2018 BMW i3s (94Ah) with Range Extender
The 2018 BMW i3s (94Ah) with Range Extender is a plug-in hybrid hatchback. It has a 0.6-litre two-cylinder engine producing 181 hp (135 kW), with a single-speed transmission and rear-wheel drive. 0–60 mph takes 6.9 seconds and top speed is 100 mph (161 km/h).
ABOUT THE 2018 BMW I3S (94AH) WITH RANGE EXTENDER
The 2018 BMW i3s (94Ah) with Range Extender is the sportier version of BMW’s i3, a compact four-seat electric hatchback built in Leipzig, Germany. Its rear-mounted electric motor produces 181 hp and 199 lb-ft (270 Nm) and drives the rear wheels through a single-speed transmission. A 647 cc two-cylinder petrol engine acts purely as a generator to extend range once the 94Ah (about 33 kWh) battery runs low; it never drives the wheels directly.
New for 2018
The i3s was introduced for the 2018 model year alongside a facelift for the whole i3 range, which brought LED headlights, revised bumpers and an updated iDrive system. Compared with the standard i3, the i3s has more power, sport suspension that sits about 10 mm lower, a wider track, 20-inch wheels and a Sport driving mode.
Unusual construction
The i3 uses a passenger cell made from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic mounted on an aluminium chassis, which keeps weight low. Rear-hinged rear doors open only when the front doors are open, giving good access without a central pillar. The cabin uses recycled and renewable materials, and the tight turning circle suits city driving.
Buying one today
In US specification the range extender has a very small fuel tank and normally starts only when the battery is nearly depleted, so the car works best as an electric commuter rather than a long-distance tourer. The range-extender engine still needs regular servicing even if it is rarely used. A battery health check is worthwhile, and the narrow tyre sizes are specific to the i3.
Rivals
Alternatives included the Chevrolet Bolt EV, Nissan Leaf, Volkswagen e-Golf and, as another range-extended option, the Chevrolet Volt.
Written by CarDetails.org. Last reviewed October 31, 2026.
SPECS
| Make | BMW | Model | i3s (94Ah) with Range Extender |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 2018 | Version / Trim | BMW 2018 i3s (94Ah) with Range Extender |
| Body Style | Hatchback | Doors | 4 |
| Seats | 4 | Ext. Colour | Capparis White, Fluid Black, Mineral Grey Metallic, Melbourne Red Metallic, Imperial Blue Metallic, Jucaro Beige Metallic |
| Steering | LHD / RHD | Manufactured In | Germany |
| Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) | Transmission | Automatic (A1) |
| Engine | 0.6L 2-cyl | Engine Size | 647 cc |
| Power | 181 hp / 135 kW | Torque | 270 Nm / 199 lb-ft |
| 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) | 6.9 sec | Top Speed | 100 mph (161 km/h) |
| Range / Economy | 36 mpg city / 33 mpg hwy | ||
| Electric Range | 97 miles (156 km) | Max Charge Rate | — |
| Wheelbase | 2,570 mm | Kerb Weight | 1,195 kg (2,635 lb) |
HOW IT COMPARES WITH OTHER 2018 HATCHBACKS
Compared with other 2018 hatchbacks in our database, its 181 hp is close to the average for a 2018 hatchback (179 hp), and it reaches 60 mph 1.7 seconds quicker than average, and it is 13% lighter than the typical hatchback.
| 2018 BMW i3s (94Ah) with Range Extender | Average 2018 hatchbacks | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 181 hp | 179 hp (14 cars) | +1% |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 219 Nm (14 cars) | +23% |
| 0–60 mph | 6.9 s | 8.6 s (12 cars) | -20% |
| Top speed | 100 mph | 111 mph (12 cars) | -10% |
| Kerb weight | 1,195 kg | 1,372 kg (14 cars) | -13% |
| Engine size | 647 cc | 1,869 cc (13 cars) | -65% |
Averages are calculated from all cars of the same model year and body type in the CarDetails.org database that have the figure listed. For 0–60 mph, a negative difference means quicker.
CLOSEST RIVALS
Other 2018 hatchbacks with similar power to the 2018 BMW i3s (94Ah) with Range Extender.
| Car | Power | 0–60 mph | Kerb weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 BMW i3s (94Ah) with Range Extender | 181 hp | 6.9 s | 1,195 kg |
| 2018 Subaru Impreza 5-Door | 152 hp | 8.5 s | 1,310 kg |
| 2018 Honda HR-V AWD | 141 hp | 9.5 s | 1,310 kg |