i3S vs regular i3

In 2018 BMW released the ‘S’ version of the i3. Visually, the easiest way to differentiate the two is the wider black fender flares, and the “sport” mode on the drive mode selector.  There is also an “i3s” badge on the rear of the car.

i3S on top, regular i3 on bottom

i3S drive mode selector

Regular i3 drive mode selector.

In short, the ‘S’ package makes the car slightly firmer, faster, and handle better. Specifically the car gets you wider wheels and tires increasing the track width, stiffer suspension with different dampers, springs and sway bars, and a bump in power and torque with a slightly more aggressive torque curve, and a higher top speed. Due to the different dimensions and wider track width you do lose the automatic parallel parking assistant option. Many people prefer the ‘S’ version citing that it is more stable on the freeway and less twitchy due to the increased track width, however many people do complain about the stiffer ride in the ‘S’ citing that the standard i3 is already quite stiff so it is recommended to try driving both and choose whichever feels best to you.  If you really want the S, but don’t want a stiffer ride you could put smaller 19″ wheels on for a slightly taller tire sidewall and get a little more comfort back.  Range for both S and standard i3 are similar since they do use the same hardware (battery, motor, etc. are the same, just programmed to output more power, but the S will have slightly worse range.

Chuck Vossler on BMW blog has a good article detailing the differences, but I tabulated them here for convenience as well.

i3 dimensions

i3S dimensions