BMW i3

BMW’s designers clearly opened their corporate history books to 1960 when they penned the i3. It is clearly inspired by the first of BMW’s redesigned postwar sedans that attracted American buyers, saved the company from oblivion, and reestablished the brand as a luxury performance automaker.

BMW says it’s a “2.5-box” design, meaning it’s made up of a hood, passenger compartment, and a short trunk, all of which have squared-off edges. The grill integrates various sensors, and the top of the hood has a slight angle reminiscent of the “shark nose” BMW look that was used through the mid-1980s. We think the wide rear taillights are reminiscent of the controversial 2003 BMW 745, although they also look a bit like the 2 Series Gran Coupe. Unfortunately, the i3 has flush, motorized door handles that will only become usable when the car senses a digital key nearby.

The NACS charging port sits at the right rear of the vehicle. BMW says you’ll be able to access the port by pressing on the flap, but that drivers can also rely on an AI-powered “intelligent charging flap” that can sense if you’re near a charging station and open and close automatically. (We think a manual charge door is just fine, thank you, and are glad there’s a human-powered backup.)

An optional lighting package, called Iconic Glow, illuminates the exterior and interior with customizable animations that span the dash.

As with the iX3, the i3’s dashboard is defined by a 17.9-inch rhombus-shaped central infotainment touchscreen called Free-Cut Design Central Display. It is canted slightly toward the driver, and it allows for customized menus and widgets based on the driver’s preferences, just like your phone’s home screen. Users can also customize sounds and lights, including interior lighting.

Behind the central display is a long, horizontal display for BMW’s new Panoramic Vision iDrive system. It’s also a throwback to the wide, thin dashboards of older BMWs, and it isn’t a screen. Rather, it’s a single black printed surface onto which customizable information is projected. It sits closer than where a head-up display would typically appear, although BMW also offers an optional 3D head-up display that can augment navigation with moving arrows and relevant data.

There are buttons and switches for the gear selector, front and rear defrosters, hazard warning lights, parking brake, windows, exterior mirrors, and stereo volume. Basic functions like windshield wipers and turn signals are still on regular stalks. Unfortunately, climate controls are touchscreen-based. The steering wheel-based controls are touch-sensitive with haptic feedback. BMW says that only relevant controls will be backlit, depending on what mode the i3 is in.

A built-in voice assistant, called Intelligent Personal Assistant, now has Amazon’s Alexa+ technology. BMW says it allows for natural voice commands. Drivers can also use a digital key.

There’s storage in the center console between the driver and passenger seats with wireless phone charging. Buyers can choose from unique leather options, including one that BMW calls Agave Green. BMW M Sport seats and an M Sport steering wheel are also available.

The BMW i3 launches in 50 xDrive trim, which comes equipped with electric motors on the front and rear axles that provide a total system output of 463 horsepower and 476 lb.-ft. of torque, and standard all-wheel drive.

Although BMW hasn’t shared many details, the automaker says a new cylindrical-cell battery, 800-volt architecture, and highly efficient motors enable a truly impressive 440-mile range and extremely fast charging. Its 400 kW DC charging rate is impressive, and one of the highest we’ve seen. But finding a public charger that is fast enough to take advantage of that rate may be challenging, so drivers may not be able to charge as quickly.

The battery’s location provides a low center of gravity that improves handling. An Adaptive M suspension is optional.

Like other Neue Klasse models, the i3 features four high-performance computers, each of which is assigned to a different function. One controls automation and parking, one controls infotainment, and a third controls vehicle access and climate. The fourth computer, which manages drive, braking, and some steering functions, is called the Heart of Joy, and the automaker says its quick calculations and response times can make for more responsive cornering. Although the regenerative brakes in many EVs can feel spongy or nonlinear, BMW says the i3’s are smooth.

Like many modern vehicles, the i3 has a built-in cellular connection and is capable of over-the-air software updates.

The i3 comes standard with adaptive cruise control (ACC) and lane centering assistance (LCA) features. Additional driver and parking assistance functions can be downloaded from the BMW ConnectedDrive Store, although we do not yet know how much they will cost.

An optional driver assistance system is what Consumer Reports and others call “collaborative.” When enabled, it will help maintain the car within lane lines or keep a set speed or distance, but it will not disconnect if the driver adjusts the steering wheel or speed. BMW says the Panoramic View iDrive system will clearly display which driving assistance features are activated.