BMW i3 — Specs, Trims, Prices & Owner Reviews
The BMW i3 was the brand's first purpose-built electric car and the first product of its i sub-brand, sold in the U.S. from the 2014 through 2021 model years. It is built around a carbon-fibre-reinforced-plastic passenger cell bonded to an aluminium chassis, a construction BMW called LifeDrive, which kept kerb weight near 2,900 lb despite the battery. Rear-hinged coach doors, a flat floor and a tall, narrow body give it far more cabin space than its 158-inch length suggests.
Model years 2015–2021 · Independent buyer data
Fuel economy: 113 MPGe combined (124/102)
BMW i3: General Information
The BMW i3 was the brand's first purpose-built electric car and the first product of its i sub-brand, sold in the U.S. from the 2014 through 2021 model years. It is built around a carbon-fibre-reinforced-plastic passenger cell bonded to an aluminium chassis, a construction BMW called LifeDrive, which kept kerb weight near 2,900 lb despite the battery. Rear-hinged coach doors, a flat floor and a tall, narrow body give it far more cabin space than its 158-inch length suggests.
The i3 is rear-wheel drive with a single motor over the rear axle and a one-speed reduction gear. U.S. cars launched with a 22 kWh battery good for 81 miles, moved to a 33 kWh pack (94 Ah) in 2017 for 114 miles, and finished with a 42 kWh pack (120 Ah) from 2019 that returned 153 miles. Most versions were also offered with a Range Extender — a 0.6-liter two-cylinder motorcycle engine and a 2.4-gallon tank that acts purely as a generator. A sportier i3s with wider tracks, 20-inch wheels and about 14 extra horsepower joined for 2018.
Across its U.S. life the i3 spans 168 to 184 horsepower, EPA ratings of 100 to 124 MPGe, and prices from about $42,000 to $51,500. It seats four and carries 15.1 cu ft of luggage. BMW ended production in July 2022 after roughly a quarter of a million cars.
BMW i3 by model year
2015 BMW i3
2015 BMW i3 i3
The 2015 BMW i3 is a rear-wheel-drive electric hatchback built around a carbon-fibre passenger cell, rated at 170 hp. An early model year of the 22 kWh i3, rated at 81 miles of electric range. It reaches 60 mph in about 7.2 seconds and started at $42,400 before destination.
2015 BMW i3 with Range Extender
The 2015 BMW i3 with Range Extender is a rear-wheel-drive electric hatchback built around a carbon-fibre passenger cell, rated at 170 hp and carrying a 0.6-liter two-cylinder Range Extender that recharges the battery on the move. An early model year of the 22 kWh i3, rated at 81 miles of electric range. It reaches 60 mph in about 8.0 seconds and started at $46,250 before destination.
2016 BMW i3
2016 BMW i3 i3
The 2016 BMW i3 is a rear-wheel-drive electric hatchback built around a carbon-fibre passenger cell, rated at 170 hp. The final year of the 22 kWh battery before BMW introduced the 33 kWh pack. It reaches 60 mph in about 7.2 seconds and started at $42,400 before destination.
2016 BMW i3 with Range Extender
The 2016 BMW i3 with Range Extender is a rear-wheel-drive electric hatchback built around a carbon-fibre passenger cell, rated at 170 hp and carrying a 0.6-liter two-cylinder Range Extender that recharges the battery on the move. The final year of the 22 kWh battery before BMW introduced the 33 kWh pack. It reaches 60 mph in about 8.0 seconds and started at $46,250 before destination.
2017 BMW i3
2017 BMW i3 60 Ah
The 2017 BMW i3 60 Ah is a rear-wheel-drive electric hatchback built around a carbon-fibre passenger cell, rated at 170 hp. For 2017 BMW added a 33 kWh (94 Ah) battery that lifted range to 114 miles, while the 60 Ah car stayed on briefly. It reaches 60 mph in about 7.0 seconds and started at $42,400 before destination.
2017 BMW i3 94 Ah
The 2017 BMW i3 94 Ah is a rear-wheel-drive electric hatchback built around a carbon-fibre passenger cell, rated at 170 hp. For 2017 BMW added a 33 kWh (94 Ah) battery that lifted range to 114 miles, while the 60 Ah car stayed on briefly. It reaches 60 mph in about 7.2 seconds and started at $44,450 before destination.
2017 BMW i3 94 Ah with Range Extender
The 2017 BMW i3 94 Ah with Range Extender is a rear-wheel-drive electric hatchback built around a carbon-fibre passenger cell, rated at 170 hp and carrying a 0.6-liter two-cylinder Range Extender that recharges the battery on the move. For 2017 BMW added a 33 kWh (94 Ah) battery that lifted range to 114 miles, while the 60 Ah car stayed on briefly. It reaches 60 mph in about 8.0 seconds and started at $48,300 before destination.
