BMW i3 Range Extender To Offer Up to 87 More Miles, Decreases Performance

As BMW has put the focus on the debut of the i3, there has been a lot of details on what the all-electric component of the Bimmer can do, and not so much on what the extended range option adds, or in some cases takes away from the vehicle.

Given that this particular author is lining up to buy the Range Extender (REx) edition, and that BMW North America CEO, Ludwig Willisch himself thinks of i3 buyers will choose this option,  lets ignore the all-electric version for awhile and focus on the REx.

Of interest is the fact that adding the extender increases the weight, and the air resistance somewhat (.29 vs .3o), making the all-electric range shorter and the performance less sporty...especially at speed.  A not unexpected reality...there is always a trade-off.

Pricing:

• Range Extender: $45,200  (+3,850 over the standard $41,350)

Weight:

• 1,315 kg/2,900 lbs  vs 1,195 2,634 (DIN), an official increase of 259 lbs (despite the US press release saying aprox 330 lbs)

Range:

• the internal combustion engine adds up to 140 km (86 miles) to the total range of the i3
• when adding the REx package, the all-electric range of the i3 falls by about 10%.  In the US, BMW says range is between 80-100 miles, and we expect an EPA rating of just over 90
• on the Euro-NEDC cycle the all-electric i3 is rated at 190km (118 miles) of electric driving, while the i3 REx will go 170 km (106 miles) on electricity

Power:

• 34 hp/54lb ft of torque (4,300RPM)

Performance:

• 0-62 mph:   7.9 seconds (7.2 all-electric)
• 0-37 mph:   3.9 seconds (3.7 all-electric)
• 50-75 mph:  5.5 seconds (4.9 all-electric)

Check out the full specs of what we know are the differences between the two below:

 

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