Overview & Reviews

User Reviews:

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  Great automobile except for... - 2015 BMW i3
  By benkiii - May 4 - 8:32 am

  I agree with Diane. It is a terrific electric car, with great performance and handling, a beautiful interior, fine ergonomics, and great fun to drive. That said, it is not ready for prime time. BMW USA has so far failed to get serious about the electric market. The super-fast charger receptacle is not compatible with any in my NC and there are only a few in the whole U.S.!! Nissan has 1-2 hour chargers at many (most) dealers. BMW has zilch. Why not? My dealer says too expensive to install. Thus long trips are on gasoline, unless you can find a ChargePoint station and feel like taking a 4-5 nap while charging. Unless BMW gets serious Ill switch brands when the 2-year lease is up.

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  Awsome vehicle! - 2015 BMW i3
  By Dianne Vanditmars - April 26 - 5:54 pm

  Used primarily as a daily drive to/from work, 48km each way. This leaves 15km - 40km at the end of the day. Level2 charger in the garage keeps the BMW i3 full. Off the line and even on the highway this is a very responsive car. The high seating position and very open design gives a great view of the road. Figure on saving about $2,500 per year due to 1/10th energy costs and 1/2 maintenance and service costs. A very practical and fun car to drive for me, makes the commute that much better.

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  Tires worn out in less than 3 Months /2000 miles - 2014 BMW i3
  By mohini15 - April 6 - 6:26 pm

  I was shocked when I looked at the tires of my new I3 that I bought two and a half months back. Rear tires have lost their tread completely. I mean completely that the steel wires are showing. The car had been wobbling and shaky from day 1 even at 25-40 mph speed . Took it to the dealership and they said it has small tires and this is usual. My other friends who have this car had the same tire experience in 6 months. I am totally distraught with I3 experience .

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  Most efficient EV in the market - 2014 BMW i3
  By chchoi - January 31 - 12:03 pm

  i3 is the most efficient in current market. It is the lightest EV (thanks to CFRP). I can get 4mi/kWh easily. Battery is 22kwh, but only drive able with 19Wh. VW eGolf is nice, but you cant compare acceleration to an i3. MB B Class is just too heavy and it does not have DC FC option. In comfort mode, you can drive it as an ultimate driving machine. In Eco Pro or Eco Pro +, you can drive it with efficiency. You need to plan ahead for long trip. I have 1300 miles in a month and total cost to charge is $25. (There are some free charging stations). There is no gasoline Tax.

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  Driving a Spaceship - 2014 BMW i3
  By ashumack - January 7 - 10:50 am

  I have the base model without range extender, but this is my commuter car around the city with chargers on each end. Its not practical for a weekend trip outside the range unless you plan your travels in stages with 2+ hours in between for recharging, but I love this car for commuting to and from work (32 miles each way). Its a funky, awesome exterior and the interior build quality is eco-luxury. I love the carbon fiber details and the eco-leather on the seats. The accent lighting makes me feel like Im driving a spaceship. Also I love how BMW is really into the electric car movement by creating new manufacturing and technology to build them. Its not just a compliance car here!!!

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  Its a BMW and an EV! - 2014 BMW i3
  By scottlawson - January 4 - 1:04 am

  I have driven BMWs for 10+ years and this all-electric BMW lives up to the ultimate driving machine claim. It is sporty and solid and handles the road like my 328i. It is filled with high technology with a large screen for nav, music, apps, and information. The construction is solid and the carbon fiber and all-aluminum construction makes the car safe and rust-free. Bodywork is actually less costly than a steel car. This is not for long trips as the practical range in temperate weather is 80-90 miles. But get the DC fast charge option as that has helped me go 300+ miles at times.

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  1500 miles and 1.5 gallons of gas later - 2014 BMW i3
  By stillageek - September 11 - 8:23 pm

  I originally ordered a I3 BEV Terra. The plan was to keep our old Prius as my "airport car" (Im a pilot) and the I3 would be my fun car. I reran the numbers and decided to sell the Prius and get a Range Extender. I love it. My first BMW. Great driving experience. No range anxiety. Back seat is fine for 6 foot driver and rear passenger for around town (its a city car). Air conditioner battles Texas heat just fine. My power bill has gone up $60 a month, but thats for TWO electric cars (my wife has a Leaf). Theres no going back.

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  The Future is Here Today - 2014 BMW i3
  By brucebolen1 - August 6 - 10:15 pm

  Revolutionary from the ground up, sitting on top of a aluminum skateboard with batteries underneath in a carbon fiber passenger space capsule while seated in a Swedish living room and catapulted forward with instant, silent torque. Perfect size, design, airy, comfortable, quick, awesome turn-in, one-foot driving. Honestly thrilling. The proof of the pudding is in daily traffic (vs. a test drive on a freeway which is also awesome) when you wish to place yourself in a certain position and the car is already there by the time you think about it, and you made no fuss while not making a fool of yourself. Unique functionality, purposeful build to be an EV achieves mission perfectly.

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  Great update for 2017 - 2017 BMW i3
  By CK - June 16 - 6:24 pm

  While I think some more tweaks are needed to set the car apart, overall this is a great car. Its my second electric (previously had a Leaf) and the Bimmer is an exceptional commuter. No range anxiety with this especially with the new battery. Ive driven over 100 miles and still had 37% percent battery charge left. The new color option of protonic blue is a great step forward. Pick-up 0 to 30 is outstanding though you will feel the road and bumps a little much. Previous reviews on ride comfort hold true for the battery refreshed 2017. Overall a great car for suburbanites and urban dwellers. Getting 5 miles per kW hour.

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  Love the quiet - 2017 BMW i3
  By David Vener - December 7 - 4:27 pm

  Its been a great first month. The car has had no issues. Acceleration is amazing and the quiet is just sublime. Good sound insulation also protects the interior from external noise as well as the lack of engine noise. Weve had no problems; range is as advertised. Installed a 220 v 40 amp charger in the garage that is very convenient. Havent had to use the Range extender yet, though my wife told me she got a notification that the engine was cycling, presumably just to keep the fluids from settling too much. Enormous headroom; Im 64 and have another 2" beyond the top of my head. Visibility is excellent. The rear seats are quite usable but wouldnt buy it if we anticipated using them a lot. Lots of trunk space. Only gripe is that the BMW technology integration is a bit wonky and takes some getting used to. Would have loved to have electric seats, but I suspect that would have added significant weight. Carbon fiber body is really nice as is the interior wood. Seats are very comfortable.