LAUNCH NEWS
BMW gives boost to its electric offerings
BMW has launched its i8 Roadster and updated i8 coupe as well as the upgraded i3
Since BMW’s launch of its electrified sub-brand in SA back in 2015, the Bavarian marque has since expanded its green offerings to spill into what is known as iPerformance models, essentially hybrid models of existing series cars including the 330e, 530e, 740e and the X5 xDrive40e. Now the pioneers of the sub-brand, the i3 and i8 coupe have received updates with the former now featuring a denser battery pack that takes the estimated driving range from 160km to 200km for the pure BEV (battery electric vehicle) version, which bodes well for South African buyers who usually commute longer distances than those in Europe.
There continues to be a range extender version too, more affectionately known as a Rex, which now features a range increased from 260km to 360km. This is thanks largely to the bigger 94Ah (Ampere hours)/33kWh (kilowatt hour) battery pack. Cosmetically, the i3 gets LED headlights as standard as well as LED indicators. There has been little in the way of updates in t...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.