BMW i3s officially launched in Malaysia

BMW Malaysia today launched the BMW i3s at the 2019 Malaysia Autoshow, making it the first premium car brand to introduce an all-electric vehicle in our country. The i3s is essentially a sportier version of the i3, and was first revealed when the model received its first full facelift back in August 2017.

Motivation for the i3s is provided by a rear-mounted synchronous electric motor, which is packaged together with integrated power electronics, a charging unit, as well as generator function for energy recuperation via braking (up to 50 kW).

The e-motor provides 181 hp (135 kW) and 270 Nm of torque, which is good for a zero to 100 km/h time of 6.9 seconds, and a top speed of 160 km/h. A modified motor control and new taper roller bearings are improvements over a regular i3, and result in a different power delivery strategy.

For further distinguishment, the i3s also comes with a dedicated drive mode ‘Sport' that can be selected in the Driving Experience Control system. Parked under said mode is a Traction programme that allows for small drifts when grip levels are low.

To power the e-motor, the i3s comes with a lithium-ion battery located in the vehicle floor for a lower centre of gravity. The battery is rated at 42.2 kWh (output) and 120 Ah (capacity), with a more realistic customer oriented electric range of 260 km in everyday use, or up to 345 km if you prefer the WLTP test cycle. This battery capacity/output is the latest and largest to be introduced to the i3 range, as part of a minor update revealed in October 2018.

Recharging the battery can be done either via AC or DC charging, the former utilising an 11-kW onboard AC charger and a Type 2 connection. For DC charging, you'll need to use the Combined Charging System connector, which is an extension of the Type 2 connector with two additional pins below.

With a BWM i Wallbox Connect that delivers 11 kW of three-phase, AC charging power, it's possible to charge the battery from zero to 80% (about 180 km of range) in about 3.1 hours. The wallbox also comes equipped with Wi-Fi access, allowing users to check on the charging status of their vehicle remotely via a smartphone.

Should you need to charge when away from home, the i3s, like other BMW iPerformance models in the country, can utilise the ChargEV network of chargers in the country as part of the BMW ChargeNow service, offered as part of the BMW 360° Electric programme. Depending on the location, ChargEV chargers have outputs of 3.7 kW, 7.0 kW, or 22 kW.

Beyond the drivetrain, the i3s also comes with specially developed springs, dampers and anti-roll bars, along with a 10 mm lower ride height for sportier driving dynamics. Other driving-related features include optimised Dynamic Stability Control and Dynamic Traction Control systems, as well as Cornering Brake Control and Dynamic Brake Control.

Just like on the i3, the basis of the i3s is the BMW i LifeDrive architecture, where the first part of the name (Life) references the body made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP). Meanwhile, the Drive module is made entirely out of aluminium, and is what the floor-mounted batteries and rear-mounted drivetrain are mounted to.

The exterior of the i3s is identified by more aggressive front and rear bumpers, which are complemented by gloss black accents on the front apron and grille, as well as gloss black fender extensions that mask a 40 mm wider track. As standard, the EV comes with full LED headlamps and 20-inch BMW i light alloy five-double-spoke (Style 431) wheels with staggered tyre sizes (175/55 front and 195/50 rear).

Moving inside, the i3s is specified with the BMW i Interior Design Suite, and features Dark Truffle Leather Vernasca upholstery along with a Carum Spice Grey headliner. The use of sustainable materials is also common here, with recycled plastics, natural fibres and unbleached eucalyptus wood being used for various parts of the interior.

The cabin also comes with two screens, with the first being a 5.7-inch TFT-LCD unit serving as a digital instrument display. The other is a 10.25-inch unit on the dashboard, which is linked to a BMW Navigation System Professional infotainment system and iDrive operating system.

Safety-wise, the i3s comes well equipped with the Driving Assistant Plus package that consists of a rear-view camera, Park Distance Control (front and rear), active cruise control with Stop & Go function, Collision and Pedestrian Warning with City Braking function, plus Traffic Jam Assistant.

Owners will also have access to BMW ConnectedDrive and its attached services, including Intelligent Emergency Call, Concierge Services and Remote Services.

The BMW i3s carries an estimated retail price of RM279,000, and it is available with Balloon Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia. Based on an 80% loan uptake on a five-year tenure, the i3s can be had with monthly instalment plans starting from RM3,188.

Included with each purchase is a five-year/unlimited mileage warranty with free scheduled service, a two-year tyre warranty programme, along with access to BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline, the BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App BMW White Card and BMW Service Online.

We've already had a go in the BMW i3s, and if you'd like to find out more about it, you can check out our review of the sporty, all-electric model here.