Frankfurt Motor Show 2017: BMW introduces more powerful i3s

BMW has introduced a more powerful, sportier version of the i3, called the i3s. It costs from £36,975 before the government low emissions discount is applied - £3000 more than the standard i3. Sales should start before the end of the year.

The BMW i3s produces 184PS and 270Nm of torque, up 14PS and 20Nm over the standard i3. Plus it comes with sports suspension including specially developed springs, dampers and anti-roll bars. It’s 10mm lower than the standard i3 and has 40mm wider track, with wheel arch borders to emphasise the extra width.

Acceleration from 0-62mph takes 6.9 seconds in the pure electric version and top speed is 99mph. Based on the official test cycle, maximum range is 174 miles, but BMW says 125 miles is realistic in everyday use. Picking the optional petrol range extender increases maximum range to 205 miles, but blunts the 0-62mph figure to 7.7 seconds.

The i3s is introduced alongside a refreshed version of the standard i3, which gets a few light styling changes and some improved technology. There’s a new iDrive system with a higher resolution screen, plus Professional navigation as standard. Apple CarPlay is now supported, too.

Other updates include the addition of a parking assistance feature and traffic jam assistance, that can maintain a safe distance from the car in front and remain in its lane in traffic jams at speeds up to 37mph.