For nearly a decade, the BMW i3 was a beacon of innovation, demonstrating to the world that luxury and sustainability weren’t opposing forces within the automotive sector. However, as of July 2022, BMW has finally halted production of the i3, leaving fans, environmentalists, and industry observers wondering alike—was this the natural demise of a pioneering experiment, or is it clearing the way for something better?
In this article, we dissect the why of BMW i3 cancellation, what does it portend for the EV industry, and what does BMW’s future have in store with regards to electrification.
The Birth of the BMW i3: A Pioneer Before Its Time
When BMW introduced the i3 in 2013, it wasn’t just another EV. It was a statement. The Bavarian automaker, renowned for performance sedans and SUVs, had the temerity to reimagine urban mobility. The i3 was revolutionary—lightweight, constructed of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP), and offered with a revolutionary range-extender gasoline engine. Most carmakers at the time were still struggling to get serious about EVs, but BMW jumped in with both feet.
The i3’s design was futuristic yet functional, with sustainability considered at every turn. Its recycled materials, regenerative braking system, and innovative cabin layout made it a legend in urban EV circles. It was a premium product even though it was small, and it appealed to environmentally conscious drivers who refused to compromise on luxury.
Why did BMW i3 discontinuation happen?
There were a number of reasons why BMW stopped producing the i3. Following is an in-depth discussion of the reasons why this game-changing model was discontinued:
1. Shifting Consumer Preferences
The global EV market is far more mature now than when the i3 debuted. Early adopters loved the i3’s quirks, but once mainstream consumers entered the EV sphere, they started looking for cars that were closer to traditional automobiles. For many, the i3’s compact size and limited range (153 miles in later models) felt restrictive compared to newer, more powerful electric cars.
2. Advances in Battery Technology
The BMW i3 was an battery technology trailblazer, but in the years since, competitors caught up—and passed it. As newer electric vehicles like the Tesla Model 3, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered over 250 miles of range, the i3’s range limitations became more glaring. BMW recognized that its second generation of EVs needed to offer better range, faster charging, and more competitive pricing.
3. BMW’s Pivot to a More Scalable EV Strategy
BMW is no stranger to transformation. Rather than investing in a niche product like the i3, the company chose to allocate resources to a more comprehensive, more mainstream EV lineup. The i4, iX3, and iX are now BMW’s flagship electric vehicles, with greater range, improved performance, and more traditional design appeal.
4. Regulatory and Production Issues
The i3 was built in Leipzig, Germany, at a state-of-the-art factory specially designed for light-weight electric vehicles. However, ongoing this special production for a single, relatively low-volume model was no longer financially viable. BMW needed to transition to a more flexible EV production approach, one that could be integrated into its existing vehicle platforms.
The i3’s Legacy: What It Leaves Behind
The BMW i3 is gone, but its impact on the automotive world still resonates. Here’s what it leaves behind:
1. A Design Language That Inspired the Industry
From its suicide doors to its spartan, high-tech interior, everything about the i3’s design was groundbreaking. Nowadays, it’s not unusual for automakers to use sustainable materials and futuristic interiors in their EVs—a trend the i3 helped popularize.
2. Proof That Sustainability and Performance Can Coexist
Before the i3, sustainability in cars typically meant compromise. The i3 proved that an EV could be light, fun to drive, and luxurious all at once.
3. A Stepping Stone for BMW’s Next-Gen EVs
BMW may have killed the i3, but its DNA still lives on in vehicles like the BMW i4 and BMW iX, which benefit from lessons learned during the i3’s lifespan.
What’s Next for BMW’s EV Strategy?
BMW i3 discontinuation is not a curtain call but a beginning. Here’s what comes next for BMW’s electrified future:
1. The Neue Klasse Platform
BMW is working on a completely new platform, called Neue Klasse, set to launch in 2025. It will form the backbone of BMW’s next-generation EVs, with more range, increased efficiency, and a game-changing new approach to EV architecture.
2. Expansion of the i-Series
BMW’s latest electric lineup already includes the i4, iX3, and iX, but more models are on the way. Expect electric versions of the BMW 3 Series, 5 Series, and even M-performance EVs soon.
3. Focus on Sustainability Outside of the Cars Themselves
BMW is not just making electric cars; it’s rethinking sustainability across the entire supply chain. The company is aiming to achieve total carbon neutrality by 2050, so tomorrow’s BMW EVs will be not only emissions-free but also produced in the most possible sustainable manner.
Final Thoughts: Was the i3 Cancellation a Mistake?
BMW’s i3 discontinuation might appear as the end of an era, yet it is far from a misstep. The i3 was a pioneer, paving the way for more advanced, more competitive electric vehicles. While some enthusiasts will undoubtedly miss its quirky charm, BMW’s broader EV strategy ensures that the lessons learned with the i3 experiment will find their way into future vehicles.
As the market is moving towards full electrification, BMW is pivoting to high-performance, scalable electric vehicles that will compete on range, price, and style. The cancellation of the BMW i3 is a change in strategic direction more than it’s a defeat, and it sets BMW up to own the EV space going forward.
Is it over? Not by a long shot. The BMW i3 discontinuation was only the beginning of something much bigger—and the best is still to come.
What do you think about the BMW i3 discontinuation? Was it the right move, or will BMW regret this decision? Let us know in the comments section below!