Used 2021 BMW i3

The BMW i3 isn’t as appealingly futuristic as it once was, and in today’s rapidly evolving world of EVs, it has fallen behind. For proof, look no further than its 153-mile range, which pales in comparison to that of other newer electric vehicles.

That stated, the BMW i3 is still a technically fascinating automobile, thanks to an aluminum lower chassis that houses the floorboard battery and rear-mounted motor while providing anchor points for the front and rear suspension. The hatchback upper chassis structure (what BMW calls a “life module”) is made of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) to protect i3 occupants while remaining lightweight. BMW says the structure is as strong as steel but half the weight.

While the idea of a small optional onboard gasoline generator being used to extend the range makes a lot of sense, the maximum range of the range-extended BMW i3 still comes up short when compared to most other EVs. While these aren’t exact competitors, rivals for the BMW i3 include the Chevrolet Bolt, Kia Niro EV, and perhaps even the Hyundai Kona Electric and Tesla Model 3.

BMW is in the middle of a big electric vehicle push but says improved battery technologies have made the advanced lightweight composite chassis of the i3 and sporty i8 unnecessary. What does this mean? Future BMW EVs will be much more conventional and perhaps a bit less technologically interesting.

As with most EVs, driving the i3 is easy. Once you’ve turned it on, simply press the accelerator pedal (it’s not a gas pedal) and go. Good power is immediately and quietly available. There are no gear changes because the i3 has a single-speed transmission.

The ride quality is supple. When it comes time to slow the i3, easing off the accelerator pedal instigates regenerative braking, which captures energy and uses it to charge the battery. If you need more stopping power, the conventional brake pedal does the trick, while also contributing to the regen.

Driving with one pedal takes a bit of getting used to, but it soon becomes second nature in the cut and thrust world of city driving. For the record, the BMW i3’s brake lights do illuminate if the driver quickly lifts off the accelerator pedal.

With its rear-wheel-drive architecture and low center of gravity, BMW’s i3 has a sporty nature. But keep in mind that the front tires are only 155-width, the narrowest you’ll find on a production car in the U.S.

The overall design of the i3’s dash is clean and minimal, with tablet-like displays lending a high-tech feel. Moreover, outward vision in the 4-seat BMW i3 is excellent, aided by a relatively high seating position. This helps the electric i3 excel as a city runabout, one with short overhangs that make it especially easy to park.

What’s more, the front and back seats are roomier than you might expect for such a compact vehicle, and the rears split 50/50 and fold for enhanced cargo-carrying utility. There’s 15.1 cubic feet of luggage space behind the rear seat, which expands to a generous 36.9 cubic feet when they’re folded.

Hard to believe, but the BMW i3 is shorter than a Honda Fit. Even so, we like the unique look of this electric BMW hatchback, particularly its upright nature and how the wheels are pushed out to the corners for added stability. It’s this compact size that makes the i3 so easy to park in the city, and narrow wheels and tires do their part to minimize rolling resistance.

We’re not big fans of the rear-hinged rear doors. While the lack of a central pillar makes for a huge aperture when both sets of doors are opened, the i3’s rear doors can’t be opened until the fronts have been opened. That’s inconvenient. Similarly, the rear doors must be shut before the fronts. Also inconvenient.

RANGE-EXTENDER
This optional onboard 2-cylinder gasoline engine recharges the i3’s battery pack when needed. It helps reduce anxiety by providing an extra 47 miles of range, which can be the difference between going to a destination. Or not.

ACTIVE DRIVING ASSISTANT
Part of the Technology and Driving Assistant Package, Active Cruise Control (ACC) keeps the i3 a safe distance from the vehicle ahead at speeds above 19 mph. It functions in stop-and-go traffic, and it will bring the i3 to a full stop if necessary.

The base 2021 BMW i3 is called the Deka World. Standard equipment on this model (which has what BMW calls “balanced aesthetics”) includes 19-inch wheels and a DC fast-charging connector, plus a navigation system, Apple CarPlay, Park Distance Control, and heated front seats. The Deka World i3s equipped similarly, but comes with 20-inch wheels and the more powerful electric motor.

Other BMW i3 and i3s trim levels include the Mega World (with “natural” interior accents), Giga World (sustainable accents), and Tera World (refined materials like leather and oak).

The primary option on the BMW i3 and BMW i3s is the range-extending gasoline engine. It adds $3,850 to the price and bumps the range of the 2021 BMW i3 from 153 miles to 200.

The Technology and Driving Assistant package, still $2,350, also is a wise purchase. It includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control with a stop/go function, and active LED headlights that swing their beams into corners.

Notable extras include a power moonroof ($1,000), Wi-Fi and wireless smartphone charging ($500), and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

A 42.24-kWh lithium-ion battery is at the heart of the BMW i3, which has a maximum range of 153 miles. An electric motor, which develops 168 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, drives the rear wheels through a single-speed transmission. BMW says the i3 hits 60 mph in 7.2 seconds and has a top speed of 93 mph.

The sportier BMW i3s has the same battery but a more muscular motor generating 181 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque. Range remains 153 miles. The BMW i3s hits 60 mph in 6.9 seconds and has a top speed of 99 mph.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the BMW i3 and i3s are both rated at 124 MPGe in the city/102 MPGe on the highway/113 MPGe combined.

When equipped with the gasoline-powered 647-cc 2-cylinder range extender, the i3 and i3s both have a range of 200 miles. The gasoline tank is 2.4 gallons.

Interestingly, an i3 with an onboard range-extender not in use is rated by the EPA at 100 MPGe combined, a bit less than the standard i3, perhaps because it’s heavier. With the onboard range-extender running (premium gas only), the i3 has an EPA combined rating of 31 mpg.

Using a 240-volt charger, the BMW i3 battery can be fully recharged in about five hours. With a standard 110-volt home current, recharging an i3 can take up to 20 hours.

Hybrid-synchronous electric motor (i3)
42-kWh lithium-ion battery
168 horsepower
184 lb-ft of torque
EPA city/highway/combined fuel economy: 124 MPGe/102 MPGe/113 MPGe
Range with full charge: 153 miles
Range with full charge + range extender: 200 miles

Hybrid-synchronous electric motor (i3s)
42-kWh lithium-ion battery
181 horsepower
199 lb-ft of torque
EPA city/highway/combined fuel economy: 124 MPGe/102 MPGe/113 MPGe
Range with full charge: 153 miles
Range with full charge + range extender: 200 miles