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Sold in more than 74 countries around the world, the BMW i3 was one of the first “mass-market” electric cars and enabled the Bavarian manufacturer to begin its electric transition. The BMW i3 ends its production with a figure of 250,000 units produced in Leipzig.
The pioneer of a growing range
The BMW i3 opened up new possibilities for the group The 135 kW/184 hp electric motor from the BMW i3s then benefited the MINI Cooper SE which has since become the British brand’s most popular model variant. The BMW i3’s high-voltage battery has undergone continuous development since its market launch, doubling its storage capacity while maintaining the same installation space. With a cell capacity of 120 ampere-hours (Ah) and a gross energy content of 42.2 kilowatt-hours (kWh), it now allows ranges of up to 307 kilometers (BMW i3) according to WLTP.
The high-voltage batteries developed and produced by the BMW Group are also used in other areas. Examples are the Streetscooter vans used by the German Post and the city buses of the Turkish manufacturer Karsan, as well as the electric-powered motorboats of the Torqeedo brand, for which they also serve as a source of energy. In addition, BMW i high-voltage batteries are used as stationary energy storage systems for electricity generated from renewable sources such as wind or solar power.
Series limited to 10 copies to leave in style
On its home straight, the BMW i3 offers a i3s HomeRun Edition treated for the first time with a BMW Individual Frozen paint finish. This first is associated with maximum exclusivity: only ten copies of the BMW i3s HomeRun Edition have been produced. New BMW Individual paint finishes have been added to the range: Frozen Dark Gray and Frozen Dark Red II.
Additionally, the HomeRun Edition features 20-inch light-alloy double-spoke wheels, a power-operated glass roof, solar-control glazing and adaptive LED headlights. Special models also feature the particularly premium Suite interior design, which includes Vernasca Dark Truffle leather upholstery, leather instrument panel, leather steering wheel with galvanized trim, Carum Gray roof lining, interior lighting, ambience and welcome light.
Water has flowed under the bridge since 2013. BMW has greatly accelerated in the electric market with the ix, i4 and i7 and has just inaugurated its first factory in China entirely dedicated to this type of vehicle, in order to produce in particular the i3 sedan, which has absolutely nothing to do with its small predecessor which is bowing out.
to summarize
After 8 years of career and 250,000 copies produced, the small electric compact i3 from BMW, with its very particular style, bowed out and offered a very exclusive last special series of only 10 copies.
