The BMW i3 94 Ah, launched in 2016, marked a significant advancement in the realm of electric vehicles (EVs). Building on the success of its predecessors, the i3 94 Ah offered an improved range and enhanced performance, making it a notable choice for urban commuters seeking a sustainable and efficient transportation solution. Although now discontinued, the BMW i3 94 Ah continues to be remembered for its innovative design and technological prowess. This article explores the key specifications and features that defined the BMW i3 94 Ah, highlighting its performance, battery and charging capabilities, design and dimensions, infotainment and displays, comfort and convenience, and safety features.
See also: BMW i3 60 Ah
Key Specifications
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Launch | Announced: 2016; Released: 2016 |
| Status | Discontinued |
| Performance | RWD 125 kW (170 hp), 250 Nm (184 lb-ft), 0-100 km/h in 7.3 sec |
| Max Speed | 150 km/h (93 mph) |
| Battery | 27.2 kWh usable, 33.2 kWh total, Liquid-cooled Li-ion |
| Range | 312 km NEDC |
| Recuperation | Yes, up to 50 kW |
| Heat Pump | Yes |
| AC Charging | Type 2 7.4 kW |
| DC Charging | CCS 49 kW max, 10-80% in 26 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: 1320 kg unladen, 1670 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 94 Ah is a testament to BMW’s commitment to delivering high-performance electric vehicles. Powered by a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) system, the i3 94 Ah boasts an electric motor that produces 125 kW (170 hp) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque. This robust setup allows the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.3 seconds, providing a dynamic and responsive driving experience. The top speed of 150 km/h (93 mph) ensures that the i3 94 Ah is not only suitable for city driving but also capable of handling highway speeds with ease. The combination of power and agility makes this vehicle a joy to drive, particularly in urban environments where quick acceleration and maneuverability are essential.
Battery and Charging
One of the standout features of the BMW i3 94 Ah is its advanced battery system. Equipped with a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery, the vehicle has a usable capacity of 27.2 kWh and a total capacity of 33.2 kWh. This configuration provides an impressive range of 312 km NEDC on a single charge, making it suitable for both daily commutes and longer journeys.
The i3 94 Ah supports multiple charging options, including a Type 2 AC charger with a capacity of 7.4 kW and a CCS DC fast charger with a maximum power of 49 kW. The latter can charge the battery from 10% to 80% in just 26 minutes (unofficially), ensuring minimal downtime for drivers. The inclusion of a heat pump further enhances the battery’s performance and efficiency in various weather conditions, while the regenerative braking system allows for energy recuperation of up to 50 kW, extending the vehicle’s range and improving overall efficiency.
Design and Dimensions
The design of the BMW i3 94 Ah is both futuristic and functional. With dimensions of 3999 x 1775 x 1578 mm (157.4 x 69.9 x 62.1 in), the vehicle offers a compact yet spacious layout, ideal for urban driving. The i3’s aerodynamic profile, highlighted by a drag coefficient of 0.29 Cd, contributes to its efficiency and performance. The wheelbase of 2570 mm (101.2 in) ensures stability and comfort, while the ground clearance of 140 mm (5.5 in) allows for smooth navigation over city streets and speed bumps. Despite its compact size, the i3 94 Ah offers a surprisingly roomy interior, with seating for four passengers and a versatile trunk space of 260 liters, expandable to 1100 liters with the rear seats folded down. The vehicle’s lightweight construction, with an unladen weight of 1320 kg and a gross weight of 1670 kg, further enhances its agility and efficiency.
Infotainment and Displays
The BMW i3 94 Ah comes equipped with state-of-the-art infotainment and display systems, designed to keep drivers connected and informed. 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
Comfort and convenience are paramount in the design of the BMW i3 94 Ah. The vehicle is equipped with heated front seats, ensuring a pleasant ride in cold weather. The panoramic glass sunroof adds a touch of luxury and spaciousness to the cabin, allowing natural light to flood the interior. 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 i3’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 top priority in the BMW i3 94 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 94 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 94 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 94 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 94 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 94 Ah will undoubtedly inspire future innovations and contribute to the ongoing transition towards a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly automotive landscape.
