BMW i3, BMW i8 debut in Sri Lanka

Prestige Automobile, sole representative of BMW in Sri Lanka, has introduced BMW i3 – a purpose-built electric vehicle with maximum safety and BMW i8 – the most progressive plug-in hybrid sports car to the local market. Along with the launch of BMW i, Prestige Automobiles has also introduced the all-inclusive 360o ELECTRIC program that has been designed to make electric mobility ownership a breeze.

The BMW i3 is BMW i’s first electric vehicle capable of achieving zero tailpipe emissions. It is designed from the ground up to be sustainable and yet capable of delivering BMW’s hallmark driving pleasure in an undiluted form. As such, the familiar sense of driving pleasure embodied by the BMW i3 is the result of a completely fresh concept, part of which has involved creating the optimum balance of weight, performance and range for urban mobility. The key elements here are the LifeDrive architecture and BMW eDrive technology. 

The use of lightweight Carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP), which is five times stronger than steel but is 50% lighter, for the passenger cell cancels out the extra weight contributed by the high-voltage lithium-ion battery. Further, 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 comes standard with the Range Extender (REx) and 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 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 647 cc 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 7%, 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 Twin Power 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 (2.1 litres per 100 km; 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 program is designed to make electric mobility simple and straightforward. It is an all-rounded portfolio of services comprising four key pillars that will come standard with every BMW i model. Firstly, Home Charging – every BMW i vehicle will come with the BMW i Wallbox Pure and a basic installation package. The BMW i Wallbox Pure is a 230V wallbox with a charging power of 3.7 kW and a current strength of 16 amperes. It can fully charge up the BMW i3 in about 6 to 8 hours. 

The BMW i8, meanwhile, can be fully-charged in just over two hours. Prestige Automobile Ltd. will be working closely with VIDMA Electrical Engineering Ltd. who will provide BMW i customers in Sri Lanka with charging infrastructure services at their homes or offices. Public Charging – Prestige Automobile Ltd. is partnering with Sunrise Engineering Ltd., one of the leading entities in establishing and growing a public charging network. Charging facilities will be available in various office buildings, shopping malls, hotels and buildings in Sri Lanka. 

Flexible Mobility – BMW i has developed customised mobility solutions to cater for the occasional long-distance trips outside of the city. Be it a long weekend getaway or a road trip, customers will be covered under the Flexible Mobility Program. BMW i customers will be able to enjoy the use of a SIXT rent-a-car with special benefits, including a 50% discount for a total of 5 days in a year. Assistance Services – BMW i has various solutions to ensure confidence in driving either a full-electric vehicle or a plug-in hybrid. 

Where technical assistance is required when on the road, 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, to provide round-the-clock service, 24/7, 365 days a year. If the vehicle were to require servicing at the Prestige Automobile workshop, a SIXT replacement vehicle can be provided as per the aforementioned Flexible Mobility service.

“Since 2009, BMW has been conducting electric vehicle field trials with the MINI E and BMW ActiveE, which involved up to 10 countries with a total of over 40 million kilometres clocked. Through the accumulated experience gained from the field trials, it has enabled BMW to better understand the needs of an electric vehicle owner,” said Prestige Automobile Managing Director Heinz Reuter. 

“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.”

Prestige Automobile Ltd. is the authorised importer for the premium German brand - Bavarian Motor Works AG, in Sri Lanka, better known as BMW. With a history of almost two decades in Sri Lanka, Prestige Automobile has its award-winning (International Architectural Award Winner for Design Innovation), ultramodern showroom in Battaramulla. 

– Pix by Bhanuka Kirinde