The BMW i3 60 Ah, launched in 2013, represents a significant milestone in the evolution of urban electric mobility. As one of the early entrants in the electric vehicle (EV) market, it played a crucial role in shaping public perception and acceptance of electric cars. Despite being discontinued, the i3 60 Ah remains a notable example of innovation and forward-thinking design. This article delves into the key specifications and features that defined the BMW i3 60 Ah, highlighting its performance, battery and charging capabilities, design and dimensions, infotainment and displays, comfort and convenience, and safety features.
See also: BMW i3 94 Ah
Key Specifications
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Launch | Announced: 2013; Released: 2013 |
| Status | Discontinued |
| Performance | RWD 125 kW (170 hp), 250 Nm (184 lb-ft), 0-100 km/h in 7.2 sec |
| Max Speed | 150 km/h (93 mph) |
| Battery | 18.8 kWh usable, 21.8 kWh total, Liquid-cooled Li-ion 360V |
| Range | 190 km WLTP |
| Consumption | 12.9 kWh/100 km WLTP |
| Recuperation | Yes, up to 50 kW |
| Heat Pump | Yes |
| AC Charging | Type 2 7.4 kW |
| DC Charging | CCS 47 kW max, 10-80% in 20 min (unofficial) |
| Body Type | 5 door hatchback, 4 seats |
| Dimensions | 3999 x 1775 x 1578 mm (157.4 x 69.9 x 62.1 in) |
| Drag Coefficient | 0.29 Cd |
| Wheelbase | 2570 mm (101.2 in) |
| Clearance | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Weight | EU: 1195 kg unladen, 1620 kg gross |
| Suspension | Independent Front MacPherson struts, Independent rear five-link |
| Wheels | R19 |
| Trunk | EU: 260 l, 1100 l max |
| Frunk | No |
| Towing | No |
| Displays | Center: 8.8″ touchscreen; Driver’s: 6.5″ |
| Comfort | Heated front seats, Panoramic glass sunroof |
| Parking Aids | Front and rear sensors, reversing camera, automatic self-parking system |
| Connectivity | Apple CarPlay |
| Safety | 6 airbags: front, side, including head airbag system; front seats knee airbags |
| Driving Aids | Forward Collision Warning, City Collision Mitigation, Preventive Pedestrian Protection, Cruise Control with Stop&Go, Speed Limit Info, Route-ahead Assistant and Traffic Jam Assist |
| Crash Tests | NCAP 2013: 4 stars |
Performance
The BMW i3 60 Ah stands out with its rear-wheel-drive (RWD) system, powered by an electric motor that delivers 125 kW (170 hp) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque. This configuration ensures a lively and engaging driving experience, with the ability to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.2 seconds. The vehicle’s top speed is capped at 150 km/h (93 mph), making it well-suited for urban and suburban driving. The i3 60 Ah’s performance is characterized by its smooth acceleration and nimble handling, which are enhanced by its low center of gravity and balanced weight distribution.
Battery and Charging
At the heart of the BMW i3 60 Ah is its advanced battery system. The vehicle is equipped with a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery that has a usable capacity of 18.8 kWh and a total capacity of 21.8 kWh, operating at 360V. This setup provides a range of 190 km WLTP on a single charge, making it ideal for daily commutes and short trips. The battery’s energy consumption is impressively low at 12.9 kWh/100 km WLTP. For charging, the i3 60 Ah offers multiple options: a Type 2 AC charger with a capacity of 7.4 kW, and a CCS DC fast charger with a maximum power of 47 kW, which can charge the battery from 10% to 80% in just 20 minutes (unofficially). The inclusion of a heat pump ensures efficient battery performance across various temperature conditions.
Design and Dimensions
The BMW i3 60 Ah is designed to be both compact and spacious, making it an ideal urban vehicle. Its dimensions are 3999 x 1775 x 1578 mm (157.4 x 69.9 x 62.1 in), providing a small footprint that is easy to maneuver in city traffic. Despite its compact size, the i3 offers a roomy interior with a wheelbase of 2570 mm (101.2 in) and a ground clearance of 140 mm (5.5 in). The vehicle’s lightweight construction, with an unladen weight of 1195 kg and a gross weight of 1620 kg, contributes to its agility and efficiency. The trunk provides 260 liters of storage space, which can be expanded to 1100 liters with the rear seats folded down. The absence of a frunk and towing capability is compensated by the vehicle’s overall practicality and innovative design.
Infotainment and Displays
BMW has equipped the i3 60 Ah with state-of-the-art infotainment and display systems. The center console features an 8.8-inch touchscreen that serves as the control hub for navigation, media, and vehicle settings. The driver’s display, measuring 6.5 inches, provides essential driving information in a clear and concise manner. Although the i3 does not come with a head-up display, the existing screens are more than sufficient to keep the driver informed and entertained. Connectivity options include Apple CarPlay, allowing seamless integration with smartphones and access to apps, music, and more. These features enhance the overall driving experience, making it both enjoyable and intuitive.
Comfort and Convenience
The BMW i3 60 Ah is designed with comfort and convenience in mind. The heated front seats ensure a pleasant ride in cold weather, while the panoramic glass sunroof adds a touch of luxury and spaciousness to the cabin. Parking is made effortless with front and rear sensors, a reversing camera, and an automatic self-parking system. These aids help drivers navigate tight spaces and park with ease. Additionally, the vehicle’s compact size and agile handling make it ideal for urban environments, where parking and maneuvering can often be challenging.
Safety Features
Safety is a paramount consideration in the design of the BMW i3 60 Ah. The vehicle is equipped with six airbags, including front, side, and head airbags, as well as knee airbags for the front seats. Advanced driving aids such as Forward Collision Warning, City Collision Mitigation, Preventive Pedestrian Protection, Cruise Control with Stop&Go, Speed Limit Info, Route-ahead Assistant, and Traffic Jam Assist provide an extra layer of protection and assistance to the driver. These features are designed to prevent accidents and mitigate the severity of collisions, ensuring the safety of both the occupants and pedestrians. The i3 60 Ah’s strong performance in crash tests, earning 4 stars from NCAP in 2013, further attests to its safety credentials.
Legacy and Influence
The BMW i3 60 Ah has left an indelible mark on the automotive industry. As one of the pioneering electric vehicles, it helped pave the way for the broader acceptance and adoption of EVs. Its innovative design, advanced technology, and commitment to sustainability have set a high standard for future electric vehicles. The i3’s legacy continues to influence BMW’s electric vehicle lineup and the industry as a whole, driving further advancements in battery technology, performance, and design. As the automotive world moves towards a more sustainable future, the BMW i3 60 Ah stands as a testament to the possibilities of electric mobility and the impact of early innovations on future developments.
In conclusion, the BMW i3 60 Ah represents a significant achievement in the realm of electric vehicles. Its combination of performance, efficiency, and advanced features makes it a noteworthy example of what is possible with electric mobility. As the industry continues to evolve, the legacy of the i3 60 Ah will undoubtedly inspire future innovations and contribute to the ongoing transition towards a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly automotive landscape.
