BMW i3

Current Model

BMW's electric four-seat hatchback has rear-hinged back doors, and its interior is striking in its simplicity and style. The electric motor makes this tall, narrow car feel quick.

The optional two-cylinder engine acts as an on-board generator to extend the range beyond the typical 150 miles to about 200 miles total. Still, the i3 requires frequent fuel stops on long drives. Charge times were about 5.5 hours with a 240-volt connection. The i3 is very energy-efficient when running on electric power but not so fuel-efficient when using the gas engine. It's more at home in urban and suburban settings than on the highway. Despite its tall stance, the i3 is very agile and easy to maneuver, but the ride is quite firm. The sudden deceleration when lifting off the accelerator pedal takes some getting used to.

GREEN CHOICE

2021 BMW i3

Road Test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

See all 2021 BMW i3 Ratings & Reliability

2014-2020

2014 Redesign Year

BMW's i3 is built from the ground up, not a conversion. It is a rear-wheel-drive, four-seat hatchback with a pair of rear-hinged back doors.

The electric drive produces the equivalent of 170 hp. An optional two-cylinder engine acts as a generator to extend the range beyond the 72 miles, to about 150 total. Charge times are 4.5 hours on 240-volt circuit, through the 7.4-kW onboard charger. The car uses an aluminum frame and carbon fiber structure to reduce weight. Despite its tall stance the car is very agile. It feels quick and easy to maneuver. The pronounced deceleration when lifting off the gas pedal takes some getting used to. 2017 brought a larger 94 amp-hour battery (up from 60 amp-hour) and models with the range extender engine got a slightly bigger fuel tank, now up to 2.4 gallons. In 2019, the battery grew again, as did the range--which is now up to 153 miles. Despite its tall stance the car is very agile. It feels quick and easy to maneuver, but the ride is rather stiff.

GREEN CHOICE

2020 BMW i3