What it is: The BMW i3 is a four-seater, rear-wheel-drive, purpose-built electric vehicle. The i3’s electric drivetrain, which is made of aluminum and carbon fiber-reinforced plastic to save weight, offers it, in BMW’s estimation, a range of up to 114 miles. The Nissan Leaf, Fiat 500e, Volkswagen e-Golf, and Chevrolet Volt are competitors.
BMW provides a two-cylinder gas engine as an option for the i3 to help alleviate the range anxiety related to electric vehicles. Instead of powering the wheels, the engine charges the lithium-ion battery to increase the range of the i3. updated for 2017 The i3’s anticipated driving range increases from 81 miles to 114 miles with a greater capacity 33 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. The battery may be charged in around 4.5 hours using a new domestic charging station from BMW I using Level 2 service. There is now a power moonroof option. Important Standard Characteristics
- electric motor with 170 horsepower
- backwards-wheel drive
- both conventional back doors and front doors with a rear hinge
- Headlights and taillights made of LED
- automatic climate control
- Telescoping and tilting steering wheel
- front chairs with heat
- Folding backseat in half
- navigational aid
- Front airbags, antilock brakes, and an electronic stability system are required in every new vehicle.
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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 extend 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 powertrain. 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.
A RWD electric vehicle you’ll actually want is the BMW i3.
Ignore the fact that we have already seen it in the photos that were leaked last week. BMW officially unveiled the i3 and revealed all of its specifications, including CT-worthy numbers like 168 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. That is 5lb.ft greater but 10bhp less than a Mini Cooper S. Being rear-wheel drive, it may be the first electric vehicle in production that can go properly sideways.
By plug-in automobile standards, it is also as light as Victoria Beckham’s breakfast. The basic electric i3 weighs just 1195kg thanks to a monocoque safety cell made of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic that BMW refers to as the Life Module, which also allows the vehicle to accelerate silently to 62 mph in 7.2 seconds. That’s accurate in the hot hatch region.
Regarding the i3’s appearance, the verdict is yet out. While some consider it to be novel and modern, others, including myself, believe that it appears to have been designed by mistake in a crushing machine. Check out the garish inside as well, which will first be amusing for about five minutes before you realize how awful it is. Fortunately, things don’t have to be that way.
The range-extender (REX) variant has also received more confirmation from BMW. At the back is a 650cc twin-cylinder German maxi-scooter engine that produces a mediocre 25 horsepower and 41 lb. ft of torque. It simply produces more electricity for the motor by drawing unleaded from a nine-litre fuel tank under the front bulkhead. At least you can believe you’re in a very quiet 911 thanks to the rear-engine, rear-wheel drive configuration. However, it is slower than a standard i3, taking 7.9 seconds to reach 62 mph.
The EcoPro+ driving mode, which restricts the electric motor’s torque and sets a speed restriction of 50 mph, allows the all-electric i3 to go 124 miles in ideal conditions. However, the range of an electric vehicle is extremely dependent on how you drive. The PS2000 more expensive i3 REX would boost it to 211 miles. similar to mother-in-laws.
The cost is the issue here. Before any options are added and after the British government provides you a discount of PS5,000, the i3 costs more than PS25,000. You really have to want one because it’s still approximately PS3000 more expensive than the brand-new Skoda Octavia vRS.
We were able to obtain video of one of the simultaneous global unveilings. If you want to see the covers fall off, skip to 22:25 rather than listening to lengthy PR blather.
The BMW i3 actually performs admirably in the snow.
The BMW i3 might appear to be terrible in the snow at first glance. It’s an all-electric BMW with rear-wheel drive, so its rapid torque may easily rip the rear tires off. It weighs about 2,800 lbs., which makes it relatively light and prevents it from pressing through the snow and into the pavement like heavier cars do. So it seems sense that the i3 is a little dicey during the winter. The small i3, though, isn’t all that horrible when the roads turn white, as this video from TFLC demonstrates.
In this video, a brief overview of the BMW i3 REx’s performance in the snow is shown when it is equipped with Bridgestone Blizzak winter tires. Winter tires are essential for all vehicles in the snow, especially rear-wheel drive electric vehicles, thus that last sentence is significant.
The tiny i3 is actually quite good in powder when outfitted with those Blizzaks. Acceleration is acceptable as long as you don’t pin the throttle, as said in the video, and it will really take off from a stop with little to no drama. The BMW i3 actually has good braking in the snow. Regenerative braking, which substantially slows down the wheels without actually engaging the brakes, helps the vehicle’s brakes, it is true.
