BMW updates i3 with a 50 per cent boost in range

The 2016 BMW i3 is due out this summer. (BMW)

BMW is updating its "i" range of electric cars with a revamped i3 in store for summer 2016. The new-generation model gets a more powerful battery, promising a range up to almost 400km in certain conditions.

The new BMW i3 (94Ah) ups battery capacity to 33kWh, boosting range by around 50 per cent in standard test conditions, from 190km to around 300km. The manufacturer even announces a range of almost 400km for the Range Extender version of the i3. However, in real-world conditions, figures are likely to be closer to 200km for the standard model or 330km for the Range Extender.

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Note that the Range Extender comes with an additional 34hp two-cylinder gasoline engine, housed next to the electric engine above the rear axle. Combined fuel consumption is just 0.6l/100km with 12g/km of CO2 emissions.

Thanks to the flexibility of the BMW i3's modular design, first-generation models can be upgraded with the new battery as part of the firm's retrofitting scheme.

In other respects, the new BMW i3 is similar to the model currently on sale. It notably uses the same 170hp electric engine with 0-62mph acceleration in 7.3 seconds.

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The new-generation BMW i3 will, however, be available in a new body color and with new interior trim options.

The 2016 BMW i3 (94Ah) is priced from around €36,690 (approx. $42,219) or €41,190 (approx. $47,397) for the Range Extender, but government electric vehicle grants are available in many regions.

This small electric car was first introduced in November 2013.