2017 BMW i3 Review

Name: 2017 BMW i3 Review
Brand: BMW

Price Range: $13,790 - $17,590

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$15,187 avg. price

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Appraise My 2017 BMW i3

BMW i3 model years

2014

BMW i3 for Sale

BMW i3 types

Edmunds' Expert Review

by Dan Edmunds

Pros

Expanded driving range meet most daily needs
Strong yet lightweight chassis makes it quick and nimble
Attractive and well-crafted interior has a unique architectural style
Commanding driving position is highly adjustable

Cons

Reverse-hinged rear doors not ideal for passengers in parking lots
Range extender is not intended for cross-country travel
Cargo area isn't large, and has a high load floor

What’s new

For 2017, the BMW i3 enters its fourth year of production largely unchanged except for one major advance: the availability of a larger battery. Now with 45 percent more usable storage capacity, the pure plug-in i3 can go an estimated 114 miles on a charge, an increase of 33 miles. The Range Extender version, which comes exclusively with this bigger battery, enjoys a 30-mile range increase.

But the enlarged battery does cost more, so to partially offset the price the models with the enlarged battery now come standard with a new lower-cost Deka World cloth interior, with last year's baseline Mega World imitation-leather and cloth upholstery becoming an extra-cost option. A new optional sunroof is also available.

Vehicle overview

We were fans of the BMW i3 when it came out because of its nimble handling, eager acceleration and distinctive interior styling. That's all present in the 2017 BMW i3, but now it has a bigger battery for improved all-electric range. If you're looking for a premium yet practical EV, the i3 is your car.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale near San Jose, CA

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2017 BMW i3
Base 4dr Hatchback w/Range Extender
$14,998
fair price
$460 below market
- 45,046 miles
- CarMax Bakersfield (200 mi away)
- Delivery available*
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Upgraded Headlights
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Located in Bakersfield, CA
CarMax values transparency and wants you to love your next car, not settle on it. Certain vehicles may have unrepaired safety recalls. Check nhtsa.gov...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary Unavailable.
Features and Specs:
Listing Information:
VIN: WBY1Z8C30HV894237
Stock: 27288699
Certified Pre-Owned: No
New Listing
2017 BMW i3
Base 4dr Hatchback w/Range Extender
$13,388
fair price
$299 below market
- 71,373 miles
- No accidents, 3 owners, corporate fleet vehicle
- Lexus of Concord (58 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Upgraded Headlights
Close
Located in Concord, CA
BLUETOOTH WIRELESS / HANDS FREE, USB PORTS, BACKUP CAMERA, KEYLESS ENTRY, ALLOY WHEELS, ***CLEAN CARFAX***.WE WANT YOUR TRADE IN! We offer you a gu...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
Listing Information:
VIN: WBY1Z8C39HV893670
Stock: B20778
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 07-02-2025

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Most would rightly conclude that the BMW i3 is some kind of eco-car when gazing at its unconventional styling. But there's more to this electric vehicle than skinny tires and compact dimensions.

In designing the i3 to be a dedicated electric vehicle at the outset, BMW went to great lengths to maximize the potential of the car's electric motor and battery pack. And so it is a featherweight car whose body shell is made entirely of carbon fiber, a racing-derived material that is stronger than steel yet lighter than aluminum. The result is spirited acceleration, more range for a given size of battery and an uncommonly low center of mass that fosters the i3's nimble handling.

The optional Range Extender's gasoline engine generates electricity once the battery runs low, but please don't compare this to a Chevrolet Volt. BMW is aiming for a higher electric vehicle classification than the Volt, so its tiny 0.6-liter two-cylinder engine and 2.5-gallon gas tank are intentionally insufficient for interstate travel.

Notably, we picked the 2017 BMW i3 as one of Edmunds' Best Used Cars.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

4.5 / 5

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions, although trim levels share many aspects. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2014 BMW i3 w/Range Extender (battery electric 1-speed direct drive w/0.6L 2-cyl. gasoline generator)

NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current BMW i3 has received some revisions, including more standard equipment (seat heaters, DC fast charging and automatic wipers). The most significant change is the new larger battery that improves the all-electric i3's range to 114 miles, a 33-mile boost. Our Range Extender test car could go 72 miles on electricity and 150 miles total; a similar 2017 example goes 97 miles on electricity and 180 miles total. But our findings still remain broadly applicable to this year's BMW i3.

