The 2020 BMW i3s Range Extender is a hybrid EV that merges electric vehicle technology and a gas generator. As a driver seeking the ideal balance between eco-friendliness and range reassurance, the i3s Range Extender ensures you stay on the move without worrying about recharging far from home. In this review, we'll highlight the uniqueness of the i3s and why we think other manufacturers should have Range Extender versions of their EVs.
The BMW i3 first entered the market in 2013 with a bang as one of BMW's first cars in the electric vehicle landscape. The i3 was conceived as a groundbreaking vehicle based on BMW's vision for sustainable urban mobility. Early models were made from carbon fiber and reinforced plastic materials to give the car a lightweight yet robust structure. The i3 underwent various updates throughout its production years, particularly in battery capacity, allowing for extended range without compromising its eco-friendly ethos. These updates birthed the i3s and the i3s Range Extender. By incorporating a range-extending gasoline engine, the 2020 BMW i3s addressed people's range anxiety when it comes to electric vehicles.
The 2020 BMW i3s Range Extender houses an electric motor that produces 181 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque. This power enables the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds to reach its 99 mph top speed. The i3s can travel approximately 126 miles on a fully charged battery alone. When you utilize the range extender functionality, the range extends to around 200 miles. The 2020 BMW i3s Range Extender, with its electric motor and range-boosting gasoline engine, gets a lot of applause in the compact electric vehicle segment. The Nissan Leaf and the Chevrolet Bolt EV don’t match the i3s because they lack the innovative range extender. While the Nissan Leaf offers a similar electric feel with a 214 hp motor in its Plus variant, it lacks the dual-power system of the i3s. On the other hand, the Chevrolet Bolt EV boasts a slightly higher range on a single charge with its 66 kWh battery, but without a range extender, it requires charging stations for extended drives. Charging times for the i3s RE vary. Charging from empty to full on a standard household 120V outlet can take approximately 16-18 hours. However, using a Level 2 charger drastically reduces this time, allowing the battery to reach full charge in about five hours. DC fast charging stations are the best as they replenish the battery to 80% in about 40 minutes.
Inside the 2020 BMW i3s RE, you’ll find generous use of sustainable materials. Recycled plastics, open-pore Eucalyptus wood, and natural fibers have been successfully interwoven to get you the right level of comfort. As you settle into the driver's seat, you’ll enjoy features like automatic climate control, heated front seats, and an intuitive iDrive system with navigation that ensures you stay connected and informed. The multifunction sports steering wheel, adorned with leather, keeps all essential controls at your fingertips. Passenger space is ample despite the i3s RE’s compact size. You’ll also notice the absence of a transmission tunnel, which contributes somewhat to the interior's spaciousness. The i3s has 15.1 cubic feet of cargo space, which is okay for small cargo. You also get 36.9 inches of headroom in the front and 37.2 inches in the rear. Legroom is equally impressive, with 40.5 inches in the front and 31.9 inches in the back, ensuring you and your passengers are comfortable.
BMW’s choice of materials for constructing the i3s RE gives it an edge over other EVs with conventional steel bodies, making it lighter and more eco-friendly. The i3s include sporty features such as a slightly lowered suspension and wider tires. It retains signature design elements like the kidney grille with a few touches, full LED headlights, and a streamlined body. With a length of 157 inches, this compact vehicle is ideal for weaving through busy city streets. The 20-inch alloy wheels and wider tires catch your attention as you circle the car. They’re not the fanciest, but you can always upgrade to something nicer and better. There isn’t much difference between the 2020 i3s RE and its predecessors, and there were little changes even for the next model year.
The technology suite within the 2020 BMW i3s Range Extender is well equipped to ensure you have safe and convenient drives. You get the iDrive system, which, in turn, gives you access to navigation, real-time traffic updates, and integration with your smartphone, ensuring you remain connected. Advanced driver assistance features like parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, and a rearview camera add convenience at every turn. Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with BMW ConnectedDrive, allowing you to access vital car stats and control numerous aspects via your smartphone.
As you explore the used car market to find decently used units, you’ll come across several units at prices ranging from $18,000 to $35,000, depending on mileage and condition. This range is relatively competitive as many conventional compact cars retail at similar prices. The range extender functionality is what gives the i3s a slight edge.
The 2020 BMW i3s Range Extender is an example of what car manufacturers should do with EVs - give us a decent range on battery alone but also the ability to extend the range. The i3s RE has comprehensive features that will cater to your desires for a sustainable yet efficient vehicle. Should you wish to embark on this journey, Exotic Car Trader offers a robust platform for buying and selling cars online. Effortlessly list your car for sale or explore their diverse inventory to find the next vehicle that perfectly matches your driving needs.
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