The i3 is a statement of an electric vehicle. Its bulbous shape and goofy characteristics attracted a loyal following during the rise of EVs. Like its cousin, the Mini Cooper SE, the BMW i3 is surprisingly spacious on the inside with a well-put-together interior.
The BMW i3 was one of the first EVs on the scene in 2013. Since then, technology has made electric vehicles more affordable and given buyers more options. The i3 still boasts its luxurious interior and range-extension capabilities, but is it enough to beat the competition?
Do the i3's unique styling and BMW conveniences make up for its high-price and limited range? Read on to make up your mind.
The BMW I3 Engine And Powertrain Are Impressive
The BMW i3 goes unchanged for the 2021 model year, the most recent refresh had come four years prior, keeping the tech relevant but the end of this generation’s life-cycle is likely insight.
Powering the little city sprinter is a 42.24-kWh lithium-ion battery. The rear-wheel-drive can put down 168 horsepower and 184-lb-ft of torque, taking it to 60 mph as quick as 7.2 seconds, and the top speed caps at 93 mph.
The single-speed transmission allows for single-pedal driving, a newfound luxury of city driving. A quick jab of the accelerator pedal (not “gas pedal”), zips the tiny 158-inch car through urban traffic with pleasure. Interestingly enough, the rear brake lights flash when the driver lifts off the i3’s pedal.
If you crave more speed, BMW offers an upgraded i3s, a sportier version of the i3 that “enhances agility and enables controlled drifts.” To start, it jumps the horsepower up by 14 and increases the torque by 15 lb-ft, a substantial difference to a car that only weighs 3,000-lbs. Top speed is now just one mph shy of 100 and hits 60 mph in 6.9 seconds.
The i3s doesn’t just increase the pep. To enable its “controlled drifts,” the i3 is equipped with Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), sport suspension that drops the hatch 10mm lower, a 40mm wider track, and 20-inch wheels that are 20mm wider. Aesthetically, the BMW i3s swapped out for new bumpers, a black roof swatch, and black wheel arches. Overall an impressive stance.
The BMW i3 Range & Charging
The 42.24-kWh battery of the BMW I3 and BMW i3s are EPA rated at 124 MPGe in the city, 102 MPGe on the highway. Without the optional range-extender, the i3 can get an estimated range of 153 miles.
For those looking to reduce range anxiety, a “Range-Extender” is available for $3,850. This is an optional onboard 2-cylinder gasoline engine that helps recharge the battery of the i3 when necessary. The 2.4-gallon tank ups the range by 47 miles, not a substantial difference, but it could be the little bump needed for peace of mind. The range-extender runs on premium gas only and has an EPA combined rating of 31 mpg.
The BMW i3 will have full juice after about 5 hours of charging on a 240-volt charger. A standard 110-volt home outlet will take the i3 up to 20 hours.
The BMW I3 Has A Standout Interior
On the inside is where the BMW i3 shines over its competition. Following the trend of modern tech, the interior is minimal, clean, and full of fun technology. It balances fun shapes and materials without being too gimmicky. There’s personality attached to German practicality.
The driving position is upright and high, and the two back seats are surprisingly spacious for a compact hatchback. Drop the back seats into their 50/50 split, and cargo-space goes from 15.1 cubic feet to a plentiful 36.9 cubic feet.
The base trim for the i3 is called the Deka World, and each trim above has an equally impressive name. The Deka World comes with the standard equipment that BMW calls “balanced aesthetics.” This includes a generous amount of standard features, such as heated front seats, Apple CarPlay, a navigation system, Park Distance Control, Keyless entry/start, LED lights, and a DC fast-charging connector. The upgraded Deka World i3s is equipped identically, except the base has 19-inch wheels instead of 20s.
The next level of the interesting naming scheme is the Mega World, which includes simulated-leather upholstery. One notch above is the Giga World, offering a Moonroof, leather/wool upholstery, and a garage-door opener, and the top trim is fittingly labeled Tera World. The highest trim comes with Vernasca leather upholstery and dark oak wood trim.
Pricing & Competition Of The BMW I3
There’s no denying that the BMW i3 is at the higher price range of compact electric cars. The MSRP of a 2021 BMW i3 starts at $45,445. If you want the more powerful electric motor, the BMW i3s is going to cost at least $48,645. All of this for a range of 153 miles, or 200 miles, with the $3,850 range extender.
Compare that to a Nissan Leaf, which has a starting price of $31,620 and a range of 149 miles, or its bigger battery variant that does 226 miles in one charge. A Chevrolet Bolt EV beats the BMW in both price and range, starting at $36,620, the Bolt ranges out to 259 miles.
The Tesla Model 3 is also cheaper, starting at $40,000 for the smallest battery pack, which will still get the driver 250 miles.
If range isn’t a priority and you want a fun, cheap electric equivalent, BMW now offers the Mini Cooper SE. The electric Mini uses the same motor as the BMW i3s, with the same 181 horsepower and a faster 0-60 mph. Even with a shortened range of 110 miles, the Mini is still the cheapest all-electric vehicle on sale at $23,250 (after the $7,500 federal tax credit).
Conclusion
The BMW i3 was one of the pioneering electric vehicles. It showcases practicality, fun, and a touch of luxury for under $50,000. Although several more electric options have become available since its initial launch in 2013, the BMW i3 still reigns as one of the top compact EVs.