If you’re searching for an electric car that blends sustainability with premium driving, then the BMW i3 is a name you cannot ignore. Debuting as BMW’s first foray into the electrification battle, the i3 has been making waves with its state-of-the-art design, state-of-the-art materials, and hallmark driving dynamics. But is it living up to the expectation of a genuine luxury EV? Let’s review this BMW i3 review and see if it’s worth your hard-earned money.
First Impressions: A Bold Departure from the Norm
BMW is accustomed to producing some of the finest, most thrilling and most indulgent cars in the world. The i3 departs from BMW design tradition, however, with a styling that is vastly different. The boxy, compact shape is intended to maximize space and improve aerodynamics. Those suicide doors add a whiff of sophistication, however, and the elevated ride height provides a commanding road presence.
The carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) design means that the i3 is light but incredibly durable—a quality even among luxury EVs. BMW has really gone the extreme design route with the i3, going for efficiency without sacrificing quality.
Performance: More Than Just a City Car
One of the common myths about EVs—especially small ones—is that they lack the performance. The BMW i3 dispels that myth with its instant torque delivery that makes it a total driving pleasure. Though the 0-60 mph pace of around 7.3 seconds is not going to beat any Teslas, it’s more than adequate for city driving and even some enthusiastic acceleration.
The electric motor puts out 168 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque, pretty impressive for a car of this size. The rear-wheel drive ensures the familiar BMW ride, with agile handling and surprisingly swift behavior. If you opt for the BMW i3s, you get a little more motor power, 181 horsepower, as well as sportier suspension calibration, making it even more fun to drive.
Range and Charging: Practicality?
One of, if not the most, vital aspects of any EV is arguably the range. The BMW i3 boasts a 42.2 kWh battery pack, giving an official 153 miles (246 km) range. On real-world driving, you will likely get somewhere between 120-140 miles, depending on weather and style of driving.
It is easy to charge, with fast charging to charge 80% in about 40 minutes using a DC fast charger. Home charging will be about 6 hours for a full battery using a standard wallbox.
For the range hesitant, BMW has an offer in the form of a Range Extender (REx) version, which sports a 647cc two-cylinder petrol unit that serves as a generator to provide overall range of around 200 miles. But with limited infrastructure for range-extender vehicles and increasing battery sizes in latest EVs, this version is being phased out slowly.
Interior: Luxury Meets Sustainability
Step inside the BMW i3, and you’re greeted by an environment that is eco-conscious yet premium. The use of sustainable materials like recycled plastics, eucalyptus wood, and naturally tanned leather reflects BMW’s commitment to the environment without sacrificing luxury.
The dashboard appearance of floating, paired with the minimalist digital instrument cluster, brings an airy, space-age feel to the cabin. The seats are thin but well-padded, and because of the vertical setup, there is ample headroom and legroom for front passengers. The rear is a bit claustrophobic, and the absence of a traditional B-pillar (with the suicide doors) makes it a chore to enter and exit in parking spaces that aren’t quite as spacious.
The infotainment system is classically BMW—responsive, intuitive, and feature-rich. The 10.25-inch display operates on BMW’s iDrive system, which provides smooth navigation, smartphone connectivity, and real-time traffic information.
Driving Experience: Quiet, Smooth, and Engaging
Unlike most EVs, which seem to be driving in a bubble, the BMW i3 never feels disconnected from the road. The steering is sharp, and for a car as tall as it is, body roll is tightly controlled. One-pedal driving, enabled by the regenerative braking system, lets you slow down simply by releasing the accelerator pedal—something that requires a little adjustment but soon becomes second nature.
The interior is subdued quiet, which is a pleasant experience when driving in the city. On the highway, though, the lack of the standard soundproofing (due to weight considerations) makes the road sounds more noticeable than in the standard BMW models.
Practicality: BMW i3 review
Though the BMW i3 excels in everything else, it does lag behind in two respects where practicality is concerned. The boot space is only 260 liters, which is quite low compared to other segment EVs. In all fairness, the rear seats do fold for added cargo space when needed, though.
Seating is best suited for two couples or close families as the back seats are comfortable but not the most spacious legroom-wise for tall riders. If you constantly carry four grown-ups, you will find it cramped.
Cost of Ownership: BMW i3 review
The BMW i3 is sold as a luxury EV, and that is reflected in its cost. New vehicles start around $45,000, and used ones can be bought for as low as $15,000, depending on model year and mileage.
Operating costs, however, are minimal. Gas costs much less than driving a gasoline car, and maintenance is cheaper with fewer moving parts. BMW has also created appealing leasing options making it possible for individuals to own one.
Pros and Cons – BMW i3 review
Pros:
✔️ Futuristic-looking exterior with green-friendly materials✔️ Efficiently fun-to-drive and quick electric motor✔️ Light carbon-fiber construction✔️ Quick charging and range-extend feature✔️ Well-constructed interior with high-end finishes
Cons
❌ Small range in comparison to newer EVs❌ Minuscule boot space❌ Too expensive for its size❌ Tightly packed rear passenger area
Final Verdict: BMW i3 review – Worth Buying?
If you’re looking for an EV that breaks the mold, offers a premium feel, and drives like a true BMW, then the i3 is a fantastic option. It’s ideal for urban dwellers and eco-conscious drivers who want a stylish and sustainable way to get around.
But if range is your number one priority, newer models like the Tesla Model 3 or Hyundai Ioniq 5 might offer more bang for your buck. That being said, the BMW i3 remains a solid and unique choice in the growing EV market.
Would you make the BMW i3 your next EV? Let us know in the comments!