A report claimed the BMW i3 will get increased range next year thanks to a new battery pack. The limited edition Shadow Sport Edition also launched for the US market.
Citing unnamed sources from within the German automaker, Autocar said the i3 is getting an "optimized driveline."
Building on battery efficiency gains since the EV's launch in 2013, the i3 will reportedly get a new lithium ion battery. Capacity will remain at 22kWh but it will use "a higher power density for a longer range."
"The move is claimed to extend its range to well over 124 miles in real-word use, compared to just under 100 miles now," the website said.
According to Auto Express UK, BMW wants to bring the i3 up to par with the 2016 Nissan Leaf. As the website noted though, the Japanese EV still has its German rival beat with 155 miles of range from its 30kWh pack.
Both the i3's Range Extender and battery-only variants are expected to receive the update. Reportedly, the new battery pack can also be retrofitted to existing i3s.
In related news, BMW announced the EV's limited edition Shadow Sport Edition for the US market.
Per BMW Blog, the special model is decked in Fluid Black paint along with a Deka World interior featuring a dark grey color with blue highlights.
It will reportedly also get sport-tuned suspension "for increased sportier handling and dampening settings" along with 19-inch Light Alloy turbine wheels wrapped in all-season tires.
The i3 Shadow Sport Edition also brings a conventional power-tilting sunroof to the US market for the first time. BMW Blog said European models have been sold with the option. The limited edition EV will carry a badge denoting its status as a special model.
However, just 50 units will be made available for the BEV variant only. The 2016 BMW i3 Shadow Sport Edition retails at $47,400 MSRP.
