{"id":491,"date":"2020-03-29T17:30:21","date_gmt":"2020-03-29T22:30:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/evglobe.com\/?p=491"},"modified":"2020-03-29T15:30:30","modified_gmt":"2020-03-29T20:30:30","slug":"what-is-the-difference-between-the-bmw-i3-and-the-bmw-i3s","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/evglobe.com\/2020\/03\/29\/what-is-the-difference-between-the-bmw-i3-and-the-bmw-i3s\/","title":{"rendered":"What is the difference between the BMW i3 and the BMW i3s?"},"content":{"rendered":"

What is the difference between the BMW i3 and BMW i3s? In a way, the answer is simple and in a way, it is not. It takes a trained eye to spot the difference between the two that use the same 42 kWh battery pack, same motor and same layout.<\/p>\n

The i3s is BMW\u2019s Sport Edition of the i3 which debuted as a 2018<\/a> with the mid-cycle update of the electric car. The i3s enhancements include the trifecta of increased power, improved handling, and a more athletic appearance.<\/p>\n

The BMW i3s models have a lowered and wider stance as well as unique wider 20-inch wheels with performance summer tires. Visually the i3s is most easily identified by its gloss black wheel arch molding, unique front, rear clips and i3s badging.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

For the interior, really the only changes for an i3s are a new Sport button on the center console driving style switch and i3s on the floor mats. Unlike other BMW Sport editions, there is no M sport steering wheel, no sport seats, no special instrument cluster, no different gear lever or different headliner.<\/p>\n

Think about that, a button and floor mats. Not your typical BMW sports package, but then again BMW i is its own division of BMW.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The biggest change compared from the base BMW i3, however, is best experienced from the driver\u2019s seat. The handling of the i3s is just miles better than the original BMW i3 which could sometimes have handling that was described as tipsy.<\/p>\n

BMW improved the handling of the i3s by increasing the track by 40mm, lowering the ride height by 10mm, by using a bespoke suspension and 20mm wider 20\u201d tires.<\/p>\n

BMW tuned the i3s with dedicated springs, dampers and anti-roll bars. The base i3 could easily get blown around on the highway in crosswinds. The new i3s suffers none of this. The ride is firm but not harsh in normal daily driving.<\/p>\n

To gain more horsepower, BMW changed the programming of the regular i3 motor and was able to have it make 11 more horsepower and 15 lb-ft more of torque. The BMW i3s also has a higher top speed of 99 mph compared to 93 mph.<\/p>\n

The rated range surprisingly doesn\u2019t take a hit though as both have an EPA rated range of 153 miles. This is a reflection of the fact they both use the same battery pack, same motor and weigh nearly the same. The equal range rating assumes you can keep yourself out of sport mode and foot out of the throttle.<\/p>\n

This though is a big assumption because the i3s is a literal blast to drive.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Here is a recap of the differences between the BMW i3 and i3s<\/h3>\n