2017 BMW i3 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
You can usually identify a BMW at a glance based on its kidney-shaped grille and overall styling. That all changed when the German...
You can usually identify a BMW at a glance based on its kidney-shaped grille and overall styling. That all changed when the German automaker came out with its electric i3 and i8 models. These two stand out from the rest of the BMW lineup--and they should, because they’re very unique vehicles.
The i3 is only a few years old and is intended for those who live in more urban areas. It’s small enough to squeeze into just about any parking space, is easy to navigate through city streets, and is an environmentally conscious choice. There is room for four passengers, with 36.9 cubic feet of trunk space when you fold the seats flat. That’s about the same as what you’ll find in the BMW 3 Series. The i3 hasn’t seen a lot of changes since its introduction, but there will be a few updates for 2017.
Range is key with electrics, and the 2017 BMW i3 sees a range increase on the base trim from 81 to 114 miles per charge. Take that, range anxiety! If you’re still not convinced, you can also get the i3 with a range extender. This adds a gas-powered 38-hp 2-cylinder engine as a backup to the electric battery. When that battery falls to around the 5% level, the gas motor kicks in to give you a little extra range from its 2.4-gallon tank. This increases the overall range to an estimated 175 miles, which is more than most people will have to drive in a typical day.
Just because the i3 is small doesn’t mean it’s slow. Electric cars have the benefit of delivering all their torque right away, so when you press the gas you really move. The i3's 184 lb-ft of torque make for an exhilarating drive--it's actually one of the fastest BMWs off the line. The nifty little i3 also gets a few new fun features. Prototonic Blue metallic paint, which was previously only available on the larger and pricier i8, now finds its way to the i3. There are also five other color choices available. The Giga World’s 20-inch BMW i light alloy double-spoke wheels are also now standard on every i3. A new and highly anticipated optional feature is the power moonroof. New packages are also available, with the Deka World and its unique interior finally coming to the U.S.
Returning packages include Mega World, with its more refined interior, Giga World, with its own uniquely sporty interior, and Tera World, with the most high-end and luxurious interior available. Deka World features a dark cloth interior, upgraded navigation, and a universal garage door opener. No matter which version of the BMW i3 you choose, over 25% of the interior materials are renewable or recycled, in keeping with the vehicle's environmentally conscious attitude.
The i3 also uses some very high-tech materials that are commonplace in sports cars and which you wouldn’t expect to find in an electric. Carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic used in the i3's framework make it one of BMW’s lightest vehicles--this material is 50% lighter than steel but maintains the same strength.
As you might expect, the i3 comes with plenty of technology. The navigation system includes ConnectedDrive Services, which includes a Range Assistant that monitors your battery, driving style, traffic, and road information to show you both the most efficient way to get where you’re going and whether or not you have enough battery charge to make the trip. It will also point you to mass transit (like the nearest subway or train station) and show you schedules if that turns out to be a quicker method of transportation. There’s even a BMW i Remote app that syncs to your smartphone, Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Gear Watch, or other mobile device and keeps tabs on your battery and charging times and lets you set the cabin temperature and destination before you even take a seat in the car.
The 2017 BMW i3 is set to arrive in dealerships this fall.
What owners say
"Owners generally appreciate the 2017 BMW i3 for its fun driving experience, roominess, and advanced technological features. Many highlight its great handling and unique design, along with the benefit of lower operational costs due to its electric powertrain. However, some complaints focus on the seating comfort, particularly the lumbar support, which has left a few drivers dissatisfied. Additionally, while the range is suitable for city commuting, some note it may not be ideal for long trips without planning for charging."
Reliable, great handling, smart design and fun to drive. Love it!
January 18, 2022Awesome design and a hell of a lot of fun to drive!
