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2018 BMW I3 review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
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BMW I3 highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Finely crafted, contemporary cabin
  • Fast and agile thanks to its electric motor and lightweight frame
  • Line-up includes a range-extended model

Cons

  • Competitor models offer more standard range
  • Reverse-hinged rear doors aren't for everyone
  • Compact cargo space and a high-load floor

97 - 114 miles

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Compact electric luxury, with a twist

If you're considering an electric vehicle for the first time or simply looking for a compact daily driver with luxurious features, the BMW i3 is a head-turning option. The 2018 BMW i3 has a second sporty trim, the i3s, which boosts the power and fun factor. Seating for four is standard on all models, and with easy-exit rear-hinged doors for your second-row passengers, the 2018 BMW i3 feels spacious and light on entry and exit. If you want to go beyond the city limits, this all-electric vehicle is available with a range extender, transforming it into a plug-in hybrid with more miles in the tank. With BMW's signature attention to detail, choosing the i3 could be an easy decision to make. Keep reading to find out more in this 2018 BMW i3 review.

All BMW I3 years

What is new for the 2018 BMW I3?

  • The I3 is available in a variety of new trims, including the Range Extender, S, and S Range Extender.
  • The Deka World, Deka World Range Extender, Giga World, Giga World Range Extender, Mega World, Mega World Range Extender, Tera World, and Tera World Range Extender trims have been discontinued for 2018.
  • I3 trims have been upgraded with Rear View Camera, Rear Spoiler, and 20 Inch Plus Wheels as standard equipment this year.
  • Apple CarPlay features are now available as options on select trims.
  • The Base trim now comes with Power Locks, Power Windows, Air Conditioning, Rear Defroster, Cruise Control, ABS Brakes, Cloth Seats, Front Seat Heaters, Power Mirrors, Traction Control, Side Airbags, Overhead Airbags, Parking Sensors, Smart Key, Alloy Wheels, Automatic Transmission, AM/FM Stereo, Auxiliary Audio Input, Satellite Radio Ready, Navigation System, and Bluetooth Technology as standard equipment.

2018 BMW I3 trims

Curious how BMW I3 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

i3:

  •  Includes 19-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, DC fast charging capability, 6.5-inch infotainment screen, cloth upholstery, keyless entry, navigation, USB port, Bluetooth® functionality, heated front seats, rain-sensing windshield wipers, rearview camera, and more. Unlocks Technology and Driving Assistant package option and three upholstery upgrade options: Mega World, Giga World, and Tera World.

i3s:

  •  Adds 20-inch wheels, sport suspension, wider fenders, and a more powerful motor. 

View all BMW i3s in stock

BMW I3 photos

5 reasons to buy the 2018 BMW I3

1. Available range extender

2018 BMW i3: Trim emblem | CarMax

Perhaps you share your car with other family members, doubling your weekly mileage. Or maybe it's your first time with an EV and a familiar helping hand seems like a good idea. The 2018 BMW i3 has an available range extender, transforming your all-electric vehicle into a plug-in hybrid, thanks to the addition of a 0.6L two-cylinder gasoline engine to the overall powertrain package. Increasing your combined range to an EPA-estimated 180 miles on a full charge, your i3 can go farther when you need it to.

2. Unique styling

2018 BMW i3: Side view of car | CarMax

Compact is not a byword for boring, and that's never more true than when you consider the 2018 BMW i3's unique style. You get exciting exterior colors, a classic BMW front fascia with a twist, and short rear-hinged rear doors that help open up the whole cabin. These quirky design details ensure the i3 stands out from the crowd, while still retaining luxurious BMW finishing.

3. The sporty i3s trim

2018 BMW i3: Front view of car | CarMax

New for the 2018 model year is the i3s trim. Engineered for a sportier feel, the i3s has subtle enhancements that will appeal to fans of the BMW M Series. Increased power, a lower and wider chassis, and wide 20-inch wheels give this trim a dynamic look that feels road-responsive on highway twists and turns.

4. Convenient dimensions

2018 BMW i3: Front seats | CarMax

The 2018 BMW i3 offers a roomy interior for your passengers and cargo, along with exterior dimensions that ensure you'll remain undefeated in any parking lot challenge. The standard i3 is 80.3 inches wide (including mirrors) and 13.1 feet long, with a turning circle of just 32.4 feet. Once inside, you'll enjoy 83.6 cu-ft of passenger volume, with easy entry and exit doors and a 15.1 cu-ft trunk for your gear. These thoughtful dimensions mean the i3 is clever as well as comfortable.

5. Updated infotainment interface

2018 BMW i3: Entertainment screen | CarMax

The BMW iDrive infotainment system received some upgraded functionality for 2018, including newly available Apple CarPlay® compatibility. The i3 and i3s have plenty of other standard tech luxuries too. Smartphone integration and built-in navigation will keep you connected to your family, friends, and the final destination, with 2018 models benefiting from improved speech and voice control recognition software. If you love premium sound or like to have additional driver aids on hand, you can shop for a model with those adds-ons.

