PROS

Small footprint; electric drivetrain; efficient usage of space; good driving dynamics; full of cutting-edge technology

MODEL HIGHLIGHTS

The BMW i3 is BMW's first modern electric car. Powering base models is a 170-horsepower electric motor connected to the rear wheels via a single-speed transmission. The new i3s model puts out 184 horsepower and 184 lb-feet of torque from a 32-kWh lithium-ion battery. BMW claims an updated 0-60 mph of 6.9 seconds from the i3s. Rear-wheel drive prevents all that torque steer in check, while also ensuring that the i3 lives up to BMW's high standards for vehicle dynamics and handling. The i3 may be a departure from traditional BMW aesthetics and design, but it still offers the automaker's enthusiasm for performance and style.

BMW claims that the i3 has an electric-only range of about 114 miles in normal everyday driving, which should be plenty for most people's daily commute. The car's charging times are remarkably short; BMW claims a scant 39 minutes are needed to charge the car up to 80 percent capacity through the standard DC fast-charging system. Even at home, on a conventional 220V charger, the i3 only needs about four and a half hours to get from empty to a full charge. For those who desire a bit more range, BMW offers a range extender a small 2-cylinder gasoline engine that functions as a generator. With the range extender, the i3 can travel about 180 miles until it needs a gas or charging station.

The cabin is accessed through a combination of traditional front doors and rear-hinged rear doors. Inside, the i3 uses a variety of materials available in several different color combinations, BMW offers 3 trim packages they call "Worlds" Mega, Giga, and Tera. Many of the materials are renewable, sewn from hemp, kinaff and other unconventional plant fibers. More traditional materials are available as well, if desired.

Standard equipment on the i3 is plentiful, and includes BMW's iDrive system, an integrated SIM card, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, heated front seats, plus rear mounted parking sensors and a stationary climate control system. Options include a navigation system that is smart enough to interact with the car and suggest alternate routes based on battery charge, power moonroof, adaptive LED headlights, a glass roof, automatic climate control, a rearview camera and several driver assistance functions.

MODEL NEWS

For 2018 BMW has introduced an i3 "s" model into the mix. The i3s is the more powerful and sporty version of the i3. Like the standard i3, it's available as a pure electric or as a plug-in hybrid. The i3s makes 184 horsepower, which is 14 more than the standard model, has wider track widths, larger wheels, tires, and a sport-tuned suspension. Aesthetically all i3 models receive LED headlamps standard and are given re-styled bumpers, side skirts and trim. Melbourne Red and Imperial Blue exterior paint is now available.

VALUE WRITEUP

The BMW i3 is part of the new wave of electric and hybrid cars that are becoming more and more popular in the U.S. The i3 has relatively compact external dimensions, but still has a very usable cabin with surprising amounts of interior space. Standard equipment levels are high, and the i3 generally aims to compete in the compact premium segment, offering buyers plenty of luxury features in a car that is perhaps a little smaller than the traditional luxury cars of old.

Of course, the electric drivetrain is what really separates the i3 from its competitors. In standard form, it offers a combination of usable range and remarkably fast charging times. With the optional range extender equipped, the system offers functionality similar to other hybrid cars on the market such as the Chevrolet Volt. The i3 uses a range-extending gasoline engine exclusively as a generator, providing electric power to the rear wheel motors. The i3s base price starts at under $48,000, while versions equipped with a range extender start at around $51,500.