2015 BMW i3 review

The BMW i3 is BMW's first mass production all-electric car. This compact electric car has a 160km range on full-electric power. The same interior size as a BMW 3 Series, the all-new BMW i3 is a remarkable car. The i3 is a premium electric car with seating for 5-passengers and a hatchback design that makes this a practical EV.

Competitors to the i3 are the Chevrolet Volt, Chevy Volt, Nissan Leaf, Kia Soul EV, Honda Fit EV, Chevrolet Spark EV, Chevy Spark EV, Chevy Bolt, Chevrolet Bolt, Toyota RAV4 EV, BMW 2 Series, Mercedes C-Class, Mercedes B-Class, Audi S3, Mercedes CLA, Audi S4, BMW 2 Series, BMW 3 Series, Acura TLX, Acura TL, Lexus IS, Infiniti Q50, Volvo S60, Volvo V60, Cadillac ATS, Cadillac CTS, Mercedes C-Class, Subaru WRX, VW Golf R, Volkswagen Golf R and the BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA, Mercedes GLA are the Mercedes GLE Coupe, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Mercedes GLE, Mercedes M-Class, Mercedes ML-Class, Mercedes GLK, Mercedes GLC, Mercedes GLA, Mercedes GL, Mercedes G, BMW X5, BMW X6, BMW X3, BMW X1, Audi Q3, Audi Q5, Audi Q7, Audi Q6, Audi A7, BMW 5 Series GT, BMW 4 Series GT, BMW 3 Series GT, Infiniti QX70, Infiniti QX70, Volvo CX60, Volvo CX90, Lexus RX350, Lexus GX, Lexus LX, Porsche Cayenne, Porsche Macan, Range Rover Sport, Range Rover, Land Rover Discovery Sport, Land Rover Discovery, Land Rover LR4, Range Rover Evoque, Acura MDX, Acura RDX, Lincoln MKX, Lincoln MKC, Cadillac SRX, Jeep Grand Cherokee, VW Touareg and Volkswagen Touareg.

Zack Spencer
Zach Spencer
Canadian Car Review
Motormouth Canada

[livska]

I recently picked up an i3 (2017 REX) what a great car. We drive it all around town everywhere. Bought it used with 17, 000 miles for under 20K. Best EV we've ever owned !!

[sassynlovely]

You actually have to see this car in person to appreciate its 'unique' looks. It's not a traditional BMW but its an awesome ride. Don't be too quick to judge this one! I was... then I saw it and drove it and ordered one on the spot! Trading my X6 for this. Call me crazy if you like. :)

[Hollyweeds]

The man drove from Ontario to Amsterdam and back again, impressive.

[Summerstorm]

I never knew Toronto looks like The Netherlands....tulips, water, bikes, Amsterdam dark red street poles ....Oh and a windmill. It just doesn't get more Dutch than that.

[Unbeginner]

I have yet to see a negative review of the car and I got used to its looks just by watching a few videos of it.

[anderbeau]

Articulate, concise and informative. Very helpful in my decision to purchase one this weekend. Thanks for the quality content.

[billisdewillis]

Drove the 2017 33kwh BEV only version the other day...what a surprising car. At this point the only two BEVs I would buy in Canada is this and the e-Golf...Nissan is releasing early next year the gen2 Leaf. The Tesla 3 might be widely available in a couple years. And there are a lot of new BEVs slotted for 2020. Interesting stuff.

[tvanb]

Why did it switch to Amsterdam at 6:20 ?

[blok]

does anybody notice the AC not as powerful when it's at idle?

[darwandoo]

Great review. Would you sell your cayenne to buy one? I would be very interested in your response. Thank you

[r.franklin]

You are obviously driving in and around Amsterdam (the Netherlands, my town) and stating twice that you are driving in Toronto (Canada). Why?!

[snowman]

great review, I noticed some of the locations you were driving in didn't look like Toronto, if there were can you share the routes you drove? I noticed a windmill that and cobblestone road that looked like Europe.

[Rondaxx]

well done, i think the price is ok for a premium brand. 80 miles is way more than needed for urban use.
for fun and longer range theres still the M5 first choice 

[PREMADVANI]

All electric cars have poor resale values.. I own a Chevy Volt and in 2 years my car has lost half its value. I dont think the BMW i3 will do any better. 

[christheneutral]

I love the car, I'd buy except range not enough. 160km is the ideal, probably up to half in winter :/
electric still too expensive

[Ficktao]

Why does he keep saying he is driving around in Toronto while in fact he is driving in and around Ametsrdam, Netherlands? A bit weird.

[deightons]

A friend of mine wants to go from his fx35 to this. To each his own. I'd rather get a nicely equipped Kia Soul with 18inch wheels. Looks much cooler and no electric!!

[EriclolXD]

I agree with you Zack, the top of the dash and door are... yeah unattractive lol there's no other way to put it. But overall, the whole package seems nice & refine.

[BTC]

Didn't realize your had to let the 2nd row out.  Also it has a "frunk" and no it isn't watertight.

For 40-50K'ish I better get a dam nice "frunk" shaped Ziploc bag!

[Smood]

7.2 seconds 0-100 is pretty brisk? Come on man.