BMW i3 vs MINI Electric: Which is best?

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The BMW i3 was one of the first mainstream battery electric cars to go on sale, yet despite that it still looks fresh and modern today, as well as benefitting from a much bigger battery than before. But is it better than its stablemate, the MINI Electric? In this CarGurus UK review, Vicky Parrott drives the two cars back-to-back to see where the differences lie, and weighs up their pros and cons in terms of range, practicality, interior quality and technology.

What would you pick: i3 or MINI Electric?

Read our full BMW i3 review:

BMW
Pros
Distinctive looks really stand out
Nimble handling for an EV
Appealing cabin design

Cons
Early versions have a short range
Stiff and unsettled ride
An expensive car to buy

Read our full MINI review:

MINI
Pros
Lively and entertaining to drive
The EV is ideal around town
John Cooper Works GP cars are very quick

Cons
The Convertible has a small boot
Ungainly looks if you choose the five-door
More powerful models can wear out tyres quickly

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#bmwi3 #minielectric #electricars

[mrt]

Superb review. Take my money BMW. i3 shall be mine.

[markymarkreviews]

Really good review hitting all the main points. The i3 is still ahead of its time and it is a crying shame that BMW have not given it a bigger battery and instead started to bring out big heavy EVs now.

[Rick_Retired]

It is all in the eyes of the beholder. Here is my take on it:

I have had my “Litl’ Blue” 2017 BMW i3 BEV 33Kw 94Ah since 01/25/2021. I bought it in Florida, in showroom condition with 24k on the odometer. I’m 75 now, and drive it about 30-100 miles a month in Comfort mode with a stomped accelerator, wide open moon roof, and a big grin, mostly just to pick up online ordered groceries and to visit the VA clinic.

I use a 240V, 16A (3.84Kw) Level 2 charger in my carport routed inside my house as an ALTERNATE device to my dryer outlet and usually charge once a month. I gain 13.5 miles per hour of charging up to 124 to 137 miles. From home my electric cost is $0.031 per Mile which at an average gas price of $4.00 per gallon equates to 129 MPG. I’m a very happy i3 owner to say the very least, totally free of ICE maintenance, and I gladly splurge to pay a helper $15.00 a month from my Social Security cash to wash, vac and dry it.

If there is a more perfect EV out there, I simply don’t want it! I don’t need more range, acceleration, styling, features, reliability, comfort, handling, or value. Litl’ Blue is obviously my Forever Car. Paid $16, 500 but was offered $22, 400 by Edmunds/CarMax 4 months ago which tickled my worn out ego. 36% appreciation on a used car in just over a year is certainly a first ever for me even on my ‘69 427ci/435hp Vette back in 1975. You may name yours too as you would any other loved pet. 🚙

[timothylynskey]

Great review nice change to see someone who doesn’t think they are a comedian

[huabills]

i3 tires are very expensive, check it out.

[jamesmccormack]

Shame the i3 is not being continued, wud have been interesting to see how BMW wud have updated and progressed the i3. Having been in one regularly I have to agree with everything u have said about it and it's handling, great car and really nice interior keeping it fresh and modern.

[airspike]

Love the description of the BMW 'falling into a corner' - I know exactly what you mean! Having had a 94aH REx for about 3 months I can confirm it has to be one of the best cars I have ever owned, as far as running costs go, it is doing an average of 4.1 miles per KWh so is costing me about 1.2 pence per mile to run! Took some getting used to, but I love driving it and its turning circle beats the Smart fortwo that I had before it by a country mile!
Great review watched it to see what you thought of the Mini and was pleasantly suprised!

[chrispphunt]

This is a great review with all the information you could need when considering both, I have the 2020 i3 and agree with all her points- for me if you gave it one last battery upgrade, sport mode for all and the newest i-drive it would be a complete premium small ev.

[mollyfilms]

Great review and spot on with the I3. I’ve had one for 2 years and it’s far better than most evs out there. I’m in no rush to change it, if anything I would get another one.

[oscare.quiros]

I was not fond of the i3 looks when it came out, but now I love it. Thanks for the great review and comparison.

[BHBeckenbauer]

Nice video. I still really like the i3, I wish they’d update the battery again!

[chetanrajanwal]

Great reviewer. I will be following your reviews. Great work

[mrmrkidd]

Love Vicky’s reviews which are always clear and to the point!

[swiftmusicent]

Great video. I’ve got an i3 as my first ev, I’ve had it for a month I’m really enjoying driving it! So quick off the mark so much easier to handle and park than the 3 series gt I had before. And space wise I’ve lost a LOT compared to the GT but there’s plenty of space in the car for my family (2 adults and a toddler) still feels nice and airy

[peterszczesiak]

Good review and mirrors my own thoughts with my I3Rex. I love the styling and rapid acceleration, even now it still looks cutting edge when parked next to other cars. Its such a shame that BMW didn't develop this car as planned with different body styles, they lost all their early gains in the ev world

[londonwestman]

Pretty much agree with most of this from my experience with my i3. Calm drive most of the time when you're used to the steering (and the slightly weird indicators). Smooth and quiet.

You mentioned, but maybe underplayed what I perceive as the shortcomings - the awkward rear access, especially for older people and the sometimes skittish cornering. This is particularly an issue on wet roads when it understeers given the chance. The other problem is the poor drag coefficient which leads to poor motorway range.

It is a shame they've discontinued it. I'm guessing it would be down to production costs plus that the issues above are really hard to fix without returning to the drawing board. The S was a fair attempt at fixing the road holding, but it made for an even stiffer ride and worsened the motorway range. For my money, though, it was ultimately the rear access that did for it.

[davidpollard]

That's how to pack in a ton of information about 2 cars in just 12 minutes.

[zcarme]

Have been shopping recently for a newer EV to replace my '16 i3. I think I'll just get a newer i3. Great review! 👍

[danscar]

I’ve been driving an i3 since 2014 and I’m still impressed with this car. Handling, construction and efficiency, especially with Pretoria prices being higher in the U.S..I doubt there with ever be another car constructed like the i3. The BMW plant in Leipzig is another construction marvel powered by renewables. Excellent review of these two cars!

[billsmith]

Good review and should answer the main questions people may have. I love the Mini and as a city/commuter car fits the bill whereas I am learning to really appreciate the i3 and also fits the city/commuter car but can carry real people and more stuff.