The BMW i3 maintains a remarkable level of composure—even when trying to perform donuts in a deserted, wintry parking lot. You would assume it would slip all over the place and perform careless donuts. Though it struggles, the traction control of the i3 cannot be completely overpowered. That simply shows that the traction control on the BMW i3 will probably save your snowy electric butt if you do slide the car around in the snow by accident.
Overall, the i3 isn’t as horrible in the snow as most people believe. Even though the BMW i3 is rear-wheel drive, lightweight by today’s standards, and boasts quick electric torque, it is surprisingly capable in winter conditions—as long as you have the proper tires.
Is the BMW i3 a reliable vehicle?
If you’re searching for an electric car that’s convenient to drive around town and has a sleek, upscale cabin, the BMW i3 is definitely worth taking into consideration. However, you’ll spend more for the i3’s excellent appearance and quality than you will for its more affordable substitutes, similar to how an iPad compares to a white-label Android tablet.
BMW’s excellent iDrive system with a high-resolution 10-inch infotainment screen and sat nav comes standard in the i3, but the company’s wood dashboard trimmings and partial leather seats aren’t; they’re only offered as part of the Loft, Lodge, and Suite interior trim packages, which are optional.
The i3’s cabin still looks luxurious without one of these enhanced packs, and there is plenty room for you to get comfy – even if you are taller than six feet.
Unfortunately, there isn’t quite as much room in the back, but kids can still spread out comfortably. The i3’s unique rear-hinged back doors make it simple to lift in a large kid seat, and the back seats at least feel surprisingly airy thanks to the vehicle’s oddly shaped rear windows.
Unfortunately, it only has four seats, and the boot isn’t that roomy. The Nissan Leaf and Renault Zoe are hence more useful electric vehicles.
A small electric motor and a portable battery pack are included as standard equipment with the BMW i3. Although BMW claims that this combination provides you a range of 188 miles between charges, you may anticipate that it will actually travel closer to 160 miles under normal circumstances.
Despite being an odd option in a market that is already specialized, the premium BMW i3 is actually rather livable if you get beyond its futuristic design.
Another option is the “s” model, which has higher power but a little less range (officially 175 miles between charges). BMW estimates that the i3s will go a similar 160 miles to the normal model in real-world conditions.
Don’t assume the i3 is a sluggish eco-car that is just good for trekking to the store; in fact, the standard model’s 170 horsepower electric motor provides virtually instant bursts of acceleration that allow it sprint from 0-62 mph in 7.3 seconds. With an 184 horsepower electric motor, the i3s is even faster, reducing the sprint time to 6.9 seconds.
Regardless of the model you choose, the BMW is quite simple to drive. It is simple to see out of thanks to its huge windows, and parking is a joy thanks to its small turning circle.
It’s unfortunate that it’s not quite as cozy as the Zoe and Leaf. At highway speeds, you’ll hear quite a bit of wind and tyre noise due to the car’s firm suspension and huge alloy wheels that draw attention to road imperfections.
Both in terms of safety and performance, it falls short of the Zoe. Compared to the Renault, which received a five-star certification from Euro NCAP in 2013, it received a four-star rating in 2013. Automatic emergency city braking is also an option.
But if you’re willing to make this concession, the BMW is a chic small family vehicle that’s well worth considering if you mostly drive in urban areas and have access to charging stations.
Visit our BMW i3 deals page to see the offers that are currently being made.
Specifications for Trim
The 2021 BMW i3 is available in two major versions, both of which, unusually for EVs, can be modified with a gas-powered range extender. The basic i3 costs $45,445 after the destination fee of $995. The cost of the i3s is $48,645, the i3 with Range Extender is $49,295 and the i3s with Range Extender is $52,495 respectively. Additionally, some vehicles are eligible for EV tax benefits, which might lower the cost.
An electric motor and a 42.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack make up the i3’s electric powertrain, which generates 168 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The i3s’ motor produces 199 pound-feet of torque and 181 horsepower. The vehicles are rear-wheel drive and have a single speed transmission. Both devices can be fast-charged using AC or DC power.
BMW ConnectedDrive services, Apple CarPlay, USB inputs, Bluetooth, HD radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, a 6.5-inch BMW navigation display with iDrive infotainment, heated front seats, a rearview camera, parking sensors, and LED headlights are all standard on the i3. The i3 also has 19-inch wheels, dark cloth upholstery, matte silver interior trim, and 19-inch wheels. The i3s upgrades the suspension setup and adds 20-inch wheels. When the battery pack is five percent charged, models with BMW’s Range Extender system employ a two-cylinder gasoline engine to assist in recharging it.
Is the BMW i3 trustworthy?
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.