The BMW i3 is gaining a lower-end variant, the 40 xDrive, joining the 50 xDrive that was announced when the electric sedan was unveiled back in March. Debuting alongside the eighth-generation petrol-powered 3 Series, this new model retains dual-motor all-wheel drive but offers less power and range to go with the cheaper starting price.
While the front motor makes the same 167 PS (123 kW) and 255 Nm of torque as the 50 xDrive, the rear is less powerful at 265 PS (195 kW) and 345 Nm, meaning a less rear-biased torque delivery. Total system output is 374 PS (275 kW) and 520 Nm, which is 95 PS (70 kW) and 125 Nm less than the range-topper, getting the car from zero to 100 km/h seven tenths of a second slower at 5.4 seconds.
