2020 BMW i3s With Range Extender 70mph Range Test

I take a fully charged 2020 BMW i3s with range extender out on the New Jersey Turnpike for a 70mph (113 km/hr) highway range test.

Test notes:

Tires were set before the drive to BMW's recommended pressure.
Temperature: 89 F (32 C) degrees at the start and 93 degrees F (34 C) at the end. I had the air conditioning on and set to 70 degrees the entire drive.
Wind: There was a mild, 3 mph crosswind from the west.
Comfort driving mode was used.

Results:
126 miles (203 km). The EPA range rating is 126 miles.
Efficiency: 3.5 mi/kWh - 17.7 kWh/100 km

[hoffmantnt]

The i3 has a unique look that most people don't seem to like but I love my 2017. Buying used after it was leased for 3 years makes it affordable <$18K.

[abbaby]

That was a very cool way to conduct a range test, it's actually more of a real use of the car with two people in it.

[JeremiahTownsend]

Extra 170 lbs and still hits the mark? Love it. Thanks for testing this.

[adrianpike]

Your results are consistent with my expectations ; the 60Ah version managed 60 miles at motorway speeds, the 94Ah is good for 90 miles and the 120Ah version can manage 120 miles at 70 mph!

[johng]

I purchased my 2016 i3 REX in July 2018 from dealer CPO ($17, 900). Was off a 2 year lease with 7, 800 miles. Commute from Allentown PA to Parsippany NJ (72 miles each way). I push the REX to the limit. I am at 76, 000 miles - would be over 100K if not for the past year of working from home. I have replaced wipers, tires, 12V battery and REX oil change. Purchased level-2 charger, snow tires & Rims and a trailer hitch for my bike rack. Love the i3 - I still get strange looks from other drivers. Laughing all the way to the bank. I have a net savings of approximately $6k in gasoline from my previous car. PA gives $1, 500 for buying a used EV.

[loonymoon]

Nice test, 120Ah REx not available here, I have the 94Ah i3S REx and love it (probably not many right hand drive versions of those about in the world I guess!), i've got 111miles before REx as my best so far (not at 70mph!) but not trying too hard, could do much better, but sport mode is just too tempting ;-)

[hansschweikert]

Loved this test, real world style. thanks for adding to the community knowledge base.

[michaeldproject]

It might be worth testing a 2019/2020 i3 as well to complete the comparison, as the EPA ratings indicate that it should achieve about 10% more range.

[mollyfilms]

2020 with range extender? They stopped these here in the U.K. in 2018 unfortunately.

[eduardochavez]

So how many miles total? With range extender! It’s not clear sorry

[TRYtoHELPyou]

Thanks for respecting science and the state of our world with coronavirus. EDIT: EPA test stops when the vehicle no longer powers itself under the battery power. They may have considered the engine coming on as the battery being done....

[NO_OPEC_NO_PROBLEM]

The EPA rating is 126mi. Is that 100%-0% EV use or 100%-6% EV use?

[josephgittos]

This is such a nice car compared to most on the market, would love own one

[CurtisTarwater]

Howdy Tom. Long time watcher. I have a 2016 i3 Rex and LOVE it. I get about 72 miles per charge in EcoPro (in summer) which is fine with me for riding around town and making short trips. I have been to the dealer NUMEROUS times to have them correct the speedo. In your video at 9:40 you mention that your speedo is +2mph as well just like mine. WHY?!?! Why with all of the wonderful technology they can't correct a stupid speedometer? Heck my 1974 Honda motorcycle has an adjuster...

[saxjonz]

How about the sunroof? That is rumored to weigh like 200 pounds. I love my cars with a sunroof. Is this an option that really matters much?

[yehudagoldberg]

Interestingly enough, weight does not play such a big role in energy consumption at a constant high speed, it is more of a factor when you are accelerating and at slower speeds (ie. city driving).

[cadriver]

Can you just ride the range extender all day after coding it?

[asdreww]

What happens when the rage extender kicks in? How long does it last @ 70mph? How many miles additional range? Any affect on performance?

[ambertudor]

If you were doing the test with the range extender WHY didnt you include the extra miles that the REX would have given you, no one watched this just to see what the range of JUST the battery was, OMG

[jprates]

@tommolog Is this the 94Ah or the 120Ah battery pack?
BMW killed the REx i3 here in Europe for the 120Ah, it never released even, the last REx version was the 94Ah, but I've heard they kept it alive in the USA/Canada with the 120Ah, hence my doubt.