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Performance
The BMW i3s 120 Ah has a maximum power of 135 kW (184 hp / 181 bhp) and a total torque of 270 Nm (199 lb-ft). It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 6.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 160 km/h (99 mph).
Battery, Range, and Charging
The battery has a gross capacity of 42.2 kWh and a net usable capacity of 37.9 kWh, with a 4.3 kWh buffer (10.2%) for battery protection. With a nominal voltage of 352 volts, the system is classified as a 400-volt battery system.
The lithium-ion battery uses NMC (nickel manganese cobalt) chemistry.
Under the WLTP (Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure) standard, the maximum rated range is 285 km (177 miles). Depending on the configuration and options such as wheel size, the rated range can be as low as 270 km (168 miles). Larger wheels generally increase energy consumption and reduce range.
WLTP energy consumption is 13.3 kWh/100 km for the base configuration and 14.0 kWh/100 km for the highest-consumption configuration.
For more details about the range, see real-world data and range listings on this model’s range and consumption page.
The vehicle supports fast DC charging with a maximum power of 50 kW. A 0–100% charge takes approximately 69 minutes. A typical 10–80% session takes about 38 minutes at an average power of 42 kW.
With five minutes of overhead per stop, the optimal charging window is 2–86%. Effective average power, including overhead, is 38 kW over a session lasting about 50 minutes and 8 seconds.
In a 1000 km challenge at a constant speed of 120 km/h (75 mph) with an assumed consumption rate of 20 kWh/100 km, the trip would take about 12 hours and 37 minutes, needing five charging stops from 1% to 87%, totaling 257 minutes of charging time.
Onboard Charger
The standard onboard charger supports AC charging at up to 7.2 kW. A full 0–100% charge takes about 5 hours and 15 minutes with a suitable home charging setup.
An optional 11 kW onboard charger reduces the full charge time to approximately 3 hours and 26 minutes.
Charge Port
The location of the charge port is on the right rear side. This placement makes it easy to use charging stations that require backing up to connect.
Connector types vary by market: this model uses CCS Combo 1 in North America and CCS Combo 2 in Europe. For complete specifications for all markets, refer to the full specifications.
Drivetrain
The BMW i3s 120 Ah has a rear-wheel drive system supported by one motor on the rear axle.
Suspension
The suspension system features a MacPherson strut front construction and a multi-link rear construction. Both the front and rear dampers are monotube dampers. The front and rear springs are coil springs.
The Standard Suspension suspension has a fixed height and damping characteristics.
Ground clearance with this setup is 131 mm.
Drive Modes
The BMW i3s 120 Ah lets the user select different drive modes that affect the car's handling.
Brakes
The BMW i3s 120 Ah is equipped with cast-iron disc brakes on both the front and rear.
The front discs measure 280 mm, while the rear discs are 280 mm.
Regenerative Braking
Regenerative braking works in two ways: through one-pedal driving, or through the brake pedal using blended braking while coasting.
The system stops the car completely using friction brakes.Drivers can also adjust the regenerative braking strength when lifting off the accelerator, choosing between two levels.
The maximum regenerative braking power is 50 kW.
Exterior
The BMW i3s 120 Ah, with dimensions of 4006 mm in length, 1791 mm in width, and 1590 mm in height, falls into the B-segment, also known as superminis.
The BMW i3s 120 Ah is available in 6 paint colors, including both solid and metallic options.
You can select from multiple wheel designs, all available in the same size, on the BMW i3s 120 Ah. The available tire and wheel combinations include:
- 175/55 tires on 20" rims front and 195/50 tires on 20" rims rear
There is only one roof option for this model.
A conventional roof is standard.
BMW i3s 120 Ah
Interior
The BMW i3s 120 Ah features a driver-centric interior, designed to enhance the cockpit feel with premium materials throughout. It also includes a floating center console that creates an open space between the passenger and driver.
Seats
The seat layout is the two seats in front and two seats in the rear.
First Row Seats
The BMW i3s 120 Ah offers a single type of front seat.
The following functionalities are available on the seat:
- Fore-and-aft adjustment (manually adjustable)
- Recline adjustment (manually adjustable)
- Height adjustment (manually adjustable)
- Height adjustable headrest (manually adjustable)
- Heating
Available in:
- Gray fabric upholstery
Second-Row Seats
The second row has a two-seat bench configuration.
Additional second-row features include:
BMW i3s 120 Ah
Interior Storage
The BMW i3s 120 Ah has limited interior storage options.
- Glove Compartment: Located in the dashboard in front of the passenger.
- Center Console: A storage compartment is located beneath the front center armrest.
- Door Pockets: The front doors include integrated storage pockets.
Interior Lighting
The BMW i3s 120 Ah offers several interior lighting options.
- Ambient Lighting: This feature extends across the door panels and footwell.
Climate System
There is one climate system available:
- 2-zone climate system: Supports different temperatures for the driver and passenger.
A heat pump is available as an option and can reduce the energy needed to heat the cabin in cold weather.
Comfort Features
The BMW i3s 120 Ah includes the following comfort features:
- Garage Door Opener: Built-in control for compatible garage doors and gates.
