2020 BMW i3

History/Overview

The i3 was BMW's first attempt to attract electric vehicle enthusiasts. It's a compact hatchback with a rear-mounted powertrain that can be equipped with a range-extending gasoline engine. There are no changes for the i3 in 2020, following an update last year that included a larger battery and better range in electric mode.

Available Trims

BMW sells the i3 in base version and S version, the latter distinguished by its additional power and higher performance. In both cases, you're dealing with a rear-wheel drive model with a single-speed transmission. In the base version, you get 170 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque while the S version offers 184 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque.

Standard Features

Standard equipment on the BMW i3 includes auto-dimming exterior mirrors, heated front seats, automatic on/off headlights, rain-sensing wipers, automatic climate control system, dynamic cruise control, LED headlights, satellite radio and the BMW ConnectedDrive system with remote services.

New features on the i3s version are velour floor mats, heated front seats, auxiliary cabin heating, navigation on a 6.5-inch screen and Apple CarPlay.

Key Options

BMW offers the base i3 with a few option packages. First, a premium package including auxiliary cabin heating, heated front seats, navigation system, Apple CarPlay and velour floor mats that already come standard on the S version. There's also the Premium package that adds to the premium package a passive keyless entry system, a 10.25-inch infotainment screen and front and rear parking sensors.

The premium package for the i3s includes a passive keyless entry system and an upgraded stereo system. The driver assistance package includes automatic high beams, cornering lights, forward collision warning with automatic city-speed braking, active cruise control with stop and start, traffic sign recognition, traffic jam assistance and a route assistant to help find the route promising the most efficient performance.

Fuel Economy

BMW estimates the i3's electric energy consumption at 2.4 Le/100 km. Using the optional range extender results in less efficient driving, with consumption ratings of 7.8/7.5 L/100 km (city/highway).

Competition

Automakers continue to experiment to find which vehicle segments have buyers most open to EVs, so the i3's competition is all over the map. Its most direct competitor, believe it or not, is the Chevrolet Bolt, although that car offers more generous range.

You can also compare the i3 with the sportier Tesla Model 3.

If you're looking for an electric vehicle from a European luxury brand, the best options are the Audi e-tron, Jaguar's I-Pace and the Mercedes-Benz EQC.