The gear shifter and start/stop button is actually a steering column mounted knob. The only element recognizable from the rest of the BMW family is the iDrive screen and controller. Step inside the i3 and it’s a similarly polarizing design. It’s hard to call the i3 sexy, but it certainly is noticeable – in a friendly alien sort of way. By using the i3’s Eco and Eco Pro drive modes (and maybe uttering a quick prayer to Elon Musk) the driver can eke out 24 percent better range at the expense of responsiveness and constant air-conditioning.īMW knows that buyers of hybrids and electric vehicles like a sense of differentiation, but is the i3 a bit too kooky looking? Its upright look reminds us a bit of the Honda Fit and the rear suicide doors are a unique flare with their larger window opening than the front doors.īMW’s usual signatures are present including the dual-kidney shaped grilles, the LED corona headlights and the sleek looking LED tail lights. The peppy i3 will drive an estimated 80-100 miles before needing a recharge. The one-two combo of battery and motor deliver an acceptable 170 hp and hard-hitting 184 lb-ft of torque. With the weight over the drive wheels, the car should also deliver solid traction and performance. This layout allows optimum cabin space – there’s no transmission tunnel or mass of batteries invading the passenger compartment. In fact, the i3 features the first mass produced carbon-fiber passenger compartment.ĭue to the low weight of the vehicle, BMW uses a small battery and electric motor, which are mounted low and rearward, by the drive-wheels. the i3 uses a copious amount of carbon fiber – a strong lightweight material usually reserved for high-performance and pricey sports-cars. Since BMW imagines that tree-huggers like boasting about their tiny carbon footprint, the i3 features an eco-friendly approach and a focus on lightweight materials. As such, the BMW i3 is gluten-free err gas-free, from the get-go.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |