What Is A BMW I3?

W20K06U0 25 kW I2range extender, 647 cc Europe 9 L (2.4 US gal) In the US, 7.2 L (1.9 US gal) (2014-2016) In the US, 9 L (2.4 US gal) (2017+)

The BMW i3 is a BMW-made, high-roof, B-segment hatchback with an electric drivetrain that utilizes rear-wheel drive, a single-speed transmission, an underfloor lithium-ion battery pack, and an optional gasoline engine that can expand the vehicle’s range. The BMW i3 was the company’s first mass-produced zero-emission vehicle and was introduced under the BMW I sub-brand for electric vehicles.

The Richard Kim-designed i3 comes with a single five-door configuration, a CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced polymer) passenger module that is extremely lightweight and strong, and a lower aluminum module that houses the chassis, battery, drive system, and motor. Two smaller clamshell rear doors with rear hinges are included on the bodywork. The i3 had its concept premiere at the 2011 International Motor Show Germany, and Leipzig manufacturing of the vehicle started in September 2013.

From 2014 to 2016, it was the third-best-selling electric vehicle in the world; by the end of 2021, it had sold over 220,000 units globally. With over 47,500 units supplied until December 2021, Germany is listed as its top-selling market, followed by the United States with more over 45,000.

The 2014 World Green Car of the Year and 2014 World Car Design of the Year were both given to the i3, earning it two World Car of the Year Awards. The i3 won the first UK Car of the Year Awards for Best Supermini of 2014 and UK Car of the Year 2014, each of which came with an iF Product Design Gold Award.

Cargo, Comfort, and the Interior

The 2021 i3’s exterior measurements are those of a subcompact city car, which makes it ideal for swerving through traffic and morphing into tiny parking spaces, but the small size is bad for passengers in the backseat. Although the interior is exquisitely designed with intriguing recycled materials and has a spacious, open feel, passengers in the tight back seat won’t be as content as those in the front. With a twist, the i3 offers all the functionality of a standard small hatchback. Since the backs of the rear side doors are hinged, they open in opposition to the front doors. The absence of a pillar between the front and rear doors provides a sizable, open area that makes it easier to enter (and load cargo into) the back. We were able to place 14 carry-on luggage inside the back seats after lowering them using a strap in the car.

What is the conclusion?

“The best tiny, high-end EV available is the BMW i3. Or until production is permanently stopped.”

The i3 is still the top small premium EV available. Nothing has emerged to unseat it after eight years, which speaks something about both the strength of the original idea and the generally lackluster competitors. Being in and around the i3 is an amazing experience. Although the ride is knobbly, it’s an eager, responsive car to drive since the design still looks new and fascinating, the cabin is light and airy, and nicely constructed from tactile materials, and the driver controls are sensible (VW stole the gear controller idea for the ID.3 and ID.4).

Additionally, it isn’t a lot of money in the overall scheme of things. With a starting price of PS33,820, the Nissan Leaf is comparable to the Honda e, Peugeot e-208, and Mini Electric while costing a little more than a Fiat 500e or a Mini Electric. Eight years after introduction, the i3 still beats all of them.

The 2021 BMW i3 is a little four-door hatchback that has an electric motor as standard equipment.

The BMW i3’s 24-kWh lithium-ion battery powers it, giving it a maximum range of 153 miles.

What vehicle will succeed the BMW i3?

After nine years of production, BMW has declared that the i3 is no longer being made, putting an end to the inventive and long-lasting little electric car.

Just a few weeks after the model reached a production run of more than a quarter of a million, the final i3 came off the production line in Leipzig, Germany. Ten units of the i3 HomeRun Edition, an ultra-exclusive special edition model with the company’s “Frozen paint finish,” have been ordered to commemorate the event.

The i3 was originally seen by the public in concept form at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2011, and when the production vehicle was introduced in 2013, it substantially resembled the show-car design.

The upright proportions, glass tailgate, two-tone paint job, and dipping shoulder line all deviated from the typical BMW design cues that customers had grown accustomed to. It launched BMW’s new I sub-brand, which was one of the factors contributing to the bizarre appearance (along with the i8 sports car).

Rear-hinged doors are always interesting, and they undoubtedly contributed to the i3’s personality, along with the interior. The technology was updated over the course of its existence to keep it feeling modern. The interior itself featured a low dash and window line for a light and airy atmosphere.

A custom platform made of a combination of aluminum, magnesium, and carbon fiber is positioned below the i3 to keep weight at just over a tonne. Due to the lack of weight, the vehicle’s ultimate fully-electric design had a maximum range of 190 miles.

The UK’s police, fire, and ambulance services all adopted the i3 due to its popularity with emergency services.

There won’t be a direct replacement for the i3, and a completely electric version of the 3 Series saloon is anticipated to receive the i3 badge. The iX1, an electric variant of the new X1 SUV, will be the company’s entry-level EV model.

The BMW i3 is being retired for what reason?

It is extremely heartbreaking to see BMW discontinue its little electric hatchback after nine years on the market given how great it was.

