Last year the BMW i3 range received a battery upgrade to keep it competitive in the growing segment. Now BMW has introduced a sportier model for the i3 lineup, the 2018 BMW i3s. The BMW i3s not only gets a little extra power, but it also gets a wider track and a few other upgrades to make the i3 a bit sportier.

2018 BMW i3s

The i3s is powered by a 184-hp electric motor wth 199 lb-ft. of torque, which is slight upgrade from the 170-hp and 184 lb-ft. of torque that the standard i3 packs. BMW says that the i3S will reach 0-60 mph in 6.8 seconds, which is a few ticks faster than the standard i3 at 7.2 seconds. The i3s also has a top speed of 100 mph, compared to 93 mph.

Other upgrades for the i3s include a 10-millimeter drop in height, a 40 millimeter wider track and 20-inch wheels that are an 1/2-inch wider. The BMW i3s also features a sports suspension with unique springs, dampers and anti-roll bars. A new Sport mode initiates more direct accelerator response and tightens the steering.

2018 BMW i3 and i3s

Both the i3 and i3s are available with the two-cylinder range extender gas engine, which adds an additional 87 miles of range, increasing your range from around 97 miles to a maximum of 180 miles. If you choose the standard i3 you’ll have a 114 mile driving range.

On the outside the 2018 i3 gets some styling updates with the front and rear bumpers both being restyled to provide emphasis on the i3’s width. A new chrome trim strip runs across the back and there are two new exterior colors: Melbourne Red metallic and Imperial Blue metallic.

2018 BMW i3

BMW has also unveiled a new TurboCord charger for the i3. Level 1 charging is readily available when plugged into any 120 V outlet and it also allows customers to charge up-to at 3.6 kW, nearly three-times faster than the standard occasional use cable when used with a 240 V outlet. The TurboCord charger lists for $499.

The 2018 BMW i3 and BMW i3s will debut next month at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Source: BMW