BMW has released details of its 2018 i3, as well as a new version, the i3s, which features a more powerful motor and a sportier suspension. Both will be shown at the upcoming International Motor Show in Frankfurt. BMW will announce pricing closer to the market launch date.

BMW describes the new i3s as a more powerful and sportier version of the i3. The 2018 i3 has a 170 hp motor that generates peak torque of 184 lb-ft. It accelerates from 0-60 in 7.2 seconds, and has an electronically-limited top speed of 93 mph. The i3s ups the ante with a 184 motor, peak torque of 199 lb-ft, a 0-60 time of 6.8 seconds, and a top speed of 100 mph. Range is 97 miles.

According to BMW, the i3s has an “updated drive system that includes modified motor control and specific taper roller bearings, which have been utilized to optimize power delivery and the performance curve at higher rpm. At the limits of the motor speed range, the power and torque of the enhanced drive system represent an improvement of up to 40 percent over the BMW i3.”

The i3s also features a sports suspension with specially developed springs, dampers and anti-roll bars. Drivers can select Sport mode, which “initiates more direct accelerator response and tighter steering characteristics to accentuate the car’s sporting edge.”

Both models can be equipped with an optional two-cylinder Range Extender gasoline engine, which extends the car’soverall range by 87 miles.

Source: BMW