The 2020 BMW i3S with range extender achieved exactly the EPA range rating of 126 miles all-electric at 70 mph. This is a little surprising because the all-electric BMW i3S, the BEV, has an EPA range rating of 153 miles per charge. Our testing shows that there's an additional 74 miles with the range extender. Wind speeds were almost nonexistent, and there were some construction zones on the turnpike. On that BEV test, the BMW averaged 3.4 miles per kilowatt-hour. Efficiency topped out at 3.5 miles per kilowatt-hour. That the vehicle had extra weight due to 2 passengers may also have impacted the range. The improved suspension on the S makes it feel more like a BMW, offering a smooth and stable ride, even with side winds. The electric range does not have as much miles on it due to weighing more with the addition of the range extender. The engine power pulls throughout until it’s topping out. The EPA ratings on the range extender version is actually lower then the BMW i3s BEV, being lower around 24% in the range that can be applied for all electric. All in all our test on the highway only showed the BEV being approximately 12% higher then the hybrid’s all electric range.