2018 BMW i3
2018 BMW i3 i3
The 2018 BMW i3 is a rear-wheel-drive electric hatchback built around a carbon-fibre passenger cell, rated at 170 hp. For 2018 BMW added the sportier i3s with wider tracks, 20-inch wheels and extra power. It reaches 60 mph in about 7.2 seconds and started at $44,450 before destination.
2018 BMW i3 with Range Extender
The 2018 BMW i3 with Range Extender is a rear-wheel-drive electric hatchback built around a carbon-fibre passenger cell, rated at 170 hp and carrying a 0.6-liter two-cylinder Range Extender that recharges the battery on the move. For 2018 BMW added the sportier i3s with wider tracks, 20-inch wheels and extra power. It reaches 60 mph in about 8.0 seconds and started at $48,300 before destination.
2018 BMW i3 i3s
The 2018 BMW i3s is a rear-wheel-drive electric hatchback built around a carbon-fibre passenger cell, rated at 184 hp. For 2018 BMW added the sportier i3s with wider tracks, 20-inch wheels and extra power. It reaches 60 mph in about 6.8 seconds and started at $47,650 before destination.
2018 BMW i3 i3s with Range Extender
The 2018 BMW i3s with Range Extender is a rear-wheel-drive electric hatchback built around a carbon-fibre passenger cell, rated at 184 hp and carrying a 0.6-liter two-cylinder Range Extender that recharges the battery on the move. For 2018 BMW added the sportier i3s with wider tracks, 20-inch wheels and extra power. It reaches 60 mph in about 7.6 seconds and started at $51,500 before destination.
2019 BMW i3
2019 BMW i3 i3
The 2019 BMW i3 is a rear-wheel-drive electric hatchback built around a carbon-fibre passenger cell, rated at 170 hp. For 2019 a 42 kWh (120 Ah) battery lifted electric range to 153 miles. It reaches 60 mph in about 7.2 seconds and started at $44,450 before destination.
2019 BMW i3 with Range Extender
The 2019 BMW i3 with Range Extender is a rear-wheel-drive electric hatchback built around a carbon-fibre passenger cell, rated at 170 hp and carrying a 0.6-liter two-cylinder Range Extender that recharges the battery on the move. For 2019 a 42 kWh (120 Ah) battery lifted electric range to 153 miles. It reaches 60 mph in about 8.0 seconds and started at $48,300 before destination.
2019 BMW i3 i3s
The 2019 BMW i3s is a rear-wheel-drive electric hatchback built around a carbon-fibre passenger cell, rated at 181 hp. For 2019 a 42 kWh (120 Ah) battery lifted electric range to 153 miles. It reaches 60 mph in about 6.8 seconds and started at $47,650 before destination.
2019 BMW i3 i3s with Range Extender
The 2019 BMW i3s with Range Extender is a rear-wheel-drive electric hatchback built around a carbon-fibre passenger cell, rated at 181 hp and carrying a 0.6-liter two-cylinder Range Extender that recharges the battery on the move. For 2019 a 42 kWh (120 Ah) battery lifted electric range to 153 miles. It reaches 60 mph in about 7.6 seconds and started at $51,500 before destination.
2020 BMW i3
2020 BMW i3 i3
The 2020 BMW i3 is a rear-wheel-drive electric hatchback built around a carbon-fibre passenger cell, rated at 168 hp. A carryover year on the 42 kWh battery. It reaches 60 mph in about 7.2 seconds and started at $44,450 before destination.
2020 BMW i3 with Range Extender
The 2020 BMW i3 with Range Extender is a rear-wheel-drive electric hatchback built around a carbon-fibre passenger cell, rated at 168 hp and carrying a 0.6-liter two-cylinder Range Extender that recharges the battery on the move. A carryover year on the 42 kWh battery. It reaches 60 mph in about 8.0 seconds and started at $48,300 before destination.
2020 BMW i3 i3s
The 2020 BMW i3s is a rear-wheel-drive electric hatchback built around a carbon-fibre passenger cell, rated at 181 hp. A carryover year on the 42 kWh battery. It reaches 60 mph in about 6.8 seconds and started at $47,650 before destination.
2020 BMW i3 i3s with Range Extender
The 2020 BMW i3s with Range Extender is a rear-wheel-drive electric hatchback built around a carbon-fibre passenger cell, rated at 181 hp and carrying a 0.6-liter two-cylinder Range Extender that recharges the battery on the move. A carryover year on the 42 kWh battery. It reaches 60 mph in about 7.6 seconds and started at $51,500 before destination.
2021 BMW i3
2021 BMW i3 i3
The 2021 BMW i3 is a rear-wheel-drive electric hatchback built around a carbon-fibre passenger cell, rated at 168 hp. It is the final U.S. model year for the i3; BMW ended production in July 2022. It reaches 60 mph in about 7.2 seconds and started at $44,450 before destination.
