) and is characterised by the use of high-quality, sustainable materials. The aerodynamic exterior design with opposing doors, the characteristic black band and large wheels create a dynamic impression about the BMW i3's driving agility even when it's standing still.

DESIGN

SPECTACULARLY INNOVATIVE.

The design of the BMW i3.

The consistently sustainable design of the BMW i3 makes it the perfect vehicle for urban environments in the megacity: driven by pure electric power and customised for the requirements of a sustainable and emission-free mobility, it embodies an intelligent form of travel. The vehicle represents an integrated and harmonious concept where every detail has been optimised to its purpose. This can be seen in the functionally dynamic exterior and in the clean and reduced interior space.

Design philosophy

The design of the BMW i3.

Premium quality with convincing sustainability. And inspiring.

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The design highlight
of the BMW i3.

• Experience highlight

BMW i stands for a visionary automobile and a new understanding of premium mobility characterised by a consistent alignment towards sustainability. The inspiring, future-orientated design of the BMW i vehicles makes this something to be experienced in all its facets. It authentically visualises the innovative technology of the vehicles and transfers values such as lightness, safety, and efficiency onto the exterior and interior design. The result is a unique aesthetic which gives the vehicles their own unique identity. Born from the desire for sustainability and efficiency, the design of the BMW i vehicles is clean, reduced, homogenous and dynamic at the same time. Smooth surfaces, accentuated by sparse use of precise edges, appear to be cast from one piece. In conjunction with functional details and innovative solutions, this results in an exciting, modern design language that clearly formulates the future orientation of the vehicles.

LifeDrive.

The revolutionary architecture for electric vehicles.

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Exterior design

Agile and compact proportions visualise the manoeuvrability of the BMW i3. Viewed from the side, the window design and door sills create a dynamic form. The flowing silhouette and long wheelbase give an impression of the ample space in the passenger compartment, while short overhangs on the front and rear of the vehicle facilitate parking even in tight spaces. Opposing doors offer convenient access to the open design of the passenger compartment.

One particularly special characteristic feature of the BMW i3 is the so-called ‘black band’ which runs from the hood over the roof to the rear of the vehicle and gives the vehicle body a particularly light visual appearance. The typical BMW i streamflow design can be seen in the merging form of the window surfaces in the rear and provides for an especially good all-around view. Large 19-inch wheels reduce rolling resistance and, together with aerodynamic details, ensure highest efficiency.

• • Distinctive front
    The front of the BMW i3 makes the vehicle immediately recognisable as a member of the BMW family. The modern interpretation of the kidney grille as well as the clear LED headlights (optional) with the U-shaped daytime running lights immediately catch the eye. As an indication of the emission-free electric drive, the kidney grille is fully closed since no cooling air needs to flow through it. Depending on the exterior colour, the kidney grille is additionally accentuated by an accent colour in BMW i Blue or Frozen Grey. The front hood with the underlying storage space (smartbox) has a high-gloss black in all versions.
    
    The sculptured front apron sits below the kidney grille. Towards the side, the front apron element defines the edges of the vehicle with precise, vertically-standing edges which underscore the stable footing of the BMW i3. Distinctive ‘Air Curtains’ visually express the sophisticated aerodynamics of the BMW i3, thus creating a sporty broad effect.
  • Unmistakable rear
    The high functionality of the BMW i3 can be seen in the rear. The large opening offers optimal access to the luggage section, the upright roof pillars offer the maximum amount of space in the passenger compartment. The versatile and, for an electric vehicle, unusually large luggage compartment can be enlarged further by folding down the rear seats. The entire tailgate opening is designed in the form of a black, homogenous glass surface which imparts the rear of the BMW i3 with a sophisticated look. Analogue to the front, U-shaped rear taillights are situated in the rear window of the tailgate: they shine through the black glass and thus appear to be floating.
    
    The rear diffuser painted in the same colour as the vehicle completes the visual impression downwards and highlights the sophisticated aerodynamics of the vehicle's tailgate and rear. Framed by reflectors, the wide diffuser reinforces the impression of a solid and stable footing.

Interior design

The specific design of the LifeDrive architecture of the BMW i3 opens a completely new world of design possibilities for vehicle interiors. By locating the energy storage in the floor of the Drive module, no centre tunnel divides the interior. The entire Life module is available as an interior space and offers a completely new feel with an innovative and yet futuristic impression and unique new functionality.

