At 2017 NYIAS, a First 2017 World Urban Car Award for BMW i3

The #BMW i3 wins the 2017 World Urban Car award at #NYIAS for its seamless blend of Performance and utility. pic.twitter.com/NdQrs9Usft

— BMW USA (@BMWUSA) April 15, 2017

That the BMW Group evinces ongoing dedication to sustainable travel seems beyond dispute. We at BMW of Nashville were surely wowed when the automaker unveiled its first all-electric carbon fiber vehicle. So when the 2017 New York International Auto Show saw fit on April 12 to award its new 94-Ah iteration, the 2017 BMW i3, the inaugural 2017 World Urban Car title, it was a matter of course. After all, with growing population density on the minds of many, it surely made sense.

It was most definitely on the mind of BMW when it launched i3 in 2014. The idea was to create a Mega City Vehicle, one capable of navigating the dense population centers that are growing even now. Today's 2017 model already shows promise for the purpose, offering a cruising range to go the distance as well as the dynamic performance ideal for the urban lifestyle. But what specifically makes i3 a model for the proverbial duration?

Firstly, the electric vehicle shows off a 50% increase in battery capacity, delivering up to 33 kilowatt-hours thanks to higher lithium-ion cell energy density, but battery dimensions remain unchanged, keeping i3 space-efficient. And that means plenty of room to enjoy the ride afforded by the car's 170-horsepower AC synchronous electric motor. With the ability to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in a little more than 7 seconds, it ought to be sporty.

Plus, charging i3 is simpler than ever. BMW i Home Charger Connect capability allows you to charge 2017 i3 at home while making use of a host of connected functionality. And the automaker surely kept i3's friendliness for travel in mind, too, having even begun installing such charge stations in national parks, starting with Thomas Edison National Historical Park.

So what will this mean for we drivers of efficiency bent from Murfreesboro, Franklin, Brentwood, Hendersonville, and environs? Only time, and the BMW eye on developing city life, will tell. In the meantime, you're welcome to stop by our BMW of Nashville showroom here at 4040 Armory Oaks Drive for a test drive to get you energized for the future. We showcase a selection of fuel-economical BMW 3 Series, 5 Series, and 7 Series sedans, among other models in our brand-new BMW lineup, to pique your interest.