BMW i3 Roams The Corridors Of A Library In Almost Complete Silence

We're officially calling it BMW day here at Motor1 as after learning about the 8 Series' return and discovering the updated 1, 2, and 3 Series, time has come to have a look at the pint-sized i3. The EV hasn't been subjected to any changes, but there is a new ad to show off what BMW describes as being its "silent performance." BMW Canada is behind the creation of this video, which was shot in Budapest, Hungary.

As demonstrated in this CGI-heavy commercial, the zero-emissions hatchback is small enough to squeeze inside a library, but the ad is not actually about its footprint. BMW wants to show that – like with every other EV out there – the i3 in the pure electric version can be driven in silence since it does not have a combustion engine. Truth be told, it's not entirely silent as you can still hear a whining sound coming from the electric motor, though the most obtrusive noise is generated by the tires screeching on the shiny waxed wooden floor.

The idea behind BMW's latest ad is to highlight the i3 is not only emissions-free, but it's also good in the sense that it doesn't generate noise pollution. Its nearly silent operation can make our lives more relaxing during the daily commute in a crowded city packed with cars. We should point out the i3 does make an artificial sound to alert the nearby pedestrians about its presence and reduce the risk of an impact. Such a system will actually be mandatory on all new cars sold in United States beginning with September 1, 2019 as per a rule issued late last year by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

As a refresher, the i3 was updated last year when the EV received a bigger 33-kWh battery increasing range to 114 miles (EPA) or 300 kilometers (NEDC). A Life Cycle Impulse has been in the works for quite some time and it should be out later in the year, although we are not expecting any big styling changes considering the hatchback's avant-garde appearance still feels very fresh.

Rumors of a performance-oriented i3S persist, so we might see it right away together with the standard facelifted car. BMW could decide to introduce the revised i3 as soon as September at the Frankfurt Motor Show.