June 15, 2021These little cars are loaded with features, from the navigation system, heated seats, electric powertrain, too the ability to use an app to control disentangle features of your car. You can tell your car to turn on the heat in the morning, so its nice and toasty warm, and theres no engine running to do it, so its really quick. Add the optional range extender, and you can even use these for trips, but you have to plan ahead. Where are the charging stations, taking about 30 - 45 minutes to charge, allowing for time to charge on the trip. Electric cars change how we travel, but they do so cheaper that IC engines powering most cars on the road. If the model has the range extender, or REX, then it does have a small 2 cylinder engine that acts as a generator, giving you more electricity for your battery, maintaining a level (depending on driving mode) and allowing you to reach those sparsely placed (at this time) charging stations. However, as electric cars grow in popularity, availability and become more affordable, so too with the charging stations dotting our landscapes at gas stations, grocery stores, rest areas, etc. This is an awesome little electric car that is a great entry for your first EV. Its well made (BMW) and, although new it was around $50k, for whatever reason it doesnt hold its value well. That means, however, you can get these for a really good price, sometimes under $20k. Now you may say, Id rather have a Tesla. They are good cars and have done much to improve on EV technology, however they are still a bit more pricey than this little gem. Do a search, and youll find the cheapest, oldest base model tesla starting at the cost for the newer, larger battery with REX i3. For a first EV, its a no brainer to me....
February 13, 2022What owners say
Reliable, great handling, smart design and fun to drive. Love it!
January 18, 2022Awesome design and a hell of a lot of fun to drive!
June 15, 2021These little cars are loaded with features, from the navigation system, heated seats, electric powertrain, too the ability to use an app to control disentangle features of your car. You can tell your car to turn on the heat in the morning, so its nice and toasty warm, and theres no engine running to do it, so its really quick. Add the optional range extender, and you can even use these for trips, but you have to plan ahead. Where are the charging stations, taking about 30 - 45 minutes to charge, allowing for time to charge on the trip. Electric cars change how we travel, but they do so cheaper that IC engines powering most cars on the road. If the model has the range extender, or REX, then it does have a small 2 cylinder engine that acts as a generator, giving you more electricity for your battery, maintaining a level (depending on driving mode) and allowing you to reach those sparsely placed (at this time) charging stations. However, as electric cars grow in popularity, availability and become more affordable, so too with the charging stations dotting our landscapes at gas stations, grocery stores, rest areas, etc. This is an awesome little electric car that is a great entry for your first EV. Its well made (BMW) and, although new it was around $50k, for whatever reason it doesnt hold its value well. That means, however, you can get these for a really good price, sometimes under $20k. Now you may say, Id rather have a Tesla. They are good cars and have done much to improve on EV technology, however they are still a bit more pricey than this little gem. Do a search, and youll find the cheapest, oldest base model tesla starting at the cost for the newer, larger battery with REX i3. For a first EV, its a no brainer to me....
February 13, 2022This is a great used car. The new models are very expensive, so better to let it depreciate. It rides like a BMW and is great for 2 people. With the back seats down, lots of room for packages. One thing to know, it is a commuter or short trip car. With the extender the range is under 150 miles, so not for long trips.
June 21, 2020What an amazingly fun car to drive! The i3 is a real bargain right now too, since few are commuting and buying EVs during the pandemic.
January 30, 2021Lots of features come standard. The REX feature eliminates range anxiety. Carbon fiber frame is a plus. The tech features are most awesome!
March 18, 202233kwh seems like the sweet spot for range. The vehicle is a technological marvel. Grab one while you can
July 30, 2022Good city car with a reasonable amount of room for the price
June 13, 2023Sun visor end extensions so you do not have to stick a piece of what ever, in the window ,to keep the blinding sun out of your eyes!
December 9, 2020This is a roomy small car with peppy acceleration and decent cornering. The downside is the seating. The stitching creates a kind of lumbar support that is far to low and hurt my back in minutes. I could not get comfortable (thus I could not buy this car). The design, both inside and out, takes some getting used to. Not quite ugly, but not quite futuristic. If you drive it and find the seats OK, I think this is a great used EV for the price. The Chevy Bolt is an all-around better EV if buying new.
December 23, 2020Trims & specs
Base MSRP $48,300 | Seating 4 |
Engine 0.7L 168 hp I2 Hybrid | Cargo Capacity 9.2 cu ft |
Combined MPG 110 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $42,400 | Seating 4 |
Engine 168 hp Electric | Cargo Capacity 9.2 cu ft |
Combined MPG 125 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $44,450 | Seating 4 |
Engine 168 hp Electric | Cargo Capacity 15.1 cu ft |
Combined MPG 119 | Drivetrain RWD |
