The BMW Group is pushing the appeal of electric motoring to ever greater heights on the back of its unstinting research and development work. And the latest fruits of its labour are new high-voltage batteries, which significantly increase the operating range of purely electrically powered BMW i cars.

The latest-generation batteries will be fitted in the BMW i3 (120 Ah) and BMW i3s (120 Ah), which were presented for the first time at the Paris Motor Show. The new lithium-ion batteries have an increased cell capacity of 120 ampere-hours (Ah), which now brings into play ranges of 177-193 miles (BMW i3) and 168-177 miles (BMW i3s) as per the WLTP procedure.

In everyday driving, the range of both models has increased by almost 30 per cent to a maximum 162 miles. And they now offer a better balance than ever between range, environment-friendliness and a driving experience defined by the brand’s signature sporting ability and intelligent connectivity.

Alongside the introduction of the new high-voltage battery, a Sport package will be offered for the BMW i3 for the first time. This comprises sports suspension (including a reduction in ride height), wider tracks, 20-inch light-alloy wheels and black wheel arch surrounds. Also available for the BMW i3 and BMW i3s will be adaptive LED headlights with matrix function for the high beam, the new exterior paint shade Jucaro Beige metallic, a new colour scheme for the interior design variant called Loft, the navigation system Business with optimised menu navigation and the telephony with wireless charging and Wi-Fi hotspot options.