Central among the changes brought to the new i3s is a more powerful synchronous electric motor. With 181bhp and 199lb ft of torque, the rear mounted unit is tuned to deliver a subtle 13bhp and 15lb ft more than the in-housed produced motor used by the standard version of the facelifted i3, which continues to produce 168bhp and 184lb ft.

It’s at the front where the updates are most noticeable. New as-standard full LED headlights start it all off, making it look more high-tech. LED lighting just gives the face a sleeker, more modern look.

Both the i3 and i3s have their motors fed by a 94 Ah / 33 kWh high-voltage lithium-ion traction battery with cruising range of up to 200 km in daily use.

Both the i3 and i3s have their motors fed by a 94 Ah / 33 kWh high-voltage lithium-ion traction battery with cruising range of up to 200 km in daily use.