BMW Malaysia today unveiled the BMW i3s, its first Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) or pure electric vehicle at the Malaysia Autoshow 2019. The First-Ever BMW i3s adds to the premium automaker’s portfolio of Visionary Mobility vehicles and reinforces BMW Group Malaysia as the leading e-mobility provider in the country.
“The First-Ever BMW i3s is a strong testament to our commitment to shape the Future of Mobility in Malaysia. We have continuously driven initiatives for innovation, local assembly capabilities, and awareness on new and clean technology for the automotive industry as well as developing the infrastructure for premium vehicles in the country. With the First-Ever BMW i3s, Malaysia’s first pure electric vehicle in the premium segment, we look forward to continue driving the Story of Visionary Mobility forward,” said Mr. Raymond Tan, Head of Sales of BMW Malaysia.
In line with BMW Malaysia’s goal to drive the future of sustainability forward, the introduction of the First-Ever BMW i3s strongly contributes to the National Automotive Policy 2014 that aims to make Malaysia a regional energy-efficient vehicle (EEV) hub by 2022. With its targeted 80% penetration of EEVs in the total industry volume by 2022, BMW Malaysia is committed to furthering its support for the national agenda with the First-Ever BMW i3s – Malaysia’s first pure electric vehicle in the premium segment.
Having previously delivered more than 120,000 units of BMW i3 vehicles globally, the First-Ever BMW i3s now brings more polished styling accents, advanced integrated technology and a clean design that keeps sustainability in mind every step of the way. Not only is it a powerful electric vehicle, it is also 80% furnished with recycled and renewable resources – thus staying true to BMW Malaysia’s commitment to automotive sustainability. With the refinement of the BMW eDrive technology, the First-Ever BMW i3s guarantees a locally emission-free drive without compromising on driving force and energy efficiency. The First-Ever BMW i3s generates an impressive maximum output of 135kW/184hp, making it the most formidable machine of its class.
The First-Ever BMW i3s and the portfolio of BMW iPerformance vehicles are supported by the ChargEV platform through BMW Group Malaysia’s partnership with GreenTech Malaysia. The BMW ChargeNow service is offered as part of the BMW 360° ELECTRIC programme. This enables owners a straightforward access to partner charging facilities like ChargEV, where they can enjoy 24/7 support and access to all charging locations in ChargEV’s growing network nationwide.
An electrifying symbol of urban mobility.
The unmistakable, avant-garde exterior styling of the First-Ever BMW i3s has already clinched multiple awards for its design, including the iF gold award for product design, the World Car Design of the Year award and the World Green Car of the Year. The First-Ever BMW i3s sports a bold front bumper with a black U-shaped surround and a high-gloss black accent for its closed kidney grille, making it more distinct. Lateral trim strips on the front apron in the BMW i Blue further emphasises the width of the urban automobile.
Full LED headlights come as standard, along with new turn signals horizontally integrated into the front apron for a sportier finish. The high-gloss black accent on the A-pillar and roof line provides the new electric vehicle a sleeker outlook. From the back, the First-Ever BMW i3s portrays a more powerful stance with its variant specific rear spoiler and wide black surround.
The First-Ever BMW i3s is also equipped with sports suspension as standard, which includes a 10mm drop in ride height, with an increased track width of 40mm for sportier handling. It is also exclusively affixed with 20-inch BMW i light alloy wheels in double-spoke style 431 with mixed tyres.
A thoroughly dynamic performer.
The First-Ever BMW i3s has proven to be the greenest driving force that BMW has developed yet. The emission-free vehicle is powered by a formidable synchronous electric motor with a Single-Speed Automatic Transmission. Built for high-powered performance, the First-Ever BMW i3s can reach speeds of up to 160km/h. The full-electric vehicle delivers a maximum output of 135kW/184hp, with a peak torque of 270Nm. The First-Ever BMW i3s can sprint to the 100km/h mark in just 6.9 seconds.
The lithium-ion high-voltage battery located low in the vehicle floor provides the First-Ever BMW i3s a range of 260km based on the Customer Oriented Electric range in everyday use. The combined electric power consumption of the First-Ever BMW i3s on NEDC cycle is at 14.3kWh for every 100km.
