?2014 BMW i3 available in Three World trims?
A completely sustainable electric vehicle with extended range capability

The 2014 BMW i3 is an all-new, all-electric vehicle that is the first product of the new BMW I sub-brand, and a truly purpose built electric car, representing a new era for electro mobility at BMW with complete sustainability and nearly 100 percent recyclability. Its LifeDrive architecture concept was purpose-built specifically for the BMW i3. It consists of two modules; the Life Module, and the Drive Module. The Life Module is the passenger cabin, or greenhouse, and is the first-ever mass produced Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) passenger cell in the automotive business, which plays a major role in the cars efficiency. Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic is equally as strong as steel, while being 50% lighter, and 30% lighter than aluminum. The result is an electric car that weighs less than 2,700 lbs.

Due to the lightweight, high tensile strength of CFRP, the passenger cell has added protection, and the battery has less work to do, which allows for the use of a smaller, lighter battery that saves even more weight, reduces charging time and increases range. The lightweight of the Life Module also lowers the BMW i3?s center of gravity. The Drive Module, is constructed of 100% aluminum, and consists of the 22-kWh, 450 lb. lithium-ion battery, electric drive train, MacPherson strut front and 5-link rear suspension systems as well as structural and crash components. The battery mounted in the rear, close to the drive wheels.

An added benefit of the LifeDrive architecture concept is that there is no space-consuming transmission tunnel running through the center of the car, giving the BMW i3 the interior space of the BMW 3 Series, while only having the footprint of the much smaller BMW 1 Series. Even the vehicle?s new bio-polymer key is sustainability manufactured, with the source material based on castor oil pressed from castor seeds. The owner?s manual is also made from renewable resources.

Visually, the 2014 BMW i3 exterior displays a tall, narrow futuristic design in a 5-door configuration. In profile, the i3 features short front and rear overhangs and a shoulder line that dips just aft of the front door edge and rises again at the trailing edge of the rear door. The front bonnet is blunt, rising to meet the sharply aft- raked windshield, with the roof sloping gracefully rearward to the integrated spoiler lip. The doors on both sides open from the center with no ?B? pillar ? the rear doors hinged at the rear in coach or suicide fashion for ease of entry and exit for both rows of seats.

The front end has a clear and simple design, with BMW?s iconic kidney grilles (without vertical fins) highlight the front end with the BMW i blue background. Beneath the kidney grilles, silver layers sculpt the front apron. Contrasting black surfaces identify the functional load compartment under the hood and air inlets forming a Black Band. Aerodynamic Air Curtains provide an aggressive persona to the BMW i3, while also helping to increase the range by minimizing air resistance and drag. U-shaped, LED headlights, offer a fresh take on the BMW light design, giving the car a playful, sporty character.

The large rear window allows for exceptional visibility and easy trunk access. The rooflines are optimized to give as much interior space as possible. The LED U-shaped taillights housed in the rear window appear to be floating.

The i3?s interior is comfortable and accommodating, but takes a little getting used to visually with its trim accent made from untreated Eucalyptus panels which at first glance resembles a light Formica countertop, which we?re told will darken and mellow with age. An alternative Sensatec material is also available. The instrument panel surround and door trim use fibers from Kenaf plant, which appears like gray, spray painted woven grass. The gear selector is mounted on the steering column in the form of a large rotary knob.

The BMW i3 will be available in three levels of trim: Mega World; Giga World; and Tera World. The base Mega World comes standard with 19-inch forged aluminum wheels, BMW Navigation, BMW ConnectedDrive with eCall, the BMW i Remote, an alarm, 7.4 kW on board charger and LED headlights, DRLs and tail lights. The interior is donned in bright, lightweight Sensatec and sustainable cloth, made from recycled materials. It also features a leather-trimmed steering wheel and grained dash trim. The Giga World, delivers all the features of the Mega World but adds distinct Giga-specific 19-inch wheels and an interior wrapped in leather and wool cloth. A universal garage door opener is included for easy access to the i3?s BMW i Charging Station, which is usually mounted in the garage. It also includes Comfort Access, a sunroof, and satellite radio. The leather-trimmed steering wears contrasting stitching adding a sporty flavor. The top-of-the-line Tera World, adds unique 19-inch wheels, a luxurious full leather, olive leaf-tanned interior, with textile accents and contrasting stitching, and anthracite floors mats.

Available for every world trim level is the Technology and Driving assist, and Parking assist packages. The Technology and Driving Assist package adds a host of convenience and safety technologies including the wide-screen Navigation Professional with advanced real-time traffic and new touch pad, Traffic Jam Assist, BMW Assist with Enhanced Bluetooth and USB with BMW Apps, Online Information services, Deceleration Assistant, ACC Stop & Go, Speed Limit info, BMW ConnectedDrive services, Forward Collision Warning, Pedestrian Protection and City Collision Mitigation. The Parking Assist package includes a rearview camera, Park Assistant, which helps take advantage of tight parallel parking opportunities, and Front Auto Park Distance Control.

Motive power driving the rear wheels comes from a rear mounted Hybrid-synchronous electric motor with maximum revs of 11,400 rpm powered by a 22-kWh lithium-ion battery that weighs 450 lbs. BMW?s eDrive technology with integrated power electronics, charger and generator mode for energy recuperation. Horsepower is rated at 170, with torque rated at 184 pound feet. An optional ($3,850) 650cc, 34 horsepower, gasoline powered Range Extender Generator is also rear mounted with batteries mounted beneath the floor / Rear wheel drive.

The i3?s suspension features a MacPherson front and 5-link rear set up and it rolls on either 19 or 20-inch Bridgestone Ecopia, low-rolling resistance tires mounted on alloy wheels.

My test 2014 BMW i3 was a Mega World model with the Range Extender motor, finished outside in Andesite Silver metallic and BMW i3 Frozen Blue metallic accents, and a two-tone Bone and Gray patterned cloth interior with Frozen Blue steering wheel accents. The base price was set at $45,200 with a final sticker of $47,050. after adding $550 for the metallic paint, $350 for heated front seats and $950 for Destination charge.

SUMMARY: The 2014 BMW i3 went on sale in the second quarter of 2014 in all 50 states, and it may well be the best small electric car available in its class in today?s marketplace, especially after factoring in all available federal, state and local tax credits.