LED Headlights Standard on All Models

The key feature of the refreshed "BMW i3" is the revised front and rear styling. To enhance its advanced and prominent presence, a new front bumper with a wider form, featuring horizontal LED turn indicators and matte chrome accents, has been adopted. Furthermore, LED headlights are now standard across all models.i3The key feature of the refreshed "BMW i3" is the revised front and rear styling. To enhance its advanced and prominent presence, a new front bumper with a wider form, featuring horizontal LED turn indicators and matte chrome accents, has been adopted. Furthermore, LED headlights are now standard across all models.

The rear bumper has also been redesigned with a wider appearance incorporating matte chrome accents. On the side view, silver accents along the A-pillar and roofline enhance the silhouette, creating a more sophisticated impression.

There are no mechanical changes. The 33kWh high-capacity lithium-ion battery, introduced in 2016, continues to be used, providing a driving range of 390 km on a single charge. The rear wheels are driven solely by the electric motor, with a maximum output of 125 kW (170 ps) and a peak torque of 250 Nm, remaining unchanged.

A range extender model equipped with a 647cc generator engine is also still available. This engine generates electricity while driving, extending the range by an additional 121 km for a total of 511 km.

The available grades remain the same as the previous model: "ATELIER," "LODGE," and "SUITE." However, the interior specifications for the "LODGE" grade have been updated with new seats combining solaric brown wool fabric and natural leather.

In terms of equipment, the "Driving Assist" package, including ACC and collision mitigation braking, and the "Parking Support Package," including a backup camera and parking distance control, are standard on the LODGE and SUITE grades. These are optional for the ATELIER, which serves as the entry-level grade. Additionally, BMW's public charging service, "CHARGE NOW," remains complimentary for 12 months, as before.

At the press conference, President Peter Kronschabl mentioned Japan's sales performance in 2017, stating that the BMW Group as a whole sold 77,954 vehicles, a 3.8% increase year-on-year. This marks the ninth consecutive year of record-breaking sales and the ninth consecutive year of maintaining the top position among imported car manufacturers.

By brand, the core BMW brand sold a record 52,527 units for the third consecutive year. The premium compact MINI also recorded its highest sales at 25,427 units, improving sales volume for eight consecutive years. BMW Motorrad, the motorcycle division, also contributed to the group's overall sales increase by selling a record 5,230 units.

Finally, President Kronschabl announced plans for 2018, including the introduction of the new SUV model "X2" and the refreshed "i8 Coupe" and its open-top variant, the "i8 Roadster," to the Japanese market. He expressed the company's intention to further increase sales in 2018 by strengthening its lineup and model range.

BMW i3
Body Size: Length 4,020 x Width 1,775 x Height 1,550 mm
Wheelbase: 2,570 mm
Weight: 1,300 kg
Maximum Output: 125 kW (170 ps) / 5,200 rpm
Maximum Torque: 250 Nm / 100-4,800 rpm
Transmission: 1-speed
Drivetrain: FR
Tires (Front/Rear): 155/70R19 (Rear for LODGE, SUITE: 175/60R19)
Driving Range per Charge (JC08 mode): 390 km
Power Consumption (JC08 mode): 98 Wh/km
Luggage Capacity: 260-1,100 liters
0-100 km/h Acceleration: 7.3 seconds
Price: (ATELIER) 5.38 million yen (LODGE) 5.80 million yen (SUITE) 5.95 million yen

BMW i3 with range extender
Body Size: Length 4,020 x Width 1,775 x Height 1,550 mm
Wheelbase: 2,570 mm
Weight: 1,420 kg
Maximum Output: 125 kW (170 ps) / 5,200 rpm
Maximum Torque: 250 Nm / 100-4,800 rpm
Transmission: 1-speed
Generator Engine: 647cc inline 2-cylinder
Generator Engine Maximum Output: 28 kW (38 ps) / 5,000 rpm
Generator Engine Maximum Torque: 56 Nm (5.7 kgm) / 4,500 rpm
Drivetrain: FR
Tires (Front/Rear): 155/70R19 (Rear for LODGE, SUITE: 175/60R19)
Luggage Capacity: 260-1,100 liters
Fuel Economy: 24.7 km/ℓ
Driving Range on Electric Power (JC08 mode): 288.9 km
Hybrid Driving Range: 511 km
Power Consumption (JC08 mode): 98 Wh/km
0-100 km/h Acceleration: 5.1 seconds
Price: (ATELIER) 5.87 million yen (LODGE) 6.29 million yen (SUITE) 6.44 million yen