The First-Ever BMW i3s is designed for outstanding driving dynamics and supreme handling agility. The electric vehicle, made for sportier handling with zero local emissions, boasts sports suspension with custom-made springs, dampers and anti-roll bars. The driver can also select SPORT mode using the Driving Experience Control switch to initiate more direct accelerator response and tighter steering characteristics, showcasing the vehicle’s sporting edge. Its updated drive system also includes modified motor control and specific taper roller bearing to greatly optimise power delivery and the performance curve at higher rpm.
Enhanced driving agility in the First-Ever BMW i3s can also be accredited to the optimised Dynamic Stability Control and Dynamic Traction Control. The vehicle also features Cornering Brake Control, Dynamic Brake Control and the Antilock Braking System with Brake Assist for a safer drive no matter the traffic condition.
Furnished for maximum comfort and sustainability.
Rooted in the LifeDrive vehicle architecture, the interior design language of the First-Ever BMW i3s prioritised the many needs of the driver – comfort, innovation and spaciousness, without compromising on its premium characteristic: sustainability. This is reflected through its brilliant use of recycled and renewable resources on over 80% of all visible surfaces within the vehicle; which is key to maintaining the low carbon footprint ideal of electric mobility. The many sustainable materials used to furnish the First-Ever BMW i3s include recycled plastics, natural fibres and open-pored, unbleached eucalyptus wood. The carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) passenger cell also helped achieve that feeling of lightweight spaciousness that every electric vehicle strives for.
The model is furnished with the BMW i Interior Design Suite that features a sophisticated instrument panel and exquisite upholstery in Dark Truffle Leather Vernasca. The First-Ever BMW i3s is complete with Carum Spice Grey headliner and a premium leather steering wheel.
Charging ahead for electromobility.
The latest innovation to the world of electric mobility is the new BMW Digital Charging Service that provides a taste of the future today. With the BMW ConnectedDrive and the BMW ConnectedDrive Portal, charging the electric vehicle can become a digital experience – from optimising charging costs to making use of home-generated solar energy to maximise the ecological benefits of electric mobility. All these can be done through a smartphone with the BMW ConnectedDrive or through personal computers (PC) and tablets via the BMW ConnectedDrive Portal.
The BMW i Wallbox also facilitates lightning speed charging at home for a significantly longer all-electric driving range. The BMW i Wallbox provides 11kW of charging power for an electric range of 180km in under three hours. The BMW i Wallbox is equipped with WiFi access and can be operated seamlessly via a smartphone, smartwatch, PC or tablet, and can also access all features of the BMW Digital Charging Service.
Intelligent assistance with a superior level of connectivity.
BMW ConnectedDrive, the innovative digital platform is available in the First-Ever BMW i3s. With services including Intelligent Emergency Call, Concierge Services and Remote Services, one can expect a seamless driving experience from the electric BMW vehicle.
Complementing the advancements made to the First-Ever BMW i3s is Driving Assistant Plus, the impressive driver assistance systems that provide unfaltering support for various traffics situations. The driver assistances include a rear-view camera, Park Distance Control for both front and rear, active cruise control with Stop & Go function, Collision and Pedestrian Warning with City Braking function and Traffic Jam Assistant.
The First-Ever BMW i3s also comes with the updated version of the iDrive operating system that allows the driver to control numerous vehicular, infotainment, communication and navigation functions. The electric vehicle features the BMW Navigation System Professional with a 10.25-inch control display, as well as a 5.7-inch TFT instrument display.
The First-Ever BMW i3s can be pre-ordered from the authorised BMW i dealership, Auto Bavaria Kuala Lumpur, from now. Alternatively, visit www.bmwbethefirst.com.my to pre-book. Colour offering for the First-Ever BMW i3s include the edgy non-metallic shades: Fluid Black and Capparis White, as well as the stunning metallic shade of Mineral Grey, of which are complete with highlight in BMW i Blue.
Dynamic financial programme.
With the Balloon Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the First-Ever BMW i3s can be owned with monthly instalment plans starting from RM 3,188.00 (based on estimates of an 80% loan on a five-year tenure).
Complete premium ownership experience.
Owners of the First-Ever BMW i3s will experience the complete BMW Group Malaysia Premium Ownership experience which includes:
- BMW 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Program
- BMW 2-Year/ 24 Month Tyre Warranty Program for its Run Flat Tyre offering and services
- BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline
- The BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App – BMW White Card
- BMW Service Online