User Interface and Control
The BMW i3s 120 Ah features a user-friendly control interface that combines physical buttons for frequently used functions, such as climate control, with stalks and screens for a seamless experience.
This model features a dual-screen configuration, with a dedicated digital instrument cluster for the driver and a central infotainment display integrated into the center console.
Key screen details:
- Center Console Touchscreen: A 10.3-inch touchscreen located at the top of the center console. It serves as the primary interface for infotainment, navigation, and vehicle settings.
- Driver Information Display: The 5.7-inch screen is integrated into the dashboard behind the steering wheel. It provides essential driving data such as speed, range, and navigation prompts.
The BMW i3s 120 Ah does not have a head-up display. Speed and navigation information remain on the vehicle's other displays.
Steering Wheel
The BMW i3s 120 Ah is equipped with a single type of steering wheel:
The steering wheel adjusts for tilt and reach. The adjustment is manual.
Design: Two-spoke circular
Controls: Physical buttons, Scroll wheels, Toggle switches
Heating: Available as an option
From the steering wheel you can control:
- Media volume
- Horn
- Track Controls: Buttons on the steering wheel skip to the next or previous track.
- Cruise control on/off
Infotainment
The BMW i3s 120 Ah features the BMW iDrive 6 infotainment system with navigation, media, and vehicle settings accessible through the central touchscreen and iDrive controller.
Navigation System
The built-in navigation system uses detailed maps and offers advanced route planning. It provides real-time traffic information to support an efficient and stress-free journey.
Sound System
You can choose between two sound systems for the BMW i3s 120 Ah:
- HiFi Sound System: The system has six speakers and a maximum output of 100 watts.
- Harman Kardon Sound System: The system has 12 speakers and a maximum output of 360 watts.
The model includes USB-A connectivity as standard (total: 1).
Mobile App
The BMW i3s 120 Ah has a mobile app for Android and iOS to manage and monitor the vehicle remotely. Features:
- Locate Your Vehicle: Check the current location of your car.
- Preconditioning: Preheat or cool your car before you start your journey.
- Lock and unlock: Lock or unlock the doors remotely.
- Scheduled Charging: Set a charging schedule.
- Charge Target: Set the battery's target state of charge.
- Find your car: Sound the horn or flash the lights to locate the car.
- Route Planning: Plan your route and send it directly to your car's navigation system.
- Driving History: Review the details of your past trips.
Lights
The standard LED headlights feature multiple LED segments, allowing you to customize your preferred daytime running light (DRL) signature.
The taillights use LED technology.
BMW i3s 120 Ah
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
The BMW i3s 120 Ah offers standard and optional advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
Safety Systems
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): Standard on the BMW i3s 120 Ah. It prevents the wheels from locking during braking.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC): Standard on the BMW i3s 120 Ah. It improves stability during sudden maneuvers and on slippery roads.
Lane-Keeping Assist (LKA): Optional on the BMW i3s 120 Ah. It applies steering corrections if the vehicle begins to leave its lane.
The Lane Departure Warning alerts the driver if the vehicle begins to leave its lane.
Forward Collision Warning (FCW): Optional on the BMW i3s 120 Ah. It warns the driver of a potential frontal collision.
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): Optional on the BMW i3s 120 Ah. It applies the brakes automatically if the driver does not respond to an imminent collision.
Driving Automation
The BMW i3s 120 Ah offers driving automation at level 1, depending on the equipment level.
The Level 1 Active Driving Assistant system provides the following driving automation features.
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
- Automatic parking (optional)
Safety
The BMW i3s 120 Ah is equipped with the following airbags:
- Front airbags for the driver and front passenger
- Side curtain airbags for both the first and second rows
- Side airbags for the driver and front passenger
The front and rear seatbelts are equipped with pyrotechnic pretensioners and load limiters. In the event of a collision, the pretensioners tighten the seatbelts to secure occupants firmly in their seats, while the load limiters allow a controlled amount of webbing to extend, reducing the risk of injury from excessive force.
The BMW i3s 120 Ah has been rigorously tested by Euro NCAP, an independent organization that evaluates vehicle safety. It received a 5-star rating, with the following scores:
- Adult Occupant: 86%
- Child Occupant: 81%
- Vulnerable Road Users: 57%
- Safety Assist: 55%
You can watch the full crash test video here.
Read more about safety features and safety ratings in the safety technology section.Security and Access Technologies
The BMW i3s 120 Ah includes the following security and access features:
- Alarm System: An optional integrated alarm system monitors for unauthorized entry or tampering, providing alerts to help deter intrusions and enhance vehicle security.
Cargo Capacity and Towing Ability
The trunk offers a cargo capacity of 260 liters (9.2 cu ft). With the rear seat folded down, this expands to 1100 liters (38.8 cu ft).
The frunk (front trunk) has a capacity of 20 liters (0.7 cu ft).
The maximum permitted vehicle weight is 1730 kg (3814 lbs), and the base curb weight is 1345 kg (2965 lbs). This leaves a payload of 385 kg (849 lbs), including occupants. Options can increase curb weight and reduce payload.
This model is not available with a towbar and cannot tow a trailer.
Availability & Pricing
This model had a world premiere on 9/1/2018, and deliveries started in January 2019. This model has now been discontinued.