BMW created the BMW I sub-brand in 2011 to develop and produce plug-in electric vehicles. The i3 all-electric car and the i8 plug-in hybrid were the first two vehicles that the business released. The all-electric iX3SUV went on sale in the latter half of 2020, while the all-electric iX SUV and i4 liftback sedan followed in the second half of 2021.
The i3 and i8 concept models were displayed at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.
The BMW i3 started going into series production for retail buyers in September 2013, and the European market officially launched in November 2013, with the first retail deliveries taking place in Germany. In June 2014, the BMW i8 was introduced in Germany. The main markets for both models are the US, Norway, Germany, and UK.
Beginning in July 2016, all BMW plug-in hybrid vehicles will be granted the “iPerformance” model name, which the automaker first announced in February 2016. The objective is to offer a clear indicator of the technology transfer from BMW I to the BMW core brand. Seven BMW electrified models, including the X1 xDrive25e, X3 xDrive30e, X5 xDrive45e, 225xe Active Tourer, 320e/330e iPerformance, 520e/530e/545e iPerformance, and 745e/745Le iPerformance, have been released as of June 2021[update]. The I technology is also used in the plug-in hybrid Mini Cooper S E Countryman ALL4.
In December 2019, combined global sales of BMW Group electrified vehicles—including those from the BMW I iPerformance, xDrive, and MINI brands—passed the 500,000th unit mark. At the start of 2020, the BMW i3 sold more than 165,000 units worldwide across all variations. The BMW i8’s production ceased in June 2020 after selling more than 20,000 units globally.
In This Article...
BMW I advances further into the future.
BMW I embodies a comprehensive and ground-breaking strategy that is redefining sustainable premium mobility by fusing electric motors, cutting-edge materials, and cutting-edge technologies into ground-breaking futuristic designs. The emphasis is on a new definition of premium that places sustainability at the center of the entire value chain.
EV Performance, Power, and Motor
The i8 from BMW has just one available powerplant. A 1.5-liter, three-cylinder turbocharged gas engine is coupled with an 11.6-kWh battery and two electric motors in this vehicle. With their combined 369 horsepower, the trio of engines can move all four wheels. But it’s not the quickest supercar around: In 4.1 seconds, the 2019 i8 roadster we tested could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph. The same mild steering we’ve questioned in many recent BMWs is present in the i8. More feedback is preferred, especially in a vehicle designed with sporting purposes. Surprisingly, the ride is smooth, and road imperfections are felt but never sharply.
What does the I in BMW i8 stand for?
BMW i-model cars. A complete and innovative idea for sustainable mobility is represented by BMW i. It stands for forward-thinking electric cars and mobility services, beautiful design, and a new view of premium that is highly influenced by sustainability.
With what does BMW plan to replace the i3?
As a sort of successor to the i3, BMW teases the new electric BMW iX1, which will make its appearance later this year alongside a new ICE X1.
The innovative, if somewhat dated, BMW i3 will likely continue to be sold until 2024, according to BMW. However, they later had a change of heart and announced last year that i3 manufacture would stop in July. But what will take the i3’s place?
Therefore, we need to look at the BMW X1 as the foundation for an i3 replacement. It will be updated this year and will be available not only in ICE versions but also as the BMW iX1 with an EV drivetrain. As BMW’s EVs start to really roll out, any i3 will now be a saloon take on the i4.
BMW has created a teaser sketch (above) to give us a preview of that arrival later this year. Although we already know what it will look like without the need for a BMW insider.
The new IX3 isn’t that dissimilar from the current model, which has a large kidney grille that has been squared off, blue highlights around the grille, and air vents that are likely to be closed off.
Although there are currently no data on the power or battery capacity, BMW claims that the iX1 will have a range of 250–270 miles and share its platform with the ICE X1 vehicles.
In the weeks and months ahead of the iX1’s release, which will happen shortly after the new ICE X1 comes, expect additional information about the device.
What distinguishes the BMW I from the BMW e?
The Meaning of the Letters in BMW Models The fuel type is indicated by the letter at the end of each vehicle’s name. Gas models are identified by a I diesel vehicles by a “d,” and plug-in hybrids by a “e.” BMW’s electric I Models feature a I before the digits in the car name, which is confusing.
What do I represent to BMW?
Hybrid, Gas, and Diesel designations The first letter following each vehicle’s number used to be either a I for gas models (the I stood for fuel-injected) or a “d” for diesel cars.
Why did BMW stop producing the i3?
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.
The BMW I range is what?
With a range of up to 282 miles* on a single charge, the first-ever BMW all-electric Sports Activity Vehicle gives the world of electric driving fresh life.
*Subject to driving circumstances, including the battery’s beginning charge, accessories installed (after registration), changes in weather, driving habits, and vehicle load. After the battery was fully charged, they were obtained.
BMW still produces the i3?
Even if the inventive little BMW i3 has been on life support for some time, it is nevertheless difficult to accept BMW’s news that production has come to a stop.
Yes, the i3 has officially died eight and a half years after its debut. Just a few days ago, according to BMW, the 250,000th copy was produced in Leipzig, and the last ten vehicles received a special HomeRun edition specification.
The HomeRun variants come with 20-inch wheels, new Frozen Dark Grey or Frozen Red II paint finishes, and practically every i3 option imaginable. It sounds like certain component bins needed to be cleaned out. That entails a heated leather instrument panel, wireless charging, a rear-view camera, an electric glass roof, adaptive LED headlights, heated leather seats in “Vernasca Dark Truffle,” a Harman Kardon speaker system, and more.
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.
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.
Uses gas the BMW i3?
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.
All BMW I Series models are electric.
Only the BMW i3 all-electric vehicle with an optional range extender (REx) and the BMW i8 plug-in hybrid are available as of January 2020.
Do BMWs cost a lot to maintain?
Yes, BMW servicing is more expensive than many other manufacturers, whether they are premium or not, once the warranty expires. Over a ten-year period, a BMW may cost $12,000 more to maintain than a Toyota and $5,000 more than a Mercedes-Benz.
Because it’s a German car with specialized parts and technology, maintaining a BMW is pricey. It’s not merely a car to get people from point A to point B; it was designed for driving aficionados. A $400 battery replacement, for instance, might be necessary because the mechanic must register the battery with the engine control module. If not, the battery risk of an early demise since the vehicle won’t “know” how to charge it.
Additionally, the Digital Motor Electronics (DME) system in cars connects countless sensors and controls. A BMW may require a sophisticated method for a simple repair on another vehicle, which increases labor expenses.
Yes, a 3-Series BMW requires pricey maintenance once the manufacturer or certified pre-owned warranty has expired. A used BMW 3-Series typically costs $1,000 to $1,700 per year in maintenance and repairs.
A BMW 328i oil change can cost between $149 and $174, according to RepairPal. Nevertheless, depending on your area and BMW model, you can pay more than that.
What is the BMW i3’s charging speed?
The BMW i3 can accept up to 50 kW of power, and BMW believes that using a 50 kW or higher DC fast charger will reduce the recharge time to 40 minutes.
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.
What electric BMW model is the least expensive?
How much do electrified BMW cars cost? The i3, which has been on sale for almost a decade, is by far the least expensive used BMW electric vehicle.
How long does the battery in a BMW i3 last?
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 time does it take a BMW i3 to charge at home?
At home, a 3-pin plug can take 11–12 hours to charge. It may take 4 hours to charge a Wallbox Plus. Depending on the type of connection, DC charging at gas stations might take anywhere from 15 minutes to 2 hours.
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