Scorecard

Overall	4.5 / 5
Driving	5.0
Comfort	4.0
Interior	4.5
Utility	4.0
Technology	4.5

Driving

5.0

The BMW i3 is a surprisingly good all-around performer, and the i3 REX is no exception. The range extender adds 265 pounds, but it doesn't upset the finely balanced handling and responsive steering. It's a touch slower to 60 mph, but 7.1 seconds to 60 mph is still quick in the EV segment.

Acceleration

5.0

Our i3 with the range extender weighs 265 pounds more than a regular i3, so it takes 7.1 seconds to get to 60 mph instead of 6.6 seconds. But this is still quick for an EV. It's much slower when the generator is making juice, though, because the range extender mainly functions as a backup system.

Braking

5.0

You'll rarely engage the smooth, predictable-feeling brake pedal because substantial off-throttle regenerative braking handles most routine stops in a very engaging way. The Range Extender needs 111 feet to make a panic stop from 60 mph, just 2 feet more than a regular i3 and no less astounding.

Steering

4.0

Quick, responsive steering and a short wheelbase add up to an ultra-tight turning circle and excellent city maneuverability. But these same attributes can make it feel a bit darty on the highway at speed, especially in places where the surface is grooved to dissipate rainwater.

Handling

4.5

Don't let those skinny tires fool you. This one is impressively coordinated and exhibits supremely balanced cornering behavior because of its 50/50 weight balance, rear-wheel drive and low center of gravity.

Drivability

5.0

Zero-shift electric vehicle behavior makes for utterly smooth acceleration and braking. The high level of natural off-throttle regenerative braking allows for one-pedal driving, which is both very efficient and loads of fun once you get the hang of it.

Comfort

4.0

The seats and seating position are surprisingly comfortable, and the ride exhibits a level of polish you might not expect. It's very quiet, too, in all-electric mode. But you'll hear the gas generator if the battery runs out of juice and the i3 switches to extended-range mode.

Seat comfort

4.0

Supportive and comfortable leather seats employ manual adjusters to save weight and electricity. Telescopic steering wheel has a big adjustment span, assuring a good driving position for tall and short alike. The elevated backseat is pretty comfy, too.

Ride comfort

3.5

The i3's carbon-fiber structure is supremely rigid, which virtually eliminates shudder and shake on rough roads. The suspension does an admirable job of absorbing road imperfections and potholes, but no one would describe the ride here as plush.

Noise & vibration

3.5

There's a touch of wind and road noise on the highway that's only noticeable because the electric motor is silent. That changes if the gas generator comes on after the battery is depleted; it growls like a motorhome generator, especially on hills.

Climate control

4.5

Automatic climate control comes standard, and the system works well and employs simple controls that are positioned front and center. Electric-supplied heat comes up to temp quicker than in gasoline-powered cars that must wait for engine heat in the morning.

Interior

4.5

The i3's functional and friendly cabin is an inviting place to spend your commute. There's a lot of no-nonsense practicality but oodles of style and innovative design, too.

Ease of use

4.0

The nontraditional shifter stalk is actually intuitive and easy to use once you use it a few times. The typical BMW iDrive control and screen menus work well, and the steering-mounted controls make up for an odd volume knob and preset placement.

Getting in/getting out

3.0

It's pretty easy for the driver to get in and out despite a somewhat wide doorsill. The reverse-hinged rear doors open wide. But getting in the back is a two-step process, as you must open the front side doors in order to swing the rear doors open.

Driving position

5.0

The front seats are manually adjustable to save electricity, but they're easy to set and the adjustment range is generous. The same is true of the tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. The gauges are easy to see through the wheel. The result: a great driving position for just about everyone.

Roominess

4.0

There is legitimate room for four adults to fit comfortably inside the i3, with adequate leg- and headroom all around. Rear occupants may eventually notice it's a tad narrow back there, but as an electric vehicle, the i3 isn't a long-distance interstate cruiser anyway.

Visibility

4.0

Expansive forward and side visibility is aided by the elevated seating position. The odd dip in the rear door window is useful in this respect, and the rear three-quarter blind spot isn't too bad. Rear parking sensors come standard, but front parking sensors and a rearview camera are optional.

