2017 BMW i3 94ah Review - Inside Lane

This is the new 2017 BMW i3 94ah Range Extender and it now has a 243 mile range. A new 94ah battery means that it can also be charged from a DC socket up to 80% in just 40 minutes. The electric motor produces 168bhp and it will do 0-62mph in 8.3 seconds. The Rex, or range extender, is a small 2 cylinder engine that acts as a generator when the battery is low.

Seating 4 adults, the new BMW i3 has a spacious interior and its silent running is very relaxing. The latest incarnation of iDrive infotainment is easy to use and offers everything from satellite navigation to DAB radio and streaming services. There is also a smartphone app that can be uses as a remote for the car.

The 2017 BMW i3 94ah costs from £27,830 (with UK government electric car grant) or the Range Extender from £30,980.

[davethmay]

This car is the first car that I've owned. So impressed with the build video's that after a short drive, I paid cash and put my money where my mouth was and bought the 94 BEV. The car is brilliant, so nice to drive, with it's high vantage view. Even in the rear, it is still good to look out of, with good visibility even looking forward. This is one of the few video's that I've watched where I did not think the opinion differs from mine. When more places in the UK have good reliable chargers, my choice of going for pure electric will be vindicated.

[robertbalcombe]

Great review of the BMW i3. Answered all my questions and has persuaded me that this car will be my first electric car.

[CncObsession]

I just test drove one of these for the fun of it. It was my first actual drive in an EV besides a golf cart. Fortunately I had watched a few videos prior. Those videos allowed me to be aware of the regen braking etc. I agree with your assessment. Easy to drive, decent handling (I do own an E46/M3 SMG) and plenty of accel for the city and even the highway. Its ease of driving could be great as a grocery getter and beyond.

[willmathonsi]

Fantastic package this is. Well done BMW.

[davidevans]

I bought a 2018 i3 a week ago and I'm very impressed with the car, the only gripe I have is the state of the roads in Scotland are terrible and it makes for a very rough and unsettled ride, not so much the cars fault but it shows how firm the i3 is, saying that I've done over 100 miles since I bought it and it's not cost me a penny using the free CCS fast charge, love the car and intend to keep it long term. Great review by the way, very enjoyable and very true. Thank you.

[reneeklo]

Great review. One correction: Regenerative braking in the i3 is independent of the driving mode

[lloydg]

Best honest review so far, had one for a weekend, and this review is saying everything I thought, even on the 20" rims, thank you you have made my mind up now, i'm going to order one, but after the Frankfurt show on the 14th of September, just to wait and see what the i3S sport version is all about.

[Deanster]

I have a 94ah i3 with range extender, I absolutely love it but no way does it do 240 miles!

[bobble]

ive just bought mine a week ago and people are coming up to me and asking to have a look and what do I think

[WACONimages]

They just introduced an updates version late Autumn 2018 with 120ah!

[crispincrunch]

I would have liked to see some comments on the real world range of the electric under load (colder weather, with air conditioning, with heater and heated seats, etc)

[riccotube]

Hengistbury head, one of my favourite places for a lovely walk.

[theodorev]

Imagine how much will the range increase in another 2 years!!! At last! This really looks like the end of the combustion nonsense...

[Mister_H]

Coach doors is an alternative to suicide doors 👍

[donaldderp]

This is what hybrids should be, an electric motor as the main drive and a small ICE used for emergency charging. Pure electric is best for efficiency and weight compared to hybrids.

[vegasbob]

How is the battery life when using the AC? I live in Las Vegas & we use the AC on high about 6 months.

[huwbaldwin]

Very apt point! This is comparable with any petrol guzzler if not better!

[mickyeverton]

Tempting but not enough chargers about YET,
great review, many thanks
Merry Christmas. x

[JustWastedHoursHere]

Honestly, with a 39.5kwh 94Ah battery and DC Fast Charge capability, you don't need that range extender 99.9% of the time.

If you are buying a used REx i3, be sure it is either still under warranty or purchase an extended warranty.

[mikehydropneumatic]

I'd need a REX since I live in an appartment and want to go on vacation. Without REX I could do my daily commute but 40mins for 80% is a bit on the boring side. If supermarkets would have enough charging points it could be daily driver for me.

It is a funky little car and like it a lot.

The only gripe is why isn't the frunk weatherproof, why BMW?