Similar vehicles

If you're interested in the 2018 BMW I3, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.

Image of Chevrolet Bolt EV

Fun to drive and full of energy, the 2017-2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV is a four-door compact car with seating for five passengers. The 2017-2021 Bolt EV is powered by a 200-hp onboard electric motor with a 66kW lithium-ion battery. When fully charged, this powertrain delivers an EPA-estimated 119 MPGe combined for 2017-2019 models and an EPA-estimated 118 MPGe combined for 2020-2021 models.

2017-2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV LT base-trim features include:

  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality

  • Cloth upholstery

  • Rearview camera

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.8 out of 5

5 customer reviews
4
Excellent

RepairPal gave the BMW I3 an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks BMW I3 1st out of 1 among Luxury Cars.

View RepairPal's full rating of the BMW I3

BMW I3 features and specs

Range Extender 2WD 4D Hatchback

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Cloth Seats
  • Cruise Control
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Navigation System
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Traction Control
  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Harman Kardon Sound
  • Leather Seats
  • Leatherette & Cloth
  • Navigation System
  • Sunroof(s)

Drive Wheels

Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

0.0L

Horsepower

170

Torque (ft-lbs)

184

Engine type

Electric

Fuel capacity

2.3

Wheelbase

101.2"

Overall length

158.3"

Width

69.9"

Height

62.9"

Leg room

F 40.5"/R 31.9"

Head room

F 39.6"/R 37.2"

Front tires

P155/70R19

Rear tires

P175/60R19

Seating capacity

4

Transmission

Automatic

2018 BMW I3 FAQ

More about the 2018 BMW I3

Color options

2018 BMW i3: Color options | CarMax

Exterior colors:

  • Capparis White/Frozen Blue 

  • Fluid Black/Frozen Blue

  • Imperial Blue Metallic/Frozen Gray

  • Melbourne Red Metallic/Frozen Gray

  • Mineral Gray Metallic/Frozen Blue

  • Protonic Blue Metallic/Frozen Gray 

Interior colors:

  • Atelier European Dark

  • Giga Brown/Carum Spice Gray

  • Mega Carum Spice Gray/Carum Spice Gray

  • Tera Dalbergia Brown

Interior details

The 2018 BMW i3 is a four-door, four-passenger, compact hatchback with luxury finishing and unique style accents. Cloth upholstery is standard, with three stand-alone package options that can upgrade the seating to SensaTec synthetic leather/cloth, leather/cloth, or full leather. Front-row passengers enjoy 40.5 inches of legroom, heated seats, cup holders, door cubbies, and a center console storage bin. Rear passengers get 31.9 inches of legroom, central dual cup holders, and front seatback storage nets. Cargo is another pleasant i3 surprise. Standard cargo storage is 15.1 cu-ft, increasing to 36.9 cu-ft when the rear row is folded down.

Child seat details 

The 2018 BMW i3 has two complete sets of LATCH connectors (two lower anchors and an upper tether) in the second-row outboard seats. The lower anchors are clearly indicated and easy to reach. The upper tethers are located behind the seatback. Two seats can be fixed in place with an installation that's easier than most, thanks to the absence of a central pillar and the unique addition of short rear-hinged rear doors. All seat types are accommodated, though some rear-facing seats will impact front-row legroom.

Performance

The 2018 BMW i3 is powered by a 170-hp electric motor and 33kWh lithium-ion battery. The sporty i3s is powered by the same battery-electric combination, but is tuned to 184 hp for faster acceleration. The i3s will achieve zero to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds, while the standard model will do it in 7.2 seconds (according to the manufacturer, when new).

On a full charge, the 2018 BMW i3 has an EPA-estimated range of 114 miles, and the i3s has an EPA-estimated total range of 107 miles.

The i3 and i3s can be found with a range extender, adding a 0.6L two-cylinder gasoline engine for more miles once your battery power is used up. Adding the range extender to either trim makes the vehicle heavier, so while the overall range increases to an EPA-estimated 180 miles on a full charge, the electric-only range drops to an EPA-estimated 97 miles on a full charge.

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Year comparison 

2014-2021 BMW i3 (first generation)

The BMW i3 was introduced as a brand-new compact luxury electric vehicle in 2014. For 2015, the i3 gained standard DC fast charging capability and heated front seats. Following a no-change year in 2016, the 2017 BMW i3 was equipped with a larger battery. The sporty i3s trim was added to the lineup in 2018. Battery improvements for 2019 models increased the i3 and i3s electric-only range to an EPA-estimated 153 miles on a full charge.

 There were no changes for the 2020-2021 model years.

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