Quality

5.0

The i3 costs more than the EVs it competes with, but the interior quality and modern design more than justify the extra cost. There's an intriguing mix of high-quality and eco-friendly materials. Typically solid BMW switchgear.

Utility

4.0

Plentiful storage in the cabin, but the 11.2-cubic-foot trunk is small and a bit high because the motor is under the floor. Rear-hinged doors are mostly a boon to attending to kids in car seats; they're especially good for forward-facing seats but less ideal for some bulkier rear-facing ones.

Small-item storage

4.0

The i3 has big door bins, a decent amount of dash storage and a small but useful in-armrest bin. And there's sufficient open space under the flip-up center armrest for a medium-sized purse. Backseat passengers have dedicated center-mounted cupholders.

Cargo space

3.0

The trunk is smallish, at 11.2 cubic feet, because the electric motor and generator are housed under the floor. This makes the loading height a bit high, too. The i3's high roof offsets these issues somewhat, and the rear seats do fold absolutely flat. There's good usable space if you fold one or both.

Child safety seat accommodation

4.0

Reverse-hinged doors give uncommonly good access to front-facing seats. Access to some bulky rear-facing ones can be tough, and the open rear door may impede stroller access to the hatch. The two car seat positions benefit from LATCH and Isofix anchors that are easily accessed under plastic covers.

Technology

4.5

The i3 comes across as a very technology-rich machine in standard form, and just one package — the Technology + Driving Assistant package — gets you the upgraded navigation and the most desirable active driving aids. Get the Parking Assistant package for a rear camera and automated parking.

Audio & navigation

4.0

Standard Business navigation has a small screen and basic functionality. We got the optional Professional navigation because of its broader screen, hard-drive map data and more advanced BMW online services. Audio system has FM/satellite/HD radio, Bluetooth and USB, but no AM radio or CD slot.

Smartphone integration

5.0

Phone pairing for Bluetooth phone and audio is easy, and the USB-iPod music interface is easy to manage via the iDrive controller, particularly with the larger interface screen of the Professional entertainment and navigation system.

Driver aids

5.0

The optional adaptive cruise control via the Technology + Driving Assistant package is a good example of the breed as it works all the way down to a full stop. Forward collision warning with collision mitigation braking comes with it, too. Automated parallel parking system is available separately.

Voice control

3.5

Works fairly well, but like many such systems, it does not recognize all names, particularly if they're not rooted firmly in English.

Compare 2017 BMW i3 trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

2017 BMW i3 models

The 2017 BMW i3 is a four-door hatchback with seating for four passengers. The case for the i3 is even stronger this year because of the introduction of a larger battery that significantly extends its electric driving range. Two of this year's three trim levels have that bigger battery, namely the base and Range Extender versions. But the enlarged battery does cost more, so last year's smaller one is still available in the new 60 Ah version ("60 Ah" refers to the amp-hour capability of the battery).

Compared to last year's base i3, the only thing different about the 60 Ah model is the name. Apart from that it is a pure carryover model with the same 170-horsepower electric motor that drives the rear wheels. It's fed by a 22-kilowatt-hour battery that provides enough power for an estimated 81 miles of range. As before, it comes well equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, rear parking sensors and Level 3 DC fast-charging capability. Inside, it retains the Mega World imitation-leather and cloth upholstery, and it comes with automatic climate control, heated front seats, Bluetooth, FM, HD and satellite radio, and BMW's basic Business navigation system with a modest 6.5-inch display screen.

Paradoxically, the base i3 is the next rung up the ladder, owing to the extra cost associated with its larger 33-kWh battery (which provides 114 miles of estimated range). The only visible external clues are its upgraded wheels and tires, which are also wider in back. You get keyless ignition and entry with this version, but interior upholstery is cloth (Deka World), with the 60 Ah trim's Mega World imitation-leather interior available as an upgrade. The otherwise-identical basic navigation system is bolstered with enhanced real-time traffic data.

The only difference between the base and the Range Extender is, quite simply, the range-extending 0.6-liter two-cylinder gasoline generator, which is the same as last year. Because the Range Extender is heavier, it travels an estimated 97 miles on electricity. An incremental increase in fuel capacity this year — 2.4 gallons instead of 1.9 gallons — enables a combined range of 180 miles of driving range.

