One of the most cutting-edge cars on the market, the BMW i3 is entirely electric, so owners never have to worry about fuel prices.
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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.
The BMW I3 Should Be Avoided At All Costs
Popular car manufacturers have tried to make their own hybrid cars in response to the market’s growing demand for electric and hybrid vehicles. BMW achieved success with their $160,000 I8, but it wasn’t intended for the typical consumer to be accessible or achievable. On the other hand, the BMW I3 was.
The BMW I3 is a 97-mile all-electric range, compact hybrid, or all-electric vehicle with less than 200 total horsepower. There are several speedier and more attractive BMW models with base prices around $50,000, but that isn’t the only reason to steer clear of the I3.
The Tesla Model 3 is more affordable than the I3 and has double the range of the base model. In terms of features, range, power, and cost, it is not quite comparable to the competitors. Even though the I3 is a relatively recent car—its production isn’t even ten years old—it hasn’t maintained its value as most other BMW models have. If you are really that set to buy an electric or hybrid BMW, the used, low miles, clear title I3s that are available for purchase for less than $20,000 aren’t terrible for that noticeably lower price.
The BMW I3 is available as an all-electric vehicle, but buyers can also choose a regular gasoline engine to extend the vehicle’s sad range. The worst complaint from many owners who chose this supplementary engine is that the I3 struggles to climb hills and inclines on its combustion engine alone and can occasionally not be pushed over 40 mph. This wouldn’t be a problem if you only made short trips for work and didn’t plan to go more than 97 miles round-trip, but most owners at least like the ability to travel a little further. It is evident that many owners are upset and concerned about BMW’s decision to extend the car’s range by adopting a gas-powered engine.
In that sense, I guess it’s difficult to suggest that you should stay away from the car at all costs. In reality, it might not be that bad of a car for the $15,000 BMW I3s you can find for sale on the secondhand automobile market.
Many of the great things that owners have to say about the car are from people who reside in large cities and don’t have to travel far for work. Driving in traffic is said to be simple and enjoyable thanks to the car’s small size, light weight, and quick acceleration. The car is also so short that its turning radius is quite practical. On the other hand, a sizable number of owners have recounted their terrible tales of their car batteries dying on the road and their gasoline extension never activating, possibly fatal accidents, and the need for a tow.
Overall, you would be better off spending $50,000 on a Tesla or any other electric car that is probably close to that price. BMW states that they will continue to sell the I3 until 2024, although only time will tell if that is true given the vehicle’s significant value decline and declining customer bases.
Has the BMW i3 a gasoline engine?
BMW has gone above and beyond with this idea with the i3. Although it has a gasoline engine, the fuel tank can only contain 2 gallons of fuel (9 litres). This is because BMW doesn’t want you to use the i3’s gasoline engine all the time; instead, it should be used as an emergency backup that ensures you won’t get lost.
Can the BMW i3 just operate on gas?
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;)
How much gasoline does the BMW i3 consume?
20-inch winter tires are on wheel cluster 2. The chosen wheel and tyre sizes affect the values for fuel consumption, CO2 emissions, and power consumption.
The driving range is affected by a number of variables, including: individual driving habits, the route chosen, the weather, and the use of heating, cooling, and preconditioning.
The guidelines on fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of new automobiles, which are freely available at all retail locations and from DAT Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH, Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, 73760 Ostfildern, Germany, provide additional information on the official fuel consumption and on the official specific CO2 emissions of new automobiles.
The BMW i3 with Range Extender’s engine exhaust gas that is used to charge the high-voltage battery complies with EU6 emissions regulations. The ECE driving cycle (93/116/EC), which consists of around one third urban traffic and two thirds extra-urban driving, is used to calculate fuel consumption (based on the distance covered). In addition to measuring fuel use, CO2 emissions are also measured. Calculations of fuel consumption use automobiles with standard equipment. Fuel economy and driving performance can be significantly impacted by special equipment, such as bigger tires.
Super unleaded 95 RON fuel is advised by BMW. Additionally allowed is unleaded fuel with an ethanol content limit of 10% (E10) or higher and RON 91 or higher. Based on the use of RON 98 fuel, the listed performance and fuel consumption rates.
The data are supplied simply for the purpose of comparison between various vehicle types; they are not based on a specific vehicle and do not form a part of the product offer.
According to Directive 1999/94/EC, CO2 emissions from the production and distribution of gasoline and other energy sources are not included in the calculation of CO2 emissions.
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.
Is the BMW i3 being phased out?
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.
Do I3’s require premium gas?
BMW makes the unusual claim that they “recommend” using 91 octane petrol in the i3Visit the i3 Forum manual, but the “minimum” octane rating is really 89.
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.
Why has the BMW i3 been retired?
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.