2019 BMW I3 review

1. Potent electric motors 

The 2019 BMW i3 is offered with a choice of two separate electric motor options, both of which have more than enough power to liven up any city cruising with great longevity to put your mind at ease on longer journeys. The standard 125-kW motor produces 170 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, with the optional i3s 135-kW motor upping that to 181 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque. With both engines driving exclusively the rear wheels, you get a fun drive with the bonus of instant torque. Additionally, both engines are capable of an EPA-estimated 113 MPGe combined and an EPA-estimated range of up to 153 miles, on a full charge.

2. Stylish exterior and interior 

Take one look at the 2019 BMW i3 and you can tell exactly what it's all about: youthful adventure and excitement meet a high-tech progressive design. It looks thoroughly modern and funky, both inside and out. The futuristic look of the exterior is matched by six color combination options, including primary and accent colors. Alongside the sweeping and futuristic dashboard design, you have the ability to kit out your BMW i3 with a selection of upholstery packages and interior colors too. 

The Mega World, Giga World, and Tera World packages all offer unique combinations of upholstery and trim patterns, from partial to full leather. The 2019 BMW i3 is a small car packed with style and a big personality. 

3. Available range extender

The 2019 BMW i3's electric motor options are ideally suited for everyday city and urban driving. But should you wish to go further afield on your adventures, or just maximize time between charges, there is an optional 0.6L two-cylinder range extender generator available on all models. This turns the all-electric i3 into a plug-in hybrid and this combined power unit is capable of an EPA-estimated 100 combined MPGe (electric)/31 combined MPG (gas), with an EPA-estimated range of 126 miles on a full charge (electric only), and an EPA-estimated range of 200 miles with a full charge and a full tank of gas.

For that extra bit of versatility and peace of mind—knowing you can go that crucial bit further between charges and explore further afield than ever—the 2019 BMW i3's optional range extender unit is a great choice.

4. Stacked feature list

With no specific trim levels and all features available either standard or optional on all trim levels, the 2019 BMW i3 can be found packed with as much equipment and driver convenience technologies as you like. Standard equipment you get right out of the gate includes automatic headlights, front and rear parking sensors, and a 6.5-inch display screen with Bluetooth^® and Apple CarPlay^® functionality. The available Technology + Driver Assistant package adds driver convenience features like all-speed adaptive cruise control and forward-collision warning with emergency braking. Standalone options to look out for on the 2019 BMW i3 include a sunroof, a wireless charging pad, and an enhanced Harman Kardon^™ sound system. 

5. Spacious & comfortable interior

Don't let the small subcompact size or futuristic interior design fool you into thinking the 2019 BMW i3 is small inside; it's quite the opposite, in fact. There's space for up to four passengers inside to stretch out with ease, with a total of 84.3 cu-ft of passenger volume, 40.5 inches of front-seat legroom, and 31.9 inches of rear-seat legroom. 

The ability to fold the rear seats flat allows up to 36.9 cu-ft of luggage volume, more than enough for particularly big grocery bags or when extra storage is required. That spacious interior is comfortable and pleasant to spend time in, too. Heated front seats are standard on all i3 models, and the suite of interior packages available allows you to kit out your i3 in full leather upholstery if you so wish.