The BMW i3 will get a range increase of between 80 and 100 miles, while DC fast-charging will now come as standard

The BMW i3 will get a hefty increase in range from July, when the all-electric and range-extender city car will be offered with an improved battery as standard.

The new higher-density battery raises the range of the pure-electric i3 – now labelled i3 94Ah – from ‘between 80 and 100 miles’ to 195 miles, although performance remains the same, with a 0-62mph time of 7.3 seconds. The capacity of the range-extender version of the i3 also rises, to a claimed 276 miles. That car’s CO2 emissions also drop by 1g/km, to 12g/km.

BMW is also making DC fast-charging standard across the i3 range (it was previously an option), and even AC charging should be faster, thanks to multi-phase tech that allows 3.7kW, 7.4kW and 11kW. The fastest of these can replenish the i3’s battery in under three hours, BMW claims.

The i3’s looks remain the same, although the car is now available with the same bright metallic blue paint that has previously been reserved for the i8 sports car. There’s a new standard interior trim, called Atelier, but the old ’Interior worlds’ – Loft and Lodge – are available as options. A further cabin package, called Suite, brings dark oak wood trim on the fascia.

Prices for the new-spec i3 will start at £27,830 (pure EV) and £30,980 (range-extender) after the government plug-in vehicle grant. Despite previous statements suggesting that new technologies would be made available to current i3 owners, BMW says it has no plans to offer the improved battery as an upgrade to existing vehicles.

Source: AutoExpress