BMW is reportedly planning to offer the world’s first genuine pure-electric hot hatch when it reveals its facelifted i3 range next year.
According to Autocar, the so-called i3S will serve as a flagship model in the range, offering more oomph and a “more sporting character”. Expect it to make its first public appearance – alongside the lightly facelifted range – in Frankfurt in September 2017.
Of course, the current i3 is already pretty handy in a straight line, seeing off the 0-100 km/h sprint in a claimed 7,3 seconds (we managed 7,47 seconds on our test-strip) thanks largely to the immediate availability of some 250 N.m.
An uprated version of this model’s 125 kW synchronous electric motor, Autocar reports, will make the i3S quicker still, shaving off a few tenths and allowing it to stand toe-to-toe with the likes the Ford Fiesta ST in the acceleration stakes.
The i3S will likely feature a bespoke suspension setup and some subtle styling upgrades as well.
Of course, if it does indeed see the light of day, it’ll also be priced quite some way above the market’s established B-segment hot hatches…