The ample size of the Life module of the BMW i3 allows passengers to sit higher and look out over the interior landscape. This raised seating position is referred to as the ‘semi-command’ position and also provides for a clear overview in hectic city traffic. It also makes entering and exiting the vehicle more comfortable. Because the interior space is no longer divided by a central tunnel, it is easy to switch sides and exit the vehicle on the opposite side, when necessary, which proves quite convenient in difficult and tight parking situations.

• • Freestanding steering column and gear selection lever
    A characteristic element in the slightly futuristic interior is the freestanding steering wheel. Through a reduced design of the instrument panel, the steering column projects prominently into the interior. All operating elements relevant to driving – such as instrument cluster, start-stop button as well as the gear selection lever – are located on it. The bright layer framing the steering wheel provides for an easy orientation of the driving position towards the front. The gear selection lever has a rotary button design which can be set towards the front and rear while displaying the selected driving direction: the vehicle drives in the direction that the button points.
  • Use of sustainable materials
    The interior of the BMW i3 features a visible use of natural resources such as KENAF fibres in the door panels. This member of the cotton family is particularly sustainable. Its characteristic fibre structure, which remains visible after processing, underscores the premium claim of BMW i. In addition, the designers developed a completely naturally tanned leather with the expected and outstanding BMW quality and feel.
    
    Besides the use of natural materials, 25 per cent of the weight of the plastic used in the interior comes from recycled material or renewable resources. The textiles used on the seats consist of up to 100 per cent recycled fibres. This utilises another potential for reducing CO2 emissions.

INTERIOR WORLDS.

In all versions of the BMW i3, textiles are functionally utilised to impart a modern and young aesthetic. The textile surfaces have a sound-absorbing property which creates pleasant acoustics in the interior and also contributes to heat management in the seats. The equipment options consciously forgo the use of black elements and together with the structured textiles ensure a bright and fresh impression, ideal for the use of natural fibres. The fibres and structure of the renewable resources used for the surfaces are allowed to shine through the anthracite surfaces instead of using black. Four different, perfectly-matched interior worlds ATELIER, LOFT, LODGE and SUITE express the character traits of the BMW i3.

• • ATELIER
    The standard equipment version ATELIER offers an authentic, high-quality material experience. Genuine and comprehensible material contrasts support the lively impression of this interior world. The material combination 'Neutronic' Aragaz Grey accentuates the modernity of the interior. The BMW i blue contrasts in the base of the seat and seams additionally underscore the interior contours and give the ATELIER interior world a particular freshness. The steering wheel in black with satin-silver accent ring rounds out the high-quality of this interior world.
  • LOFT
    The LOFT equipment version imparts the impression of stylish equilibrium and balance. From the naturally futuristic sphere of KENAF, light materials create a pleasant, calm interior atmosphere. On seats and doors, a modern, soft material/Sensatec combination 'Electronic' Carum Grey is paired with a comfortable canvas textile based on 100 per cent recycled raw materials. Embossing on the seat surfaces incorporates the graphic design lines of the BMW i3 and accentuates, together with specifically positioned BMW i blue accents in the backrest, the puristic appearance of this interior world. The LOFT equipment version features a bright dashboard with the innovative BMW i grain structure. The bright interior appears to open further upwards and thus has a very light and modern feel. The bright leather steering wheel in Carum Grey is accented with the highlight clasp in BMW i blue.
  • LODGE
    The embodiment of 'Next Premium': LODGE combines novel high quality with a natural aesthetic. Bright surfaces create a friendly and open atmosphere. The accent in the leather steering wheel is satin silver here. The wool/natural leather combination 'Solaric' Cassia imparts the interior with a warm atmosphere while accents in Carum Grey brighten the interior. High-quality details such as the leather-covered instrument panel are combined with sustainable elements such as the exclusive climate-active wool Pikea and naturally-tanned natural leather on the seats, headrests and in the door panels. The curved wood surface in the dashboard is an exclusive detail. Black, limed eucalyptus wood with open pores from certified sustainable forestry management makes wood in the interior something to be experienced in a new way. The linear grain, as well as the use of a continuous veneer piece underscores the horizontal orientation of the interior.
  • SUITE
    SUITE redefines premium. Particular focus is placed here on the discernible quality of the natural leather combination of 'Stellaric' Dalbergia Brown from naturally-tanned leather, which is used on the instrument panel and seats. The special treatment makes this leather's appearance very soft and grippy; the seams emphasise the handcrafted character of the high-quality surfaces. Leather surfaces on the door panels serve as armrests; the large wood decoration surfaces impress as exclusive detail. Black, limed eucalyptus wood with open pores from certified sustainable forestry management characterises the sustainable premium character of the BMW i3. The use of a continuous veneer piece makes the entire surface very exclusive and sophisticated. Matt galvanised accents throughout the interior as well as the satin-silver accent ring in the leather steering wheel round out the sophistication of this equipment version.