All models can be equipped with the Technology + Driving Assistant package (advanced navigation with a widescreen display and advanced local search, all-speed adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking) or the Parking Assistant package (rearview camera, added front parking sensors, automated parking). In addition to the interiors already mentioned, any can be equipped with leather and wool or full-leather upholstery. You can also add 20-inch wheels, a premium stereo upgrade or a new power glass sunroof, the latter being the only option you can't add to the 60 Ah version.

2017 BMW i3 EV Insights

Trim:

i3 60 Ah

Estimated Range Based on Age

Not available

Charging

SAE Combo

Plug Type

No charging time information available

EV Battery Warranty

8 yrs or 100,000 miles

According to GeoTab’s data, if the observed degradation rates are maintained, the vast majority of batteries will outlast the usable life of the vehicle.

Exceeded original 8 year warranty.

EV Tax Credits & Rebates

$8,100

Available Rebates. Restrictions apply.

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Cost to Drive

$109/mo

$223/mo

Car Avg.

Monthly estimates based on costs in California

Am I Ready for an EV?

EV ownership works best if you can charge at home (240V outlet)
Adding a home charging system is estimated to cost $1,616 in
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Model

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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

4/5Excellent

#4 out of 26 among Luxury Compact Cars

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

$586/yr

vs. $554/yr
for Average Luxury Compact Car

Frequency

0.37x/yr

vs. 1.57x/yr
for Average Luxury Compact Car

Severity

9.2%

vs. 11.1%
for Average Luxury Compact Car

BMW i3 Owner Reviews

4.7

35 reviews

5(77%)

4(20%)

3(0%)

2(0%)

1(3%)

See all 35 reviews Write a vehicle review

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Amazing in so many ways

N LeBert, 08/15/2017

2017 BMW i3 4dr Hatchback w/Range Extender (0.6L 2cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid DD)

This car has exceeded all my expectations. It's the 2017 Rex Terra world. Most of my driving is highway and oh what fun it is. Looks small from outside, especially from the rear, but inside you feel you are in a spacious car of the future. The handling and comfort are most surprising for an electric car and even more surprising is the acceleration and control you have. Some things … about the car take a little time getting used to, such as the regenerative breaking. But after a few days, it becomes so natural you soon realize this should be in all cars. The back seats fit only two adults but in the two times in the eight months I have owned the car, I have had someone in the rear seats only twice and they were quite comfortable. I'm glad I got the Rex which provides a generator to charge the batteries as you drive to go an additional 80 to 90 miles. That's more than an hour of driving until you find a gas station. I've only been to the gas station a few times. Most drivers would not even need the Rex but it does help with the Range Anxiety. The maintenance on this car is just about none. I drive 80 miles to work and back each day. I have enjoyed the quiet comfortable ride every day. My average speed is 75 mph on the highway and I look forward to driving every day. It's just so much fun... Well, I just changed my rear tires at 37,000 miles. I'm sure many of the very quick takeoffs (rear wheel drive) had some negative impact on the tire wear. The front tires look like they have another 15,000 to go. Update Sep 2019: I now have 53,000 miles on the car and it looks and drives like new. Still very happy. Update Sep 2020: I now have 71,500 miles on the car and I took it in for service. No problems were found. Oil change in the range extender and suggested replacement of the rear tires. Replaced those but the front tires are still in good condition and good tread. The car looks great and drives like it did when new. Still enjoying my i3 very much. Update Sep 2022: Have 104,400 miles on the car and I have had no problems yet. I did get the brake lines drained and new fluid replaced as required every 5 years. I had to replace the front tires and will soon need to replace the back tires maybe in about 6 more months or so. The car drives and looks as though it is brand new. No rattles or squeaks yet and I guess this is due in part to the frame being carbon fiber instead of steel. The brakes are seldom used and so far the original rotors have many more miles still left on them. I have notice the distance I can drive has gone down about 10 miles from the original 114 to now about 104 on average. The electric cost has averaged about 3.4 cents per mile. My only disappointments are that the car should have come with Blind Spot Monitor and the cruise control is too often unavailable. What I love most is the fun to drive, how quite it is. The Forward Collision Warning and Brake Assist have come into play several times and kept me from an unexpected collision. All cars should have this. So far I am very happy and plan to keep this car for many years. Update March 2024: My car now has over 123,000 miles and still enough battery capacity when fully charged to go just over 100 miles on a full charge. I do take a couple of trips each month to Lake City from Jacksonville Florida and so for that I do use the Range Extender. I'm scheduled now to get a new set of front tires. I got my new front tires at 83,505 miles. I got about 40,000 miles on this set I now have. I find that keeping the tires inflated about 35 (front) seems to work best for me. I am also scheduled to have my brake pads replaced for the first time. I also had to replace the top rubber gasket at the top of my windshield as it was cracked and broken in a few places. This caused some wind noise. I did the replacement myself and it was not as easy as it looked on YouTube. The car remains to be in great condition inside and out. I am still very happy with my i3 and still plan to hold on to it for a few more years at least.

