BMW i3 with Range Extender review

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[michaeld]

For anyone wondering why the fuel tank is only 2.4 gallons, it's because the electric range has to surpass the gasoline range for it to qualify for EV rebates.

[VSS]

I've had one for a year and a half and it's my go to car out of my other cars. I drive it everyday, it's very relaxing and surprisingly fast. Not the best on long motorway trips but I might do those maybe once a month. Why choose a car for the 2% of journeys? This is a great car 98% IMO.

[gerald]

It does not get whipped around. It drives great at freeway speeds.

[Beardshire]

The range is annoying and the gas tank is tiny, one other thing to mention, you can only keep the battery going when it's at 75% or less. So the extended range motor will not top off the battery or even charge it up at all, it's just to maintain it's current level. Also, the motor is not meant to run and maintain the battery for extended periods. Manufacture suggests no more than a full tank of gas before you get to a charger.

[ckgrier]

Good review. REx range is closer to 180-190 combined, based on my experience. And you can always stop to fill up the gas tank or charge - or both.

[madsupervilian.]

Man, i work down the street, I drive a gasoline SUV. I'm thinking of an I3

[DronieUp]

I like but those rear windows have to go in version 2

[DHT]

So, I own a model X. Not sure how it looks like an ordinary car☺️

[KerryDavis]

"feel the power!" <3 <3 <3

[tropicalday]

What might be more eye popping than the i3 aesthetics's, good or bad, is the MSRP for this little urban dweller. Edmunds lists the base model blowing a kiss at $48, 000.00, the loaded version is just shy of $55, 000.00. If you take the precise handling, performance, and luxury out of a BMW what are you left with? One very expensive logo.

Other than the cars somewhat futuristic look's which as you pointed out some love and some hate, one would think BMW really could of engineered something much more compelling. Even with the gas powered generator and running on something akin to motorcycle tiers it's range is underwhelming.

BMW really engineers some great cars. The i8 looks and I'm willing to bet really feels the part. You would expect that for $140, 000.00. The i3 seems to be saying to BMW drives, we just are not really into this EV thing. Check back in 2020. We have a real sweet 328i for under $40, 000.00 with your name on it. And that's a real bummer. Even the chevy bolt will kick it's butt for a lot less money. You really have to be in love with that logo.

[mamadouaziza]

All i3' that use 3G wifi service will cease to have navigation, connect drive services, no more app services, no more satellite radio, no more voice control, no bluetooth, no SOS, no more updates after February 2022..

These cars will be useless and can not be updated to 4G. BMW is blaming cellular services. BMW will not update these i3' to 4G.

[put]

just do a real bmw i3 vs tesla model 3.

[patricksoon]

The i3 has been out for years now. Why do this review now?

[ptgw]

Those tires don't inspire confidence.

[courtneyvegan]

Toy wheels on a BMW. Who would of thought that.

[Neojhun]

Facepalm. I actually liked yesterday's technical information from EPA about Long Range Model 3. I also liked the jabs at Tesla in the hopes it was about educating people BEVs are a whole competitive industry. THIS IS NOT A 100% BEV. Turns out Engadget is just supporting the wrong option. Boo

[mukamuka]

It got a really big nose!!... not my things but everybody has their own taste.

[dlwatib]

Yes, I hate it with the heat of a thousand suns. BMW should have been ashamed to have ever conceived of this car. What were they thinking? Or perhaps the question should be what were they smoking? The exterior gives the Pontiac Aztek a run for its money as the worst looking vehicle ever. The range extender is laughably pointless. They would have gotten more range had they simply used the space for a larger battery, and it wouldn't have cost them any more either. "It handles pretty well... if you stay under 50 mph." Very faint praise indeed. The same can be said for a 1959 Buick Invicta. But an Invicta handles better on the highways because it doesn't get tossed around by the winds. That instrument panel isn't going to win over many buyers either with its two tiny screens.

[keepmovn]

I swear bmw could do much better design than this.