BMW’s i3 manufacturing facility will continue to build electric components and the next-gen allelectric Mini Countryman.
BMW’s electric vehicle initiative Project i was launched in 2011. It was the beginning of Project i, which led to the creation of _ i, BMW’s electrified subbrand. In 2020, the production of the sporty i8 was ended. Now it’s time for the i3 to take its place.
Although the quirky city car’s run is over, it left behind a lot of memories. BMW has honored the i3’s nine-year production history with the i3s homerun edition. This very limited edition i3 comes in only 10 cars: Frozen Dark Grey or Frozen Red II. HomeRun Edition comes with special 20-inch wheels and a variety of optional items, such as adaptive headlights and an electric roof and solar control glazing. The interior features include leather, navigation and Harman Kardon stereo.
The HomeRun Edition models make it possible to reach a remarkable milestone of 250,000 sold BMW i3s over its entire lifetime. Although only one generation was available, it was continuously updated over the years. The city car was limited to a range of 80 miles. However, a small gasoline engine could be added as an extension for battery charging range, allowing it to travel between 160 and 180 miles. The battery pack was larger and more efficient, increasing power by slightly from 170 to 181 horsepower. The range of the 2022 i3 or i3s is approximately 150 miles.
The production of the US-spec i3 models has ended in 2021. Therefore, the HomeRun Edition will be only available to those who live across the pond. Although the i3 has been officially discontinued, its Leipzig manufacturing plant will continue to serve the electrified community by assembling e-drive components and batteries. Next year, it will also produce the next-generation Mini Countryman equipped with an all-electric motor.