Used BMW i3 cars

The BMW i3 is BMW’s first all-electric car. Available as a five-door hatchback or three-door coupé, the i3 has a reputation as a stylish, innovative and adaptable model. The i3 was one of the first all-electric models brought to the market, helping it win World Green Car of the Year in 2014 and World Urban Car of the Year in 2017.

The BMW i3 has a distinctive and futuristic outer design, giving it an unmistakable presence on the road. This style continues throughout the interior where a premium, upmarket cabin ensures a pleasurable driving experience for all. The i3’s nimble engines make it a quick and agile model, meaning it is well-suited for urban driving.

The i3’s closest competitors are also all-electric and hybrid models offering good fuel economy. Some of its rivals include the Nissan Leaf, Renault Zoe, MINI Electric Hatch, Honda e and the Peugeot e-208.

BMW i3 updates and facelifts

Launched in 2013, the BMW i3 was in production until it was discontinued in 2022. When it was first launched, the i3 was part of BMW's new commitment to electric vehicles with the I subdivision. In 2017, the i3 received a facelift which helped to extend its range from 81 miles to 114 miles because of a larger 33kWh battery unit. It also received some subtle changes to the design of the front and rear bumpers and wheel arches, as well as LED headlights.

In 2018, BMW improved the electrical capacity of the i3 further, giving it a range of 187 miles. BMW also added the i3s trim, which features a lowered suspension and revamped outer styling. BMW’s signature infotainment system, iDrive, was also added, giving you an even wider selection of infotainment features. In 2019, the range was increased again to 190 miles due to a larger 42.2kWh battery pack.

Practicality and style of the car

The i3 has a good-sized boot for the size of the car, offering 260 litres of boot space. The boot can be expanded to 1,100 litres of space by folding down the two rear seats. Compared to its rivals, the i3 offers better than average storage space. It has more than the Honda e’s standard boot of 171 litres and expanded literage of 571. It also beats the MINI Electric’s standard boot space of 211 litres with the rear seats up and expanded 731 litres. The boot also has no loading lip, making it easy to quickly stow luggage and bags.

The 50:50 split rear seats are easily adjusted and feature an ISOFIX anchor point, making it easy to attach a safety seat. In the bonnet, there is a small storage space that houses the charging cable for the battery, but this can also be used to store small items of luggage.

Running costs

The BMW i3 falls into insurance groups 21 to 29 and as it has an electric engine the i3 does not have any road tax. In comparison to its rivals, the i3 falls within the average bracket for insurance groups, with the Nissan Leaf falling into groups 21 to 28 and the Peugeot e-208 falling into groups 25-27.

How a used BMW i3 drives

Two powertrains are offered with the BMW i3, both providing all-electric drive. Both options come with regenerative braking technology which absorbs excess energy used while braking and rediverts it to other parts of the car, helping it achieve a more economical drive.

There is a 168 bhp electric motor with 250Nm of torque. It goes from 0 to 62mph in 7.3 seconds, while achieving a top speed of 93mph. This engine is paired with a single-speed automatic transmission.

There is also a 182 bhp motor which also generates 250Nm of torque. This engine goes from 0 to 62mph in 6.9 with a top speed of 99mph.

The type of battery paired to the electric motor impacts the range in which the i3 can travel. In a used BMW i3 manufactured before 2018, there is a 33kWh battery which has a maximum range of 144 miles. In models manufactured after 2019, a 42.2kWh battery is fitted, pushing the i3’s range to 190 miles.

Engines and official MPG

Please refer to the table below for a comprehensive list of engines and their official MPG figures.

2013 - 2022

Features you can expect in a BMW i3

Interior

Step into the cockpit of a used BMW i3 and you will find a top-tier interior. Recycled premium materials are used throughout, ensuring the dashboard, multi-functional steering wheel and upholstery have an upmarket feel without compromising on sustainability.

Barn-style doors open wide allowing for good access to the front and rear seats. The front seats can fold forward to give rear passengers more space when getting in and out, especially in the three-door version. Headroom is good thanks to the i3’s high roofline and there’s also plenty of legroom, ensuring four passengers enjoy a spacious and comfortable drive.

Noise in the cabin is kept to a minimum as the electric engine provides little noise. Road and wind noise is also kept to a minimum making motorway journeys quiet and pleasant. The i3’s suspension is firm but dampens rough roads and bumps.

In the front, there is a good-sized glove box, a cup holder and a cubby located under the central armrest to help keep the cabin clutter-free. In the rear, there are a pair of cupholders in the centre of the two seats. Door bins are adequately sized and have enough space to hold a water bottle easily.

Technology

On the centre console, you will find a 10.25-inch infotainment screen that features a DAB radio, sat nav and Bluetooth connectivity, so you can stream your own playlists on those long drives. In models manufactured after 2018, Apple CarPlay is also available with Android Auto featuring in models after 2020.

The infotainment system is BMW’s ConnectedDrive which directs you to a range of smart features that enhance your drive. The menus are easy to navigate thanks to the rotary controller on the centre console. Below this, there are a series of physical controls for climate control and other car functions. Analogue dials have been replaced with a digital screen that displays important information such as your range, speed and remaining charge level at a glance. It is also customisable and can show sat nav.

The BMW i3 also comes with a host of smart technology as standard, including automatic headlights and wipers which activate depending on weather conditions. The i3 also features adaptive cruise control, which is responsive to changes in the speed of the car in front. Traffic sign recognition alerts you of incoming speed cameras and local speed limits. Parking sensors can also come with the BMW i3 to assist drivers when parking and help to avoid any collisions.

Safety

The BMW i3 scored four stars on the Euro NCAP safety tests. The BMW i3 also scored highly on adult and child occupant protection, scoring 86% and 81% respectively. These scores are some of the best for electric models with the MINI Electric Hatch scoring 79% and 73% for adult and child protection respectively.

Safety features on a used BMW i3 include automatic emergency braking, six airbags, stability and traction control and a seatbelt reminder buzzer. Other features can include forward collision warning, preventative pedestrian protection, lane departure warning and speed limit information.

Trims available on the BMW i3

BMW i3 Standard

The Standard trim is the entry-level trim for the BMW i3. On the inside, this trim includes heated seats with cloth and partial leather upholstery, climate control and a USB socket for smartphone connectivity and charging. On the exterior, this trim comes with 19-inch alloy wheels and headlight washers.

BMW i3 i3s

The i3s comes with 20-inch alloy wheels, a high-gloss black roof, redesigned front bumper, a black front grille and sports suspension. This trim also comes with a Sports driving mode which adjusts the performance of the vehicle for a sportier ride.

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