Sustainability and materials

The character of the brand can be seen in the colour and material design of BMW i: ‘Next Premium’. In the foreground, the emphasis is on naturalness and modernity while creating an exclusive and innovative interior experience. BMW i is a pioneer and innovator in a new understanding of mobility characterised by sustainability. Thus, the interior of the BMW i3 is an interpretation of this sustainability typical of the brand and realised by new and innovative materials which are appropriate to the premium claim.

The interior of the BMW i3 is distinguished by the visible use of natural materials. The natural fibres in the side trim and the instrument panel are resource-conserving and underscore both the sustainability as well as the premium claim of BMW i.

• • Naturally-tanned leather
    The leather used in the interior is tanned with a natural tanning agent derived from olive leaves. The extract from the leaves of the olive tree protects the leather in a natural way – giving it both an authentic, unaltered look and an unmistakable character.
  • Certified wood from responsible sources
    For the instrument panel, only eucalyptus wood is used, which is primarily planted in Europe and comes from 100 % certified, responsible forestry management. This leads to shorter supply channels and provides for sustainability in all stages of the production. The treatment with natural materials creates an individual colouring.
  • Textile materials with recycled resources
    The textile seat covers consist of nearly 100 % recycled polyester, which is manufactured from up to 34 % PET. A high-quality cover material is manufactured from this PET material in a special process and gives the material a natural look and feel while fulfilling all the requirements placed on a premium material. The other textiles used in the interior such as headliner, floor, floor mats or the luggage compartment trim are also produced sustainably. In addition to its characteristic design, it also makes a functional statement through the natural benefits: breathability, moisture- and temperature-regulating.

ACCESSORIES & SERVICES FOR THE BMW i3

SUSTAINABLE ALL-ROUND SUPPORT.

Accessories & services for the BMW i3.

BMW i has developed a sustainable service concept that guarantees reliable all-round support before, during, and after the purchase of a BMW i3. What you can also rely on: sustainably produced accessories with intelligent functions in the BMW i design.

Original BMW i accessories

 

BMW i Services

 

Online pre-check

Add-on Mobility

Original BMW i Accessories

For the BMW i3, intelligent accessory solutions were developed which apply the ‘less is more’ philosophy and use high-quality, sustainable materials. Experience the excitement of the functionality and design language of BMW i.

• • Wallbox Pure
    The forward-looking and ergonomically designed BMW i Wallbox Pure is a home charging station for the BMW i3 that facilitates especially fast and convenient charging. In comparison to the standard supplied charging cable, the charging procedure of the BMW i3 is reduced again by approx. 30 %. Function and operation of the BMW i Wallbox Pure are fully aligned with the BMW i vehicles.
    
    The installation of the BMW i Wallbox Pure is done, if desired, after a comprehensive consultation and individual on-site inspection during which the house’s electrical system can be expanded, if necessary. This allows you to receive the complete service from one source. Conveniently, BMW i is also responsible for the aftersales service.
    