2021 BMW i3 with Range Extender
The 2021 BMW i3 with Range Extender is a rear-wheel-drive electric hatchback built around a carbon-fibre passenger cell, rated at 168 hp and carrying a 0.6-liter two-cylinder Range Extender that recharges the battery on the move. It is the final U.S. model year for the i3; BMW ended production in July 2022. It reaches 60 mph in about 8.0 seconds and started at $48,300 before destination.
2021 BMW i3 i3s
The 2021 BMW i3s is a rear-wheel-drive electric hatchback built around a carbon-fibre passenger cell, rated at 181 hp. It is the final U.S. model year for the i3; BMW ended production in July 2022. It reaches 60 mph in about 6.8 seconds and started at $47,650 before destination.
2021 BMW i3 i3s with Range Extender
The 2021 BMW i3s with Range Extender is a rear-wheel-drive electric hatchback built around a carbon-fibre passenger cell, rated at 181 hp and carrying a 0.6-liter two-cylinder Range Extender that recharges the battery on the move. It is the final U.S. model year for the i3; BMW ended production in July 2022. It reaches 60 mph in about 7.6 seconds and started at $51,500 before destination.
BMW i3 trim levels
| Trim | MSRP | Engine | Power | Drive | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| i3 | $42,400 | Electric motor | 170 hp | RWD | 124 MPGe |
| i3 with Range Extender | $46,250 | Electric motor with 0.6L 2-cylinder range extender | 170 hp | RWD | 117 MPGe |
| i3 | $42,400 | Electric motor | 170 hp | RWD | 124 MPGe |
| i3 with Range Extender | $46,250 | Electric motor with 0.6L 2-cylinder range extender | 170 hp | RWD | 117 MPGe |
| i3 60 Ah | $42,400 | Electric motor | 170 hp | RWD | 124 MPGe |
| i3 94 Ah | $44,450 | Electric motor | 170 hp | RWD | 118 MPGe |
| i3 94 Ah with Range Extender | $48,300 | Electric motor with 0.6L 2-cylinder range extender | 170 hp | RWD | 111 MPGe |
| i3 | $44,450 | Electric motor | 170 hp | RWD | 118 MPGe |
| i3 with Range Extender | $48,300 | Electric motor with 0.6L 2-cylinder range extender | 170 hp | RWD | 109 MPGe |
| i3s | $47,650 | Electric motor | 184 hp | RWD | 112 MPGe |
| i3s with Range Extender | $51,500 | Electric motor with 0.6L 2-cylinder range extender | 184 hp | RWD | 109 MPGe |
| i3 | $44,450 | Electric motor | 170 hp | RWD | 113 MPGe |
| i3 with Range Extender | $48,300 | Electric motor with 0.6L 2-cylinder range extender | 170 hp | RWD | 31 mpg |
| i3s | $47,650 | Electric motor | 181 hp | RWD | 113 MPGe |
| i3s with Range Extender | $51,500 | Electric motor with 0.6L 2-cylinder range extender | 181 hp | RWD | 31 mpg |
| i3 | $44,450 | Electric motor | 168 hp | RWD | 113 MPGe |
| i3 with Range Extender | $48,300 | Electric motor with 0.6L 2-cylinder range extender | 168 hp | RWD | 31 mpg |
| i3s | $47,650 | Electric motor | 181 hp | RWD | 113 MPGe |
| i3s with Range Extender | $51,500 | Electric motor with 0.6L 2-cylinder range extender | 181 hp | RWD | 31 mpg |
| i3 | $44,450 | Electric motor | 168 hp | RWD | 113 MPGe |
| i3 with Range Extender | $48,300 | Electric motor with 0.6L 2-cylinder range extender | 168 hp | RWD | 100 MPGe |
| i3s | $47,650 | Electric motor | 181 hp | RWD | 113 MPGe |
| i3s with Range Extender | $51,500 | Electric motor with 0.6L 2-cylinder range extender | 181 hp | RWD | 100 MPGe |
Specifications (2021)
| Engine | Electric / Range ExtenderL |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Electric |
| Power | 170-181 hp hp |
| Transmission | Single-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD |
| Length | 157.4 in mm |
| Width | 69.9 in mm |
| Height | 62.1 in mm |
| Wheelbase | 101.2 in mm |
| Cargo | 15.1 cu ft |
| Seats | 4 |
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Frequently asked questions
How much does the BMW i3 cost?
The BMW i3 has a typical price range of $44,450 - $51,500, spanning 23 trim levels. Actual prices vary by year, mileage and local market conditions.
What fuel economy does the BMW i3 get?
The BMW i3 achieves 113 MPGe. Real-world figures depend on trim, drivetrain and driving style.
Is the BMW i3 reliable?
Recall history: 1 recall (2019).
What years of the BMW i3 are available to compare?
Cars4Real covers BMW i3 model years 2015–2021. You can compare every year and trim side by side with live market prices and real owner reviews.