2018 BMW i3s (94Ah)
The 2018 BMW i3s (94Ah) is an all-electric hatchback. Its electric drivetrain produces 181 hp (135 kW), with a quoted range of 107 miles (172 km), and it has 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)
The 2018 BMW i3s (94Ah) is the sportier version of BMW’s compact all-electric hatchback, introduced with the i3’s facelift for the 2018 model year. Its rear-mounted electric motor is uprated to 181 hp and 199 lb-ft, driving the rear wheels through a single-speed transmission, and it uses the roughly 33 kWh 94Ah battery.
What makes the “s” different
Compared with the regular i3, the i3s sits lower and has a wider track, sport-tuned suspension, 20-inch wheels with wider tyres and black wheel-arch trim. A Sport driving mode sharpens throttle and steering response, and the top speed rises to 100 mph (161 km/h). The changes give it a more planted, eager feel on twisting roads without changing the i3’s compact footprint.
Range and everyday use
As a pure electric model, the 2018 i3s has an EPA-rated range of about 107 miles (172 km), slightly less than the standard i3 because of its wider tyres and extra power. That suits commuting and urban use best. Inside it shares the i3’s airy four-seat cabin with rear-hinged back doors and sustainable materials, though boot space is modest.
Buying one today
Check the battery’s state of health and the condition of the expensive, specific-size tyres. The 12-volt battery is a commonly reported source of electrical glitches, and it is worth confirming which charging equipment the car has and how it has been charged.
Rivals
Electric rivals in 2018 included the Chevrolet Bolt EV, Nissan Leaf, Volkswagen e-Golf, Hyundai Ioniq Electric and the Tesla Model 3.
Written by CarDetails.org. Last reviewed October 31, 2026.
SPECS
| Make | BMW | Model | i3s (94Ah) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 2018 | Version / Trim | BMW 2018 i3s (94Ah) |
| 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) |
| Motor | Electric Motor | Battery | 33 kWh |
| 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 | 29.9713 MPGe combined | ||
| Electric Range | 107 miles (172 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) | 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% |
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).
| Car | Power | 0–60 mph | Kerb weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 BMW i3s (94Ah) | 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 |