In 2011, as interest in electric vehicles increased, the BMW i3 was first unveiled as a concept car. The design was later evolved into a working model that was released for purchase in 2013 as a 2014 model. The BMW i3 has enjoyed considerable success since that time. The compact electric hatchback from BMW has sold over 250,000 units and was named the World Car Design and World Green Car of the Year winners at the 2014 World Car Awards.

Unfortunately, all wonderful things must eventually come to an end. BMW terminated the i3 in all markets in July 2022 after ceasing manufacturing for the US market in July 2021. The company cited consumer demand for larger-than-the-i3 electric automobiles as justification for the withdrawal. Another reason is that the manufacturer wants to move away from the i3’s distinctive appearance and produce electric vehicles with more traditional styling. The BMW i4 and BMW iX models are taking the place of the i3 as a result. We are sad to see the i3 depart, but there are other reasons as well.

Is the BMW i3 a trustworthy vehicle?

Is a pre-owned BMW i3 hatchback trustworthy? The i3 placed fourth out of nine electric vehicles in its class, receiving a score of 94.1% in our most recent dependability study. A solid achievement for BMW as a brand, placing 13th out of 30 manufacturers.

Is the BMW i3 electric or a hybrid?

The i3 and i3s are BMW’s two primary i3 trim options. Both vehicles have an electric motor, although the i3’s motor has 168 horsepower while the i3s’ has 181.

BMW i3 uses gas or electricity?

It can be difficult to imagine that some of our automobiles no longer even require gas to run. One of the most technologically advanced cars on the market, the BMW i3 is entirely electric, so users never have to worry about fuel prices.

The BMW i3 is entirely electric.

The 2021 i3 includes a gas-powered range extender for individuals who don’t trust driving on electricity alone, in contrast to other electric cars on the market (excluding hybrids). Even with the fossil-fuel backup, we wouldn’t drive far in our i3. Instead, we would choose the electric-only model and mostly utilize it for our daily commute on short highway segments and within the city. Although the i3s is supposed to be more enjoyable to drive, we recommend sticking with the most affordable variant. Although there aren’t many choices besides exterior and interior colors, we’d pick the Giga World package. It features heated front seats, Apple CarPlay compatibility, and GPS in addition to its distinctive brown leather and gray fabric upholstery.

Are BMW i3 repairs expensive?

The BMW i3 is a fantastic choice for individuals seeking a more environmentally friendly vehicle because it is an all-electric vehicle. However, compared to more conventional BMWs, the i3 will need slightly different upkeep, which will cost owners an average of $1,173 a year.

The most common fault with the 2017 BMW i3 is that the adaptive cruise control does not function well, despite the requirement for more specialized maintenance. Despite this, the i3 remains one of BMW’s most dependable cars. Electrical issues are also reportedly occurring. There haven’t been enough reported problems, yet, to calculate an average repair cost. The i3 has also been subject to recalls, the most recent of which was for the 2019 model year due to a potential crash-causing unexpected power shutdown.

Can the BMW i3 be charged at home?

A Type 2 plug allows you to charge your BMW i3 at home, the office, or a public charging station. Additionally, there includes a CCS port for quick charging.

The lifespan of the BMW i3 battery

Battery life for 2021 BMW i3s ranges from three to five years, although it might vary depending on factors including driving style, weather, battery type, and more. Keep your car indoors, away from sharp changes in temperature or climate, to extend the life of your i3 battery.

How much does a BMW i3 battery replacement cost?

• On eBay, a battery pack for a BMW i3 that had a capacity of 22 kWh at one point but is now only about 17.14 kWh is going for $2,500. This works out to about $145 per kWh. A
• According to a 2016 BMW study, a new i3 battery would cost roughly $16,000. This was for the 22 kWh packs used in the 2013–2016 model years, which came out to $727 per kWh in actual 2016 currency. A
• According to a 2015 InsideEV study, a 21.6 kWh battery pack would cost $13,725 or $635 per kWh. These costs were computed using data from an internet parts retailer. A

Can you only use gas to power an i3?

Why might that therefore be better? Well, keep in mind two points we have discussed:

• The i3 REx relies on the battery charge and never uses gasoline.
• In some circumstances, your car will use more electricity than its range extender can compensate for.

Consider returning home over a difficult uphill climb and a stretch on the highway. Perhaps you are aware that will drain 10% of your battery’s power.

Before the range extender kicks in to get you home in the US, your battery can deplete to 3%. What if, though, your i3’s electric motor requires twice as much power over that last leg? You’re in trouble, to put it nicely.

You’ll probably exhaust your remaining 3% battery charge in addition to the range extender’s offset of the same amount. However, that only amounts to 6% of a battery’s capacity, which is far less than the 10% you required. So eventually your i3 will either stop entirely or trudge along at an uncomfortable rate to cling on to its last reserves.

Imagine being able to hold the battery charge as soon as it drops below 30% by foreseeing the future. That slope back to town suddenly doesn’t seem as terrifying;)