BMW i3s launched in Malaysia and now available at RM279,000

Malaysia’s first all-electric vehicle in the premium segment, the BMW i3s now available at RM 279,000

The BMW i3s has been unveiled in Malaysia. BMW’s first all-electric vehicle and Malaysia’s first pure electric vehicle in the premium segment, the i3s is the sports variant which offers more powerful performance.

The lithium-ion battery delivers a maximum output of 184bhp, with a peak torque of 270Nm, from single-speed automatic transmission. The i3s takes 6.9 seconds to sprint to 100km/h and is capable of reaching speeds of 160km/h with a range of 260 kilometres based on the Customer Oriented Electric range in everyday use.. The combined electric power consumption on NEDC cycle is 14.3kWh for every 100km.

Three hours of charging on the BMW i Wallbox at 11kW provides an electric range of 180km.

Winner of multiple awards for design, including the iF gold award for product design, the World Car Design of the Year award and the World Green Car of the Year, the quirky-looking i3s has a bold front bumper with a black U-shaped surround and a distinctive high-gloss black accent for its closed kidney grille. Lateral trim strips on the front apron in the BMW i Blue emphasises its width.

Full LED headlights are standard, along with new indicator lamps integrated horizontally into the front apron for a sportier finish. The high gloss black accent on the A pillar and roof line provides the new electric vehicle a sleeker outlook. From the back, the variant specific rear spoiler and wide black surround give the i3s a sporty air. Sports suspension is standard, which includes a 10mm drop in ride height, with an increased track width of 40mm for sportier handling. It is also exclusively affixed with 20-inch BMW i light alloy wheels in double-spoke style 431 with mixed tyres.

This electric vehicle was designed for driving dynamics, sportier handling and agility while producing zero local emissions. It has sports suspension with custom-made springs, dampers and anti-roll bars. There is also SPORT mode, selected using the Driving Experience Control switch to initiate more direct accelerator response and tighter steering characteristics, showcasing the vehicle’s sporting edge. Its updated drive system also includes modified motor control and specific taper roller bearing to greatly optimise power delivery and the performance curve at higher rpm.

Other handling control features in the i3s are Dynamic Stability Control and Dynamic Traction Control, Cornering Brake Control, Dynamic Brake Control and the Antilock Braking System with Brake Assist for a safer drive.

Driver Assistance Plus is in the i3s. This system provides driver assistances like a rear-view camera, Park Distance Control for both front and rear, active cruise control with Stop & Go function, Collision and Pedestrian Warning with City Braking function and Traffic Jam Assistant.

The i3s is built around a carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) passenger cell which creates a feeling of lightweight spaciousness in the cabin. The lithium-ion high-voltage battery is located low in the vehicle floor.

The interior furnishings are 80% from recycled and renewable resources: plastics, natural fibres and open-pored, unbleached eucalyptus wood. The BMW i Interior Design Suite cabin features a digital instrument panel and Dark Truffle Leather Vernasca upholstery. The headliner is Carum Spice Grey with a premium leather steering wheel. The iDrive for controlling numerous vehicular, infotainment, communication and navigation functions is the BMW Navigation System Professional with a 10.25-inch control display, as well as a 5.7-inch TFT instrument display.

As with all the latest generation BMWs, the i3s is equipped with BMW ConnectedDrive, offering access to Intelligent Emergency Call, Concierge Services and Remote Services.

The portfolio of BMW iPerformance vehicles, including the i3s, are supported by the ChargEV platform through BMW Group Malaysia’s partnership with GreenTech Malaysia. The BMW ChargeNow service is offered as part of the BMW 360° ELECTRIC programme. This enables owners a straightforward access to partner charging facilities like ChargEV, where they can enjoy 24/7 support and access to all charging locations in ChargEV’s growing network nationwide.

BMW Digital Charging Service
The latest innovation to the world of electric mobility is the new BMW Digital Charging Service. With the BMW ConnectedDrive and the BMW ConnectedDrive Portal, charging the electric vehicle can become a digital experience – from optimising charging costs to making use of home-generated solar energy to maximise the ecological benefits of electric mobility. All these can be done through a smartphone with the BMW ConnectedDrive or through personal computers (PC) and tablets via the BMW ConnectedDrive Portal.

The BMW i Wallbox also facilitates lightning speed charging at home for a significantly longer all-electric driving range – the previously mentioned 11kW of charging power for an electric range of 180km in under three hours. The BMW i Wallbox is equipped with WiFi access and can be operated seamlessly via a smartphone, smartwatch, PC or tablet, and can also access all features of the BMW Digital Charging Service.

The BMW i3s comes in non-metallic shades Fluid Black and Capparis White as well as metallic Mineral Grey, all highlighted in BMW i Blue. See the BMW i3s at the authorised BMW i dealership, Auto Bavaria Kuala Lumpur. It can also be pre-booked at www.bmwbethefirst.com.my

The first-ever all-electric car in the premium segment is estimated to cost RM279,000 on-the- road, without insurance, and with BMW Group Malaysia’s latest 5 Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty, Free Scheduled Service Programme and BMW Tyre Warranty Programme). With the Balloon Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the First-Ever BMW i3s can be owned with monthly instalment plans starting from RM 3,188.00 (based on estimates of an 80% loan on a five-year tenure).

The price includes the complete BMW Group Malaysia Premium Ownership experience which includes:

BMW 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Programme
BMW 2-Year/ 24 Month Tyre Warranty Programme for its Run Flat Tyre offering and services
BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline
The BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App – BMW White Card
BMW Service Online