    With the online pre-check, you can check whether the requirements for the installation of a Wallbox Pure are suitable.
    Online pre-check
  • All-weather floor mat
    The precisely-sized all-weather floor mat in 3D appearance matches harmoniously with the innovative design in the continuous footwell and is perfectly suited to the BMW i interior. The dirt-resistant and waterproof material offers secure hold thanks to the BMW-tested restraining system and consists of a newly-developed and sustainable combination of plastic materials that are 100 % recyclable. And waste created during production is also recycled 100 %.
  • BMW i3 storage bag
    The attractive storage bag in BMW i design is perfect for storing charging cable, tools, and automobile care products. The rugged bag fits snugly in the luggage compartment tray under the front hood of the BMW i3 and makes removing and stowing especially easy, clean, and convenient. Both the charging cable as well as the connectors are effectively protected against dust and spray water. The storage back comes with removable organiser and original BMW workshop gloves.
  • Folding box
    The practical folding box in BMW i design is made of high-quality textile fabric produced from recyclable PET bottles and fits seamlessly in the luggage compartment of the BMW i3 and facilitates a slip-free storage of items. The luggage compartment is also effectively protected against dirt. The simple and intelligent folding mechanism saves space when folded; when unfolded it fits into every shopping cart and helps keep your items organised with two large compartments and two small key compartments.

BMW i Services

Travel with confidence: The BMW i Services are perfectly suited to the electric BMW i3 and ensure uninterrupted mobility before, during, and after the journey. BMW TeleServices informs the BMW i3 and BMW i Partner automatically when maintenance is necessary. The attractive Service Inclusive package provides an all-round service from one source. And the Wallbox Installation Service will take care of the complete installation of the Wallbox Pure at your home after a free online pre-check of your electrical system.

• • Services Inclusive
    With BMW Service Inclusive you don't need to worry about the costs for maintenance or wear-and-tear of your vehicle. Because with a one-time payment, the all-inclusive BMW Service, including Original BMW parts are all covered. And this even covers you anywhere in the world at all participating BMW i Partners. See your BMW i Partner for detailed information about the services offered.
    
    Your advantages:

    • Full cost transparency.
    • No price increase over the running time.
    • Flexible running times, maximum distances and scope of services.
    • Fully transferable to subsequent owners.
    • Upgrade options within the offered product portfolio with regard to maximum distance, running time and scope of services are possible at any time.
  • Wallbox Installation Service
    BMW i offers an attractive all-round service for the installation of the Wallbox Pure:
    with the online pre-check, you can quickly see whether the installation of a BMW i Wallbox is possible. Your BMW i Partner can perform this quick test, if necessary. The wallbox installation check, which you can order directly from your BMW i Partner, will ensure that your electrical installation and application situation allows the installation of a BMW i Wallbox. The last step is the installation of the wallbox via the Wallbox Installation Service, which you can order from your BMW i Partner and is performed by the selected premium partner. If desired, and in addition to this convenient solution, you can also conclude an electricity contract with a sustainable energy provider to allow your BMW i3 to be charged with ecologically generated electricity.
  • BMW TeleServices
    BMW TeleServices as part of BMW i ConnectedDrive supports you in the use of your BMW i3, for example, with the display of the charge level. Vehicle data can be sent directly to the BMW i Partner so that competent help can be provided wherever you are for an unforeseen event. The Battery Guard supports the BMW i3 owner by monitoring the high-voltage battery of the vehicle and notifying the owner, for example, if a deviation from the planned charging procedure occurs or, for example, if the vehicle lights were left on for too long.

Online pre-check

With our online pre-check, you can quite easily check for yourself whether your home electrical system is suitable for the installation of a wallbox.

• Start the online pre-check

Charging. As easy as refueling.

The innovative charging concept from BMW i.

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Add-on Mobility

BMW i offers you the right mobility solution for every situation. With BMW Add-on Mobility, you can decide on flexible access to a BMW pool of vehicles with a specific amount of usage days that you can take advantage of if you need to make longer journeys. For example, the use of a BMW X3 for a ski trip. Your BMW i Partner would be happy to make you an individual offer.

SAFETY

WHAT YOU CAN RELY ON.

Safety in the BMW i3.

For the BMW i3, a special safety concept was developed tailor-made for electric vehicles. Like the lithium-ion high-voltage battery, which is optimally positioned in the Drive module, the exceptionally-strong passenger compartment is made of carbon and likewise offers secure protection from outside influences. Innovative driving assistant systems help the driver to always make the right decision. And in case of emergency, a wide range of network services are there to help you to always stay mobile.

Driver Assistance

 

Carbon fibre

 

High-voltage battery

 

Assistance Services

Driver Assistance

A variety of innovative driver assistant systems in the BMW i3 not only makes driving a pleasure but also makes parking a worry-free enjoyment. With the Driving Assistant Plus package, the BMW i3 will warn you in due time about collisions and is able to automatically maintain speed and distance in city traffic and traffic jams. The parking assistant makes child's play of parking – fully autonomously, if desired.

