BMW i3 Review

No longer available new

Electrifying.com score

8/10

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BMW's first electric car, the quirky i3, has been around since 2013. You can no longer buy one new, but even now it feels like a car from the future.

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  • Battery size: 42kWh
  • Miles per kWh: 4.12
  • E-Rating™: B

    Click here to find out more about our electric car Efficiency Rating.​

  • Max charge rate: 50 kW
  • Range: 173-182 miles
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  • Battery size: 42kWh
  • Miles per kWh: 4.12
  • E-Rating™: B

    Click here to find out more about our electric car Efficiency Rating.​

  • Max charge rate: 50 kW
  • Range: 173-182 miles
  • BMW i3 driving front
  • BWW i3 interior
  • BMW i3 parked rear left
  • BMW i3 screen
  • Electrifying.com E-Rating B

Ginny Says

“Still a massive favourite with me. I love its cool doors which make kids of all ages happy. And don't get me started on the beautiful interior packed with recycled materials or quirky styling - the i3 is everything a forward-looking car should be. It's a beauty that's ageing well and if you go for the i3S it's also surprisingly good to drive.”

Nicki Says

“The i3 was ahead of the curve in so many ways. Recycled interior panels, futuristic styling inside and out, thoughtful drivetrain and packaging - and it still stands out today. Originally there was a range-extended version, but nowadays it’s pure electric only. Still one of my favourite BEVs.”

Got questions? We've put together the most frequently-asked topics below. If there's something we haven't answered here or in the review then let us know on our contact page

BWW i3 interior

Is the BMW i3 fully electric? 

Yes, if you’re buying new it is a full-electric car. However, if you’re buying used you have the option of the i3 REX. This was a ‘range-extender’ which means that if the battery runs out of power, a tiny two-cylinder motorbike engine kicks in to generate more electricity to get you to your destination.

Is the BMW i3 a good car? 

It is a good car but before you buy one you have to remember a couple of things. It’s not that spacious inside with awkward rear doors, and with prices starting at around £35,000 the i3 is expensive – a Tesla Model 3 is roughly the same price, is more spacious inside and has a longer range. But there’s no denying the i3 has a desirable BMW badge on its nose, and despite launching way back in 2013, it still looks super futuristic.   

How many miles with a BMW i3 last?

BMW quotes an official range of 182 miles – that was amazing once but cars like the Peugeot e-208 can travel more than 200 miles and are a lot cheaper to buy. That said, with its lightweight body the i3 is economical and, on average, delivers close to that 182-mile quoted range.

How long do BMW i3 batteries last?

The i3 battery comes with a 8-year, 100,000 miles warranty which is par for the course for electric cars of this size. Beyond that there have been no horror stories of i3s losing all battery power – early 2013 cars are still around and command high prices on the used market.

Is the BMW i3 expensive to insure?

The i3 sits in insurance groups 28 to 29 – for comparison, the Peugeot e-208 sits in groups 26 to 28. You would think with higher costs of repairing damage to its carbon bodyshell it would be reflected in the insurance group ratings, but it’s not.

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