Ever since the BMW i3 arrived on the automotive scene back in 2014, it has garnered a healthy amount of praise. With that said, the BMW i3 is not without criticism, most of which is due to its looks and lack of performance.

In response, BMW addressed both of these concerns with the 2018 BMW i3. Not only does the i3 receive a design overhaul; it also receives a performance model.

When it was first unveiled, many automotive enthusiasts called the BMW i3 “over-designed.” While a good drivetrain and efficiency can get a car pretty far, alienating aesthetics can be a hard hurdle for many drivers to overcome.

Therefore, BMW worked to redesign the BMW i3 for the 2018 model year. While the new i3 keeps many things the same, several aspects have been changed.

The front fascia of the i3 has been redesigned to provide the electric model with the appearance of a wider stance. Despite this, the BMW i3 is the same small, nimble urban driver that it was before. Other exterior changes include the implementation of BMW’s i Black belt design and improved front headlights.

The largest change to come to the BMW i3, however, is the introduction of the BMW i3s. The i3s will be the vehicle’s performance model, an aspect that its lineup was lacking previously.

The 2018 BMW i3s is able to produce 184 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque using a more finely-tuned powertrain, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds.

Vehicle charging capabilities have also been tweaked for the model. The new BMW 360° ELECTRIC technology allows for drivers to transfer 90 miles of electric range in just three hours, five times quicker than the BMW i3’s previous standard charging.

The 2018 BMW i3 is set to make its official debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month. By then, BMW will have an answer as to whether the changes made to the BMW i3 have won over previously skeptical motorists.

Gallery: The 2018 BMW i3