• • Driving Assistant Plus
  • Parking assistance package

BMW i ConnectedDrive.

Networked mobility. Standard.

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Carbon is as strong as steel but 50 % lighter.
And 30 % lighter than aluminium.

Carbon fibre

The passenger compartment of the BMW i3, the so-called Life module, is completely made of carbon (also known as ‘carbon fibre reinforced plastic’ or CFRP) – an especially light and high-strength material that provides outstanding protection to vehicle passengers in the event of an emergency. Until now, the manufacture and use of this material for large series production of the vehicle was too difficult. But after 10 years of intensive research and experience in the manufacturing of parts, the BMW Group has developed an innovative solution and now produces carbon fibres and carbon fibre plates in large series together in a joint venture with the company SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers.

LifeDrive.

The revolutionary architecture for electric vehicles.

Learn more

Lithium-ion high-voltage battery

The lithium-ion high-voltage battery is positioned centrally in the Drive module of the BMW i3 and thus optimally protected against outside influences. A specially-developed heating and air conditioning system ensures as little temperature fluctuations as possible which significantly increases the service life of the high-voltage battery.

The Battery Guard supports the BMW i3 owner by monitoring the high-voltage battery of the vehicle and notifying the owner, for example, if a deviation from the planned charging procedure occurs or, for example, if the vehicle lights were left on for too long.

The high-voltage battery is guaranteed for eight years or 100,000 km.*

* for 70 % of the charging capacity.

Amazingly far-reaching.

You'll go far with the BMW i3 with eDrive.

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Assistance Services

BMW i Assistant Services provide a wide range of services that have been specifically developed for all-electric vehicles and allow you to enjoy each journey even before you get into the BMW i3. The BMW i ConnectedDrive Services support you not only by monitoring the battery charge level and the charging process, they are also utilised in the BMW i Navigation to monitor and take into account range and external factors such as traffic along the current route.

And should you ever need help along the way, the mobile services can even provide you with a mobile charging service in the event of an empty high-voltage battery.

• • Charging assistant
    BMW i ConnectedDrive displays the current battery state of charge and the remaining charging time till full charge via the BMW i Remote App and also in the BMW i3 itself. Charging times can also be configured like the desired starting point for acclimatisation so that the BMW i3 keeps the optimum temperature in the passenger compartment ready before the journey starts. If the charging procedure does not proceed correctly, the driver will automatically receive the corresponding information message via the BMW i App, and via SMS or email for a critical battery charge level.
  • Range assistant
    Via the BMW i ConnectedDrive Services for navigation, not only the charge level of the high-voltage battery is taken into account in the route planning but also the respective most efficient route is suggested to help you reach your destination without interruption, traffic, unnecessary stops, and with the lowest possible energy consumption. Currently available charging stations can be displayed and public transport can also be included in the route suggestions*, if the destination lies outside of the possible range or if traffic jams occur along the route.
    
    * Available soon
  • Maintenance and repair packages
    Special service packages that are perfectly aligned with electric vehicles were developed for BMW i models. These packages are available with different durations and comprise the following range of services.
    
    

    • Service Inclusive (maintenance only)
    • Service Inclusive Plus (maintenance and wear-and-tear repairs)
    • Repair Inclusive (warranty extension)

    
    Contact your BMW i partner for more information.
  • Mobility assistant
    Stay mobile in every situation with BMW i. Even in the event of service or repair, replacement mobility is provided, e.g. tickets for public transport, taxi coupons, shuttle service or courtesy vehicles. With the pick-up & delivery service, you also profit if the next BMW i Partner is not within easy reach.
    
    With the purchase of a BMW i3, the comprehensive BMW i Mobile Care package is automatically available to you. This ensures that competent help is available via telephone for any unforeseen events that could affect the vehicle or charging infrastructure and provides quick help at your location, if needed. In the event of an emergency, the vehicle is charged again directly at the location and transported to the next charging station or, if necessary or desired, directly to the BMW i Partner. Thanks to a comprehensive replacement mobility offer, you'll also stay mobile without restrictions in such an event.