2021 BMW i3

History/Overview

The small city car with its one-of-a-kind design is no longer in its youth. Indeed, the Bavarian manufacturer introduced the i3 in 2014, the city car that represented the brand's very first electric offensive, as the sporty i8 relied on a plug-in hybrid configuration instead. While it's clear that BMW is preparing for a more extensive electrification of its fleet within a year or two, the i3 remains the only car powered exclusively by electrons, at least until the arrival of the BMW iX, the group's first electric utility vehicle.

Available Versions

For the 2021 model year, the i3 lineup is still available in two main trims, base and S, the latter focusing on a slightly sharper driving experience. And, as in 2020, it's still possible to order the famous "Range Extender," that small 38-horsepower two-cylinder engine that supports the battery when it approaches 6% remaining energy. Result: with this auxiliary engine, you can drive longer before the next electricity refill.

In base trim, the electric motor with 170 horsepower (and 184 lb-ft of torque) handles delivering this power to the rear drive wheels via a single-speed transmission. In the i3s, power climbs to 184 horsepower and 199 lb-ft, which allows for slightly more convincing acceleration. It's also worth mentioning that the i3s is better equipped to follow a winding route thanks in particular to its wider tires.

Standard Features

The BMW i3 is a curious city car with its rear suicide-type doors and its dashboard stripped down to the essentials. The multifunction steering wheel with dynamic cruise control is of course part of the recipe, as is the charging cable, pedestrian alert, automatic climate control, LED projector headlights, satellite radio, BMW teleservices, and 19-inch diameter wheels.

Despite its size, the i3 can be equipped with several options, including the Sport package, the driver assistance package, the Premium package and the enhanced Premium package. Among the individual options, there's a panoramic roof, wireless Internet connection, wireless charging for smart devices, parking assistance and several exclusive colours for the interior.

Fuel Economy

Even though BMW announces a theoretical range of 246 km, a quick look at the Canadian EnerGuide reveals that the distance between charges is actually 203 km, while it's possible to travel an additional 116 km thanks to the auxiliary engine. Fuel consumption in Le/100 km is 2.4, while the gasoline engine consumes 7.8 L/100 km in the city and 7.5 L/100 km on the highway.

Competition

The BMW i3, despite its premium price, competes with the Nissan Leaf, the Tesla Model3, the Chevrolet Bolt, the Hyundai Ioniq, the Hyundai Kona Electric, the Kia Soul EV and the Kia Niro EV.