Updated November 25, 2021
WHY IS THIS INFORMATION IMPORTANT?
This page will tell you everything that you need to know about this SUV. Buying a vehicle is a huge accomplishment and a large financial outlay. We want you to have as much information as possible, so that you can make the best decision for you.
The BMW i3 is a B-segment, high-roof hatchback manufactured and marketed by BMW with an electric powertrain using rear wheel drive via a single-speed transmission and an underfloor Li-ion battery pack and an optional range-extending petrol engine. The i3 was BMW’s first mass-produced zero emissions vehicle and was launched as part of BMW’s electric vehicle BMW i sub-brand.[13]
Styled by Richard Kim, the i3 is offered in a single five-door configuration with a passenger module of high strength, ultra-lightweight CFRP (carbon fibre reinforced polymer) adhered to a lower aluminium module holding the chassis, battery, drive system and powertrain. The bodywork features two smaller clamshell rear-hinged rear doors.
The i3 debuted as a concept at the 2011 International Motor Show Germany,[13][14] and production began in September 2013[15] in Leipzig.
Having ranked third amongst electric cars sold worldwide from 2014 to 2016,[16][17][18] the 200,000th i3 was produced in October 2020,[19] and its global sales totaled about 210,000 units worldwide by mid-2021.[20] The U.S. was its best-selling market with almost 42,000 units delivered through December 2019.[21]
The i3 has won two World Car of the Year Awards, selected as 2014 World Green Car of the Year and also as 2014 World Car Design of the Year.[22] The i3 received an iF Product Design Gold Award, and won both UK Car of the Year 2014 and Best Supermini of 2014 in the first UK Car of the Year Awards.
— Source Wikipedia
- Official Page — BMW i3
- Price: Starts at $44,950 CAD
- Comparable to: Audi E-Tron, Polestar 2, Hyundai Ioniq 5
REVIEWS AND IMPRESSIONS
We have put together as many reviews and impressions as we could find. Each finds a way to touch upon something that the others missed. If you are serious about this vehicle then these videos are worth watching. If you have review or first impressions that helped you and that aren’t listed here, please contact us!
OUR SCORE: 74
SCORES BY PUBLICATION:
Kelley Blue Book: 3.9 / 5
USNews: 7.2 / 10
Edmunds: 7.8 / 10
J.D. Power: No Rating
Car and Driver: 5.5 / 10
Motortrend: No Rating
TopGear: 8 / 10
CarWow: 8 / 10
What the critics have to say…
The BMW i3 is a small electric car with a funky interior and a decent range between charges. Sadly, it’s expensive and other small electric cars are more comfortable.
CarWoW
HOW DOES IT DRIVE?
Behind the familiar BMW grille, the i3 doesn’t offer the performance most expect of the brand. There’s little to no steering feel and the car quickly gives up grip at the front end if you push it. On the highway, the short wheelbase contributes to a flinty, unsettled ride. Range isn’t particularly impressive by 2021 standards, either.
Motortrend
IS IT RELIABLE AND HIGH QUALITY?
Is the BMW i3 Reliable?
As of this writing, the i3 has not been evaluated for predicted reliability.
BMW i3 Warranty
BMW covers this hatchback with a four-year/50,000-mile new vehicle warranty and an eight-year/100,000-mile battery warranty.
HOW COMFORTABLE IS IT?
The i3 affords a surprisingly good degree of comfort for its size. The front seats are thin and firm, and they offer little lateral support and zero adjustable lumbar. On paper, it’s a recipe for disaster, but BMW has somehow made them quite pleasant to sit in. The rear seats sit a bit higher and are also comfortable.
Edmunds
WHAT IS THE INTERIOR LIKE?
The 2021 i3 has the exterior dimensions of a subcompact city car, making it perfect for darting through traffic and shape-shifting into minuscule parking spots—but back-seat passengers suffer as a result of the small size. The interior is beautifully crafted with intriguing recycled materials, and the cabin has an open, airy appeal, but those who spend any time in the cramped rear seat will not be as happy as those riding up front. The i3 has the utility of a typical small hatchback—with a twist.
Car and Driver
WHAT IS THE TECHNOLOGY LIKE?
BMW uses its older iDrive infotainment system in the i3, but that’s OK with us. It’s actually easier to use than what you’ll find in, say, a 3 Series. The standard 6.5-inch screen is quite small, especially considering how far away it is from the front passengers. The optional 10.25-inch screen is preferred, as is the available Harman Kardon audio system for its superior sound. Apple CarPlay comes standard, and BMW’s superb onboard phone integration software somewhat makes up for the fact that Android Auto is not offered.
Edmunds
WHAT IS THE CARGO SPACE LIKE?
This BMW has 15.1 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. Folding them down opens a total of 36.9 cubic feet. Those are great figures for the class.
USNews
IS THIS VEHICLE A GOOD VALUE?
The price of the BMW i3 didn’t seem steep when it first launched given its advanced materials, sufficient feature content and high-end cabin. But now that the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Tesla Model 3 exist, it’s not the coolest kid on the block anymore. It’s also not the most spacious or practical. Mainstream brands such as Kia and Hyundai offer more EV for your buck too.
Edmunds
IS THE BMW i3 A GOOD VEHICLE?
The BMW i3 is a decent vehicle. It has an upscale cabin, a roomy cargo area, swift acceleration, and agile handling. However, it lacks the modern tech and safety features of other luxury hybrid and electric cars. Also, this BMW has less all-electric driving range than many rivals, though unlike most EVs, it has an option for a gas engine range extender.
USNews
SHOULD I BUY THE BMW i3?
Before purchasing the BMW i3, you’ll want to look at some better, more affordable options. Even with the range extender, the i3’s driving range trails what you’ll get with fully electric vehicles like the Chevy Bolt, select trims of the Nissan Leaf, or any Tesla model.
USNews
THE FINAL WORD
The BMW i3 isn’t an especially good EV. Its total driving range trails that of other EVs, even when paired with a gasoline engine. That’s not to say it’s a bad car, as its peppy motor and lithe handling help make it fun to drive. However, the same can be said of many electric vehicles that don’t share the i3’s drawbacks.
