Prestige Automobile, the sole representative of BMW in Sri Lanka, has introduced the BMW i3 and BMW i8 to the local market together with the all-inclusive 360o ELECTRIC programme that has been designed to make life easier for those owning an electric car.
The BMW i3 is BMW i’s first electric vehicle capable of achieving zero tailpipe emissions yet is capable of delivering BMW’s familiar sense of driving pleasure, the result of a completely fresh concept which still enjoys the optimum balance of weight, performance and range for urban mobility. The use of lightweight carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) – which, is five times stronger than steel but is 50 per cent lighter – for the passenger cell cancels out the extra weight contributed by the high-voltage lithium-ion battery. Furthermore, the outer skin of the BMW i3, except the CFRP roof, is made almost entirely of thermoplastic, which is corrosion-free and resistant to minor damage.
The BMW i3 in Sri Lanka has a maximum output of 170hp and peak torque of 250 Nm, which is on tap from 0 rpm. The BMW i3 (REx) sprints from 0 – 60 km/h in about 3.9 seconds and 0-100 km/h in approximately 7.9 seconds. When driven by pure electric power generated from the car’s high-voltage lithium-ion battery, the BMW i3 can travel at up to 160km.
This rises by around 20km in ECO PRO mode and by the same distance again in ECO PRO+ mode. When the REx (a 647cc two-cylinder petrol combustion engine with 34hp) is activated, it doubles the BMW i3’s range up to about 300km. The REx will be activated when the battery level falls to seven per cent, and has a power consumption of 13.5kWh per 100km and CO2 emissions at 13g/km.
The BMW i8 is the first BMW plug-in hybrid sports car built with the revolutionary LifeDrive architecture and advanced lightweight material like CFRP. It features the latest BMW Efficient Dynamics technology, including a rear-mounted 1.5 litre three-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology that can generate up to 231hp and a maximum torque of 320 Nm. It also features a hybrid synchronous electric motor that can channel a maximum output of 131hp and torque up to 250 Nm, during which it is capable of delivering zero tailpipe emissions. When the BMW TwinPower Turbo and BMW eDrive technology are activated concurrently, the BMW i8 is capable of producing up to 362 hp and 570 Nm that can propel the car from 0-100km/h in just 4.4 seconds.
Yet, the BMW i8 has the fuel economy and emissions better than a small car at an amazing 47km per litre (2.1litres per 100km; as per average EU test cycle). It is the first BMW production model powered by a three-cylinder petrol engine, which comprises a high-performance turbo charging system, direct petrol injection and VALVETRONIC throttle-less load control that improves efficiency and response.
The all-inclusive 360o ELECTRIC programme is designed to make electric mobility simple and straightforward. Every BMW i vehicle will come with the BMW i Wallbox Pure and a basic installation package. It can fully charge up the BMW i3 in about six to eight hours. The BMW i8, meanwhile, can be fully-charged in just over two hours.
Prestige Automobile will be working closely with VIDMA Electrical Engineering, who will provide BMW i customers in Sri Lanka with charging infrastructure services at their homes or offices. Prestige Automobile is partnering with Sunrise Engineering, so that charging facilities will be available in various office buildings, shopping malls, hotels and buildings in Sri Lanka.
For occasional long-distance trips outside the city, customers will be able to enjoy the use of a SIXT rent-a-car with special benefits, including a 50 per cent discount for a total of 5 days in a year.
Meanwhile, BMW Roadside Assistance provides the peace of mind that a response specialist will always be available on call, at the push of a button via the iDrive system.
Heinz Reuter, managing director of Prestige Automobile, said, “In terms of the electric vehicle itself, owners are primarily concerned about the safety, driving pleasure and its operating range, not forgetting the perceived barriers that hinder them from embracing electric vehicle wholeheartedly. BMW is pleased to have addressed all these points, not only through the revolutionary design of the BMW i3 and BMW i8, but also via 360º ELECTRIC, which is an all-rounded portfolio of services designed to make electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid ownership a breeze.”
