It is popular knowledge that the future of automobiles is electric. Therefore, to properly position itself for the transition, BMW launched a sub-brand called the BMW i in 2011 — tasking it with the design and production of plug-in electric vehicles. As a result, the German automotive company subsequently launched the i3 as its first mass-produced zero-emission automobile. Initially debuted as a concept in 2011, the i3 went into full production in 2013.
The i3 is an awesome EV, and it has had an amazing production run. It was the third most sold electric car in the world from 2014 to 2016, and in total, more than 210,000 units of the i3 have been sold since it was launched. However, BMW has announced 2021 has the i3's final year. Hence, in tribute, we have listed some of the EV’s most adorable attributes and others that we find unpleasant.
10 We Love It – Performance
All-round solid performance and excellent handling are some of the main fortes of the i3, be it the base model or the sportier i3s. The EV is smooth, responsive, and trigger-happy, thanks to its electric motor’s instant torque. Adopting a one-speed direct-drive transmission, the i3, according to a Car & Driver test, is capable of acceleration from rest to 60mph in 6.6 seconds.
Also, the fun drive of the i3 is heightened in traffic as it uses its tiny size to great advantage.
9 We Love It – Range Extender
The i3’s all-electric range is quite meager, and that doesn’t sit well with a lot of enthusiasts. Having an estimated EPA range of just 153 miles meant that the i3 surely needed some upgrade, and BMW i obliged. As a form of succor, the i3 can be ordered with an optional gasoline-powered engine for an additional range.
This also eases the mind of buyers who aren’t completely ready to ditch the internal combustion engine, while it increases the total range to 200 miles.
8 We Love It – Dynamic & Fast Charging Options
Several charging modes were incorporated in the i3 by BMW i. At home, the i3 can be charged by connecting the standard charging cable to a domestic 230-volt socket, which will get a drained battery back to 80% of its total capacity in less than ten hours.
However, this level of charge can also be attained in less time by installing the BMW i Wallbox or Wallbox Pro. Nonetheless, public charging offers the fastest charging time as its DC option charges the battery in less than 40 minutes.
7 We Love It – Connected Mobility
Thanks to modern technology, driving has now become smarter through robust internet connectivity. BMW i leveraged this technology to deliver awesome automotive features in the i3. As standard, the car has a fully sustainable system courtesy of an integrated SIM card supplying it with full connectivity.
This aids the smooth running of BMW i ConnectedDrive services. These services include ChargeNow which furnishes you with a list of all charging stations and ParkNow which shows the nearest vacant charging space.
6 We Love It – One-Pedal Driving
Offered on the i3, one-pedal driving involves using only the accelerator to move and stop the car at intervals. The one-pedal driving system uses a regenerative braking technology, hence, when the brake is applied, the i3’s electric motor assumes the role of a generator, swiftly converting the car’s kinetic energy into electricity, which is then sent to charge the battery.
With this 'convenience' feature, as the driver eases leg on the accelerator, the i3 automatically decelerates, and the hydraulic brakes are engaged when the car has fully stopped.
5 We Love It – Innovative & Luxurious Interior
As the part of a car that accommodates humans, the cabin is one of the most important parts of a car’s design. In the i3, the cabin is specially crafted with material gotten from recycled and renewable raw materials. Also, for its relatively tiny size, the front area of the i3’s cabin is quite spacious.
The space is gotten from the i3’s deleted center tunnel and B-pillars. Furthermore, the exquisitely crafted cabin is available in four awesome custom packages of Atelier, Loft, Lodge, and Suite.
4 We Love It – Award-Winning Styling
More often than not, awards are given in recognition of excellence, and the i3 has several to show for its incredible design. With an iconic styling that was created by talented Korean-American car designer, Richard Kim, the i3 is built in a single five-door configuration with the rear having two smaller clamshell rear-hinged doors.
We love the i3 for its design, and it’s been duly recognized for it with prestigious awards that include the World Green Car award, World Car Design of the Year award, and iF gold product design award.
3 We Love It – Intelligent Sustainability
BMW has massive pride in the i3’s 0% emission capability. Nonetheless, the company also believes that it’ll take more than zero emission to drive the sustainable change that the world desperately requires. Hence, a more robust approach was adopted in building the i3. This resulted in about 95% of the i3 being recyclable. Amazing!
The car also features the ECO PRO mode which increases driving range by rationing power consumption, and notably, the i3 generates no noise or odors.
2 We’ll Never Buy One – Mediocre Electric Range
153 miles of all-electric driving range would have sounded awesome some years back, but not today. With competition so rife in the EV segment, the range has become one of the important attributes used to edge out rivals. This places the i3 in quite a difficult spot, as there are several other EVs in its class offering a better range than it does.
Nonetheless, rivalry aside, the i3’s 153-mile range doesn’t just cut it as an ideal daily driving EV due to the relatively higher frequency of recharge needed to keep it running.
1 We’ll Never Buy One – Uncomfortable Rear Seat & Tiny Cargo Space
Although the i3 is built as a small compact EV, however, its spacious front area often comes as a surprise to many. But that’s where the party ends. The back seat is extremely uncomfortable due to lack of space, and it makes the i3 such a huge letdown for those who wanted it as a mini family car.
Furthermore, the lack of space also extends to the luggage area, as the car’s 260 liters luggage space means it can’t be used for big or heavy cargo.