Great update for 2017

CK, 11/10/2016

2017 BMW i3 4dr Hatchback w/Range Extender (0.6L 2cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid DD)

While I think some more tweaks are needed to set the car apart, overall this is a great car. It's my second electric (previously had a Leaf) and the Bimmer is an exceptional commuter. No range anxiety with this especially with the new battery. I've driven over 100 miles and still had 37% percent battery charge left. The new color option of protonic blue is a great step forward. …

Love the quiet

David Vener, 12/19/2016

2017 BMW i3 4dr Hatchback w/Range Extender (0.6L 2cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid DD)

It's been a great first month. The car has had no issues. Acceleration is amazing and the quiet is just sublime. Good sound insulation also protects the interior from external noise as well as the lack of engine noise. We've had no problems; range is as advertised. Installed a 220 v 40 amp charger in the garage that is very convenient. Haven't had to use the Range extender yet, …

So far a great choice!

i3Driver, 09/14/2016

2016 BMW i3 4dr Hatchback w/Range Extender (0.6L 2cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid DD)

I was first hesitant to make the jump to electric before the next year or so, there are a few great car coming out. But since I have a VW TDI Passat being bought back, I needed a new car as a replacement. Unfortunately, there is not any other car I could find that would compare to the Passat for MPG and interior room. I test drove a BMW 5 series and was disappointed, I felt …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2017 BMW i3, so we've included reviews for other years of the i3 since its last redesign.

See all 35 reviews of the BMW i3

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2017 i3 Highlights

Type:

Hatchback

Trim:

60 Ah

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$42,400
EV Tax Credits & Rebates	$8,100 Based on income
Engine Type	Electric
Cost to Drive	$109/month
Seating	4 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	15.1 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles
EV Battery Warranty	8 years / 100,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the i3 models:

Active Driving Assistant: Reduces the likelihood and severity of a front collision by issuing a warning before intervening with automatic emergency braking.
Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go: Manages the gap to the car ahead, even down to a standstill in routine stop-and-go traffic; alerts driver in sudden slowdown situations.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System: Warns driver of insufficient tire pressure well before a slow unnoticed leak can lead to a blowout-caused roadside stranding or accident.

2017 BMW i3 Review

Price & Payment

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Vehicle overview

For sale near San Jose, CA

2017 BMW i3Base 4dr Hatchback w/Range Extender

2017 BMW i3Base 4dr Hatchback w/Range Extender

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

Edmunds' Expert Rating

Trim tested

Scorecard

Driving

Acceleration

Braking

Steering

Handling

Drivability

Comfort

Seat comfort

Ride comfort

Noise & vibration

Climate control

Interior

Ease of use

Getting in/getting out

Driving position

Roominess

Visibility

Quality

Utility

Small-item storage

Cargo space

Child safety seat accommodation

Technology

Audio & navigation

Smartphone integration

Driver aids

Voice control

Which i3 does Edmunds recommend?

2017 BMW i3 models

2017 BMW i3 EV Insights

Estimated Range Based on Age

Charging

EV Battery Warranty

EV Tax Credits & Rebates

Cost to Drive

Am I Ready for an EV?

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

BMW i3 Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Amazing in so many ways

Great update for 2017

Love the quiet

So far a great choice!

2017 i3 Highlights

Safety

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2017 BMW i3
Base 4dr Hatchback w/Range Extender

2017 BMW i3
Base 4dr Hatchback w/Range Extender