BMW i3 Expands Dublin Ranch Commuters’ Transportation Options

Those commuting from their homes in Dublin Ranch will soon have a new electric vehicle to consider as an option for their drive. Introduced today, and available for the United States market in the second quarter of 2014, is the new BMW i3. The i3 is fully electric; and is peppy enough to scoot from 0-60 mph in only 7.2 seconds. It’s a small car (this isn’t a family hauler, by any stretch…), but it’s good for getting to work, running around Dublin Ranch, and maybe the occasional day trip that’s well-planned with charging stations in mind.

The range of the i3 is pretty flexible. In its “Comfort” driving mode, depending on the weather and the topography of the road, it has a range of 80-100 miles. It also has multiple modes which help conserve energy and affect range. Putting the car in “ECO PRO” mode (which limits the power of the motor and reduces the use of accessories like air conditioning and heating) adds 12% to the range. Further limiting power in “ECO PRO+” mode will add an additional 12%. So, using some quick math, if you’re driving on a flat surface (which, with the hills of Dublin Ranch should prove particularly challenging…) you may be able to drive up to 124 miles on a single charge before you’re calling roadside assistance for a charge.

One of the options BMW has added, though, is a “Range Extender” in the form of a little gas engine that pops on and charges the battery when your charge level is getting low. It is said to double the range of the car. So, if the above calculations are correct, you may be able to drive up to 250 miles on a single charge with the Range Extender. That’s enough to get you from Dublin Ranch to Northstar in Lake Tahoe!

So far, the problem with “going electric” for your commute from Dublin Ranch has been one of options. There’s the Tesla Model S, but the high price makes it a costly option for many to justify. Other options are Ford Focus Electric and Nissan Leaf. While those cars have lower prices, they lack the brand image and range that many Dublin Ranch residents want and need. The BMW i3 has a starting price of around $42,000; while not perfect for everyone, it provides a mid-market option helps to bridge that gap.

Not everyone will like the design — it’s definitely more on the non-traditional side. You can check out more photos of the car over at the BMW Blog, and BMWUSA.com has an online presentation up with more info as well. If you’re in the market for a new or pre-owned BMW, Lifestyle Real Estate Services has a connection at East Bay BMW that we’d love to share with you. Feel free to give us a call!