Cons: Limited driving range in pure-electric form; so-so cargo space; rear-hinged back doors aren’t as practical as traditional doors; some drivers may find it hard to adjust to the aggressive regenerative braking[/vc_column_text][mk_divider style=”padding_space” margin_top=”10″ margin_bottom=”10″][vc_column_text]CG Says: Aside from a limited-run Shadow Sport Edition model, the BMW i3 is unchanged for 2016. The i3 is a subcompact-sized 4-door hatchback that offers the choice of pure electric power, or electric power with a small 2-cylinder gasoline-engine “range extender.” The driving range solely on the electric motor is about 80-100 miles, according to BMW. The optional gas engine extends the driving range by another 80-100 miles. The i3 makes extensive use of strong, lightweight Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic in its construction—its curb weight is around 2700 pounds. Available features include a navigation system, sunroof, collision warning and mitigation systems, a rearview camera, and leather upholstery. Though it is not without its compromises, the i3’s peppy acceleration, forward-thinking styling, and BMW-bred driving personality should make it a compelling choice among electric- and green-vehicle shoppers.[/vc_column_text][mk_divider style=”padding_space” margin_top=”10″ margin_bottom=”10″][mk_content_box heading=”The Facts”][mk_table el_class=”new-review-specs”]
| Class | Subcompact Car |
| Body Style(s) | 4-door hatchback |
| Passenger Count | 4 |
| Drive Wheels | rear-wheel drive |
| Manufacturer | BMW |
| Nation of Manufacturer | Germany |
| Base Prices | Base: $42,400 Base w/ Range Extender: $46,250 |
| Base Engine electric motor |
| Horsepower 170 |
| Std. Transmission single speed |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (MPGe) 137 |
| EPA Hwy Range (MPGe) 111 |
| Optional Engine electric motor/0.6-liter 2-cylinder gas engine |
| Horsepower 170 |
| Std. Transmission single speed |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA Gas Engine (mpg) 39 city/hwy combined |
| EPA Electric Motor (MPGe) 117 city/hwy combined |
Links
Preview Test Drive: 2014 BMW i3
BMW i3: Not Just Another Electric Car
Guide to Electric Vehicle Charging[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][mk_image src=”https://consumerguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/P90129197_highRes-e1406671544619.jpg” image_width=”600″ image_height=”300″ title=”2016 BMW i3″ caption_location=”outside-image” margin_bottom=”20″ crop=”false”][mk_image src=”https://consumerguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/15_0592_9296_110615_i3_SHADOW_01.jpg” title=”2016 BKW i3 Shadow Sport Edition” caption_location=”outside-image”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
