The all-electric i3 looks like no other BMW, with a very futuristic design. Although it looks like a three-door hatchback, the i3 has rear side doors that are hinged from the back. The interior design is similarly bold, with a minimalist look and some unusual, appealing materials including sustainably sourced wood panels and seat fabric made partly from recycled plastic bottles.
The i3 is a very enjoyable and easy car to drive – faster and quieter than most cars of its size, and undemanding thanks to its automatic gearbox and great view out. It’s brilliant for nipping around town and very easy to park – all models have parking sensors – yet it feels sturdy on the motorway, too.
Every i3 is powered by an electric motor and the i3s version is quicker thanks to a more powerful motor. Some earlier REx (range extender) models also have a small petrol engine that doesn’t drive the wheels but acts as a generator to charge the battery when you’re on the move.
The i3 is a compact five-door, four-seat hatchback that’s about the same size as the Renault Clio or Volkswagen Polo. It’s tall shape helps to give you lots of headroom and legroom in the front seats and there’s enough room for two adults in the back. The rear-hinged doors and absence of a central pillar can make it easier to get children in and out than with conventional doors. The boot’s on the small side, but it has space for a week’s worth of food shopping and the back seats fold down if you need more room. The interior has a very modern, premium feel and the infotainment system is stylish and easy to use.
According to official figures, the pure electric version of the i3 has a range of up to 186 miles, depending on the model. The REx model can manage 206 miles before the batteries need plugging in to recharge, or the fuel tank refilling. Both versions should only need recharging once a week or so if you mostly drive in town. The batteries will recharge from a domestic ‘wallbox’ EV charger overnight. Safety experts Euro NCAP awarded the i3 a full five-star rating. Road tax is free and insurance is inexpensive.
Other small electric cars include the Honda e and Renault Zoe. They offer similar space and range to the i3 but can’t match its premium image and futuristic feel.
The i3 is an electric car that’s great fun to drive, cost-effective to own and has an interior that’s practical and stylish with a premium, high-tech feel.
Electric cars have fewer moving parts than petrol or diesel models, so there’s less to potentially go wrong. Owners of the i3 have reported few problems and the battery comes with an eight-year warranty.
As with all electric cars, day-to-day running costs for the i3 are very low. You can expect to pay about £5 for a full charge from home, while road tax is free and insurance and maintenance costs are low.
The i3 may be small but it has enough space to be used as a family car. The rear-hinged back doors make access easy, and the boot is large enough for two medium suitcases.
The BMW i3 can’t match some newer rivals for battery range, but other small electric cars can’t match its futuristic styling, upmarket interior or high-tech feel.
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