Rumors: 2017 BMW i3 To Have Upgraded Electric Engine; Promises Better Mileage

There are rumors circulating around the auto community claiming that the 2017 BMW i3 is slated for an upgrade. The still unconfirmed development is believed to boost the car's mileage to around 120 miles.

If these rumors are true, it will have a significant boost compared to the car's current EPA-estimate of only 81 miles.

Reports claimed that BMW was able to achieve this feat by integrating an upgraded lithium-ion battery into the car, and that is what will give the car a boost.

Allegedly, the car manufacturer has a long list of upgrades slated for the 2017 BMW i3. However, the company wants to keep it a secret as much as possible.

Rumors regarding the extended range of the new i3 first surfaced late in 2015. Unconfirmed reports claimed that the car will hit the market equipped with a higher-density battery, new internal software and vastly improved electronics.

With all these alleged changes in store for the i3 specs, the car could possibly topple the 124-mile range it recorded during its European test cycle.

Aside from the standard i3, analysts are also expecting BMW to release premium model for the i3 with added improvements, albeit for a much higher price.

According to Auto Blog, should BMW achieve the 120 mile driving range, it will put the 2017 i3 closer to the current REx's (range-extended model) EPA-estimate of 150 miles.

However, the REx has a gas tank which can always power the car should the battery run out.

BMW is planning to continue the REx upgrades in the years to come. This is to make sure that it EV line of cars are always at the top of their game.

In the electric car market, the Chevy Bolt is making rounds as it is believed to have a powerful battery pack that can drive the car for up to 200 miles. The car also costs significantly less compared to its contemporaries.

According to Car and Driver, the price of the 2017 BMW i3 is estimated to be somewhere close to its predecessor, which is around $43,395.