BMW i3 of review

 ■ What kind of car?

Electric car, the first model of the BMW i brand is the i3. This model will be the model, which was announced as a concept model in 2011, arrive in stores at the end of this year finally. Did you test drive this time, it is a prototype of the production model on the verge.

The model of the production model on the verge, there is no place that is different from most of the figure that was presented at the Los Angeles Motor Show last year. It is in the form of a two-door coupe, but a coach door there is no B-pillar Unlike Mercedes-Benz B-Class.

i3 is a production model of the first BMW based carbon fiber structure. As a result, thereby enabling the body weight of 1195kg light exceptionally as an electric vehicle. Further, it is a honeycomb structure of the side sill which is patented, and increase the positive effect in Thailand crash.

The motor is mounted low on the rear axle. The weight of the motor itself is 130kg, its power is 168bhp. This is a value of 141bhp per 1 ton. This is a low value for the 10bhp Mini Cooper S, but the torque is amazing. Is greater than 1 ton per 0.7kg-m Cooper S, moreover value of 25.4kg-m is unusually low and the occurrence 1600rpm rotation of the torque peak.

Transmission is a single ratio, but I have three modes Comfort, Ekopuro, and Ekopuro +.
,0-100km / h 3.8 seconds is 7.2 seconds 0-60km / h performance. The maximum speed is kept to 150km / h in terms of protection of the battery, but the rotational speed of the motor at that time become 11400rpm.

According to the test cycle of Europe, means the range is the highest 190km, but it is that's the realistic value the BMW is that 160km 130km, even in the summer in the winter. However, a user test in the UK, commuting distance the average because it is announced one day about 50km, BMW is believed that meets fully the requirements of the mobility of the day-to-day.

In addition, the range extender is also available as an option. Equipped with a fuel tank of 9.0 ℓ under the front seat, two-cylinder 650cc gasoline used in the BMW CT650GT of maxi-scooter is provided with engine. The engine is used to supply power to the battery, it does not itself move the vehicle as power. By using this range extender, range can be improved dramatically and 300km.move the electric motor of the i3 in the lithium-ion battery of 22kWh, guarantee of 160 000 km or 6 years with up to. Weighs 230kg, the battery itself is composed of cells 96. 20 ℃ is maintained by the air conditioning battery itself, when it is damaged in some kind, and it can be replaced on a cell-by-cell basis.

Charging time varies depending on the conditions, but that it is 30 minutes slightly charging time to 20% to 80% for 6 hours, and that's quick charger in the box 40kW charger that is installed on the wall.

Weight distribution of the body the ideal front 50%, and 50% rear. Front suspension is by MacPherson strut, rear 5 link. To prevent shaking and transverse weight reduction, a slender called 155/70 is combined with 19-inch wheel tires.

 ■ What kind of feeling?

Driving sheet board across a large sill is setting a raise. The prototype we drove unfortunately, cover has been for the interior, but according to BMW, that never change significantly with the concept model of the latest. The dashboard modern horizontal keynote, steering that was laid into a sheet upright is set. Feel such deep dashboard and front glass largely inclined, there is something close to the Mercedes-Benz A-Class.

There is enough space in the two adult rear seat, but the rear window is fixed. In addition, the trunk is also not so large, opening slightly higher level.

The part which has been extended from the steering column, shift gear starter button, and parking brake, is ordered, the main console, the drive mode switch to the second cluster, located in the center of the front seat some.
Press the starter button with your thumb, to shift the gear lever to the D. Then a new world's spread there. Beat of faint electric motor is heard, and if you separate the tire noise, really quiet space is kept in the cabin.

It is of the direct steering and a notice first, ran 1.2 mi. At the optimum weight to run in urban areas, the steering subjected to electro-hydraulic assist, but setting such a relatively stronger self-aligning torque.

And also because of its relatively light weight, i3 tells keeping vivacious pace acceleration and instantaneous.

Multiplying the full torque of 25.4kg-m to the rear wheel in the feel and really only an emergency, usually will give way to loosen the throttle before you taste the full acceleration.

Driving The default mode is setting in Comfort. It is set to maximum performance in this mode. And recovery of energy, the effect of the brake, the ratio of power to the throttle is different depending on the mode you select. But even Ekopuro + most efficient mode, it is not felt as a delay of the throttle. In addition, the maximum speed is limited to 80km / h, performance of air conditioning is also limited in Ekopuro + mode. Instead, be able to bring a range of up to.

Braking performance energy regeneration system and power delivery seamless brings has proved to be a city car i3 is great. In addition, the agility is he is showing the more attractive this car.

Battery mounted low and light body, provide us with the drivability with excellent response very. Despite its high body, driving a car is fun kind. There is a role that stand out when entering a turn at a relatively high speed, but the amount is adjusted by trimming the throttle.

The ride in the true sense of the term, I do not know rather than a test track like this, you do not run on public roads, but by tire high side wall and a relatively long wheelbase, it is a comfortable ride check made. However, to absorb shock well small, but it was not possible to correspond to the bump and large indeed.

              BMW i3

Price	£ 30,000 (450 million)
Maximum speed	150km / h
0-100km / h acceleration	7.2 seconds
Fuel consumption	-
CO2 emissions	0g/km
Dry weight	1195kg
Engine	Motor
Maximum output	168bhp/11400rpm
Maximum torque	25.4kg-m
Gearbox	Single ratio