BMW Malaysia has unveiled the BMW i3s at the opening of the Malaysia Autoshow 2019. This is BMW'S first Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) or pure electric vehicle and it adds to the brand's unique range of vehicles here in Malaysia. The i3s is also Malaysia’s first pure electric vehicle to be sold in the premium segment. The 2019 BMW i3s isn't something totally brand new. BMW has sold and delivered more than 120,000 units of BMW i3 vehicles globally so this is another new push by BMW Malaysia in its offerings.
The 2019 BMW i3s has advanced integrated technology and a clean design that keeps sustainability in mind every step of the way. Aside from its zero emissions powertrain, the i3s is also built using 80% recycled and renewable resources. The interior is unique to look at but one does need to get used to the use of the recycled materials especially the door cards. For us, it seems to be a mix of nice leather, premium eucalyptus wood, carbon fibre and some texture that you know came from recycled stuff. It does come out unique though in terms of its texture but in terms of overall looks, it looks good. And those suicide style rear doors are indeed a unique touch to get to the rear seats...
In terms of its drivetrain, the BMW eDrive technology guarantees a locally emission-free drive without compromising on driving force and energy efficiency as its electric motor makes a maximum output of 135kW/184hp. The efficient electric motors powers the electric vehicle's rear wheels via a single speed automatic transmission. Being an electric vehicle, it accelerates smoothly due to its linear and more than ample amounts of torque. 270 Nm to be exact.
It allows a 0-100kmh time of 6.9 seconds, a maximum speed of 160kmh (blame this to the single speed gearbox - most EV cars are like this and when you have one fixed ratio to work, it usually is a compromise between acceleration and maximum speed based on one single gear ratio - but it is actually ample for 99% of the drive) and a range of 260km, which technically should be more than enough for a trip to Ipoh or Melaka. You do need to charge up the i3s once you're there for the trip back though.
“The First-Ever BMW i3s is a strong testament to our commitment to shape the Future of Mobility in Malaysia. We have continuously driven initiatives for innovation, local assembly capabilities, and awareness on new and clean technology for the automotive industry as well as developing the infrastructure for premium vehicles in the country. With the First-Ever BMW i3s, Malaysia’s first pure electric vehicle in the premium segment, we look forward to continue driving the Story of Visionary Mobility forward,” said Mr. Raymond Tan, Head of Sales of BMW Malaysia.
The introduction of the First-Ever BMW i3s could contribute a large part to the National Automotive Policy 2014 that aims to make Malaysia a regional energy-efficient vehicle (EEV) hub by 2022. With its targeted 80% penetration of EEVs in the total industry volume by 2022, BMW Malaysia is committed to furthering its support for the national agenda.
BMW Malaysia also wishes to remind you readers that the BMW i3s and also the current line-up of BMW iPerformance vehicles 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. So do make yourselve aware of your charging options once you are out and about. It will make the ownership of vehicles like the i3s much better.
The BMW i3s is offered in Fluid Black and Capparis White, as well as the stunning metallic shade of Mineral Grey colours, of which are complete with highlight in BMW i Blue.
The estimated retail price (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) for the First-Ever BMW i3s is RM 279,000++
Launch Presentation
The BMW i3s Product Brief -
The unmistakable, avant-garde exterior styling of the First-Ever BMW i3s has already
clinched multiple awards for its 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
First-Ever BMW i3s sports a bold front bumper with a black U-shaped surround and a
high-gloss black accent for its closed kidney grille, making it more distinct. Lateral trim
strips on the front apron in the BMW i Blue further emphasises the width of the urban
automobile.
Full LED headlights come as standard, along with new turn signals horizontally
integrated 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 First-Ever BMW i3s portrays a more powerful stance with its variant specific rear
spoiler and wide black surround.
The First-Ever BMW i3s is also equipped with sports suspension as 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.
Powertrain and Drive Train
The First-Ever BMW i3s has proven to be the greenest driving force that BMW has
developed yet. The emission-free vehicle is powered by a formidable synchronous
electric motor with a Single-Speed Automatic Transmission. Built for high-powered
performance, the First-Ever BMW i3s can reach speeds of up to 160km/h. The full-
electric vehicle delivers a maximum output of 135kW/184hp, with a peak torque of
270Nm. The First-Ever BMW i3s can sprint to the 100km/h mark in just 6.9 seconds.
The lithium-ion high-voltage battery located low in the vehicle floor provides the First-
Ever BMW i3s a range of 260km based on the Customer Oriented Electric range in
everyday use. The combined electric power consumption of the First-Ever BMW i3s on
NEDC cycle is at 14.3kWh for every 100km.
Handling
The First-Ever BMW i3s is designed for outstanding driving dynamics and supreme
handling agility. The electric vehicle, made for sportier handling with zero local
emissions, boasts sports suspension with custom-made springs, dampers and anti-roll
bars. The driver can also select SPORT mode 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.
Enhanced driving agility in the First-Ever BMW i3s can also be accredited to the
optimised Dynamic Stability Control and Dynamic Traction Control. The vehicle also
features Cornering Brake Control, Dynamic Brake Control and the Antilock Braking
System with Brake Assist for a safer drive no matter the traffic condition.
Furnished for maximum comfort and sustainability.
Interior
Rooted in the LifeDrive vehicle architecture, the interior design language of the First-
Ever BMW i3s prioritised the many needs of the driver – comfort, innovation and
spaciousness, without compromising on its premium characteristic: sustainability. This is
reflected through its brilliant use of recycled and renewable resources on over 80% of all
visible surfaces within the vehicle; which is key to maintaining the low carbon footprint
ideal of electric mobility.
The many sustainable materials used to furnish the First-Ever BMW i3s include recycled plastics,
natural fibres and open-pored, unbleached eucalyptus wood. The carbon fibre-reinforced plastic
(CFRP) passenger cell also helped achieve that feeling of lightweight spaciousness that every electric
vehicle strives for.
The model is furnished with the BMW i Interior Design Suite that features a
sophisticated instrument panel and exquisite upholstery in Dark Truffle Leather
Vernasca. The First-Ever BMW i3s is complete with Carum Spice Grey headliner and a
premium leather steering wheel.
Charging Options
The latest innovation to the world of electric mobility is the new BMW Digital Charging
Service that provides a taste of the future today. 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 BMW i Wallbox provides 11kW of charging power
for an electric range of 180km in under three hours.
Equipment Inside
BMW ConnectedDrive, the innovative digital platform is available in the First-Ever BMW
i3s. With services including Intelligent Emergency Call, Concierge Services and Remote
Services, one can expect a seamless driving experience from the electric BMW vehicle.
Complementing the advancements made to the First-Ever BMW i3s is Driving Assistant
Plus, the impressive driver assistance systems that provide unfaltering support for
various traffics situations. The driver assistance include 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 First-Ever BMW i3s also comes with the updated version of the iDrive operating
system that allows the driver to control numerous vehicular, infotainment,
communication and navigation functions. The electric vehicle features the BMW
Navigation System Professional with a 10.25-inch control display, as well as a 5.7-inch
TFT instrument display.
The First-Ever BMW i3s can be pre-ordered from the authorised BMW i dealership, Auto
Bavaria Kuala Lumpur, from now. Alternatively, visit www.bmwbethefirst.com.my to pre-
book.
Dynamic financial 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).
Complete premium ownership experience.
Owners of the First-Ever BMW i3s will experience the complete BMW Group Malaysia
Premium Ownership experience which includes:
BMW 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service
Program
BMW 2-Year/ 24 Month Tyre Warranty Program 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
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