Edmunds 2018 BMW i3 debut from the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show. Senior Writer Mark Takahashi takes a look at the refreshed 2018 BMW i3. The EV hatchback received cosmetic changes so slight that it's difficult to be able to tell what's new. But the big news is the introduction of the i3s model -- "s" as in "Sport" -- which has 184 horsepower, a marginal increase over the 170 hp of the regular model. Watch the video for more details about the new "sporty" i3 EV.
Transcript
[MUSIC PLAYING] MARK TAKAHASHI: Hey, everybody. I'm here at the Frankfurt Motor Show, taking a look at the slightly refreshed BMW i3. Now it's got some cosmetic changes here and there, but really, really, they're slight. So slight, honestly, I don't know what they changed. The bigger news, however, is they're introducing a new model called the i3S. As you'd expect, the S stands for Sport. Don't really expect too much sportiness from an i3, but it's got a marginal increase. So it has 184 horsepower. Now that compares against the regular 170 horsepower. On top of that, it's got a sportier suspension that's just a little bit lower, by about a quarter of an inch. It also has slightly wider tires, though it's kind of hard to tell, because the i3 already had really, really narrow tires. With this increase in power, it should get to 60 miles an hour in about a half second quicker than the regular version, so expect in the low to mid six second range. Like the regular i3, it will also have the range-extender option. Inside, the i3 also has a slightly updated infotainment screen. Should be a higher resolution and some new features here and there. One of the newer tech features is actually a parking helper. In certain urban areas, it will point out your most likely areas to find a parking spot. Now that's really helpful. Look for these i3s to start showing up in dealerships somewhere near the end of 2017. For more information on the i3, and any other EV, head over to Edmunds.com. [MUSIC PLAYING] If you want to see more videos like this, hit subscribe and check out all of our other videos. [MUSIC PLAYING]
Sharp handling, rapid acceleration and unique interior styling have made us fans of the BMW i3 since its debut. For 2018, the i3 gets a modest face-lift, loses the base 60 Ah version, and gains a variant that has more power and sharper handling.
The i3 was built from the ground up as an electric vehicle, freeing its stylists from the need to make room for a bulky gasoline engine and fuel tank. Instead, the i3 was shaped around its battery and a compact electric motor, giving it a unique profile. BMW wanted to make the car as light as possible and, as such, it manufactures the body shell entirely of carbon fiber, a material stronger than steel yet lighter than aluminum.
We like the i3's unconventional interior. The controls are laid out in an intuitive fashion, and the driving position is excellent. The back seat is roomier than you might expect, though entry is a two-step process because you must first open the front doors before you can open the rear-hinged back doors. The trunk is on the small side at 15.1 cubic feet, and because the drive motor and optional range extender are placed under the trunk floor, the loading height is rather high.
Base i3 models are powered by a 170-horsepower electric motor that drives the rear wheels. For 2018, an i3s model has been added, and it has 184 hp, a sport-tuned suspension and summer tires.
BMW also offers a Range Extender trim level each for the i3 and i3s, which has a tiny 0.6-liter two-cylinder gasoline engine fed by a 2.3-gallon fuel tank. When the battery runs low, the engine generates electrical power to extend the i3's total range to about 180 miles. Unlike the Chevrolet Volt's ample gasoline range, the i3's engine is really just a get-you-home measure. By design, it's insufficient for interstate travel.
The i3's performance is surprisingly good. You can expect 0-60 mph to take about 7 seconds, which is quick for an electric car. The range extender adds 265 pounds of weight, so expect slightly slower acceleration. The new i3s is the sportiest of the bunch.
The super-skinny front tires might cast doubt on the i3's handling prowess, but with a low center of gravity and an even front-to-rear weight balance, the i3 is an entertaining BMW. The short wheelbase makes for great maneuverability, though it can feel somewhat darty and sensitive at freeway speeds.
The i3 is offered in base, i3s and Range Extender models. There are options, but it's a modest list by BMW standards. Use Edmunds' incomparable shopping tools to help you find the perfect BMW i3.
2018 BMW i3 Overview
The all-electric 2018 BMW i3 utilizes an electric motor and is available in the following styles:
The 4dr Hatchback w/Range Extender (electric DD) comes with an electric, rear wheel drive, and with a 1-speed direct drive transmission. The 4dr Hatchback w/Range Extender (electric DD) comes with a basic warranty of 4 yr./ 50000 mi., a 4 yr./ unlimited mi. roadside warranty, and a 4 yr./ 50000 mi. powertrain warranty.
The 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) comes with an electric, rear wheel drive, and with a 1-speed direct drive transmission. The 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) comes with a basic warranty of 4 yr./ 50000 mi., a 4 yr./ unlimited mi. roadside warranty, and a 4 yr./ 50000 mi. powertrain warranty.
The s 4dr Hatchback w/Range Extender (electric DD) comes with an electric, rear wheel drive, and with a 1-speed direct drive transmission. The s 4dr Hatchback w/Range Extender (electric DD) comes with a basic warranty of 4 yr./ 50000 mi., a 4 yr./ unlimited mi. roadside warranty, and a 4 yr./ 50000 mi. powertrain warranty.
What should I pay for a new 2018 BMW i3?
2018 BMW i3 s 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)
The 2018 BMW i3 s 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $54914. The average price paid for a new 2018 BMW i3 s 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) is trending $2569 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $2569 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $52345.
The average savings for the 2018 BMW i3 s 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) is 4.7% below the MSRP.
We are showing 1 s 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) 2018 BMW i3 s 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2018 BMW i3 4dr Hatchback w/Range Extender (electric DD)
The 2018 BMW i3 4dr Hatchback w/Range Extender (electric DD) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $56995. The average price paid for a new 2018 BMW i3 4dr Hatchback w/Range Extender (electric DD) is trending $2829.8 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $2829.8 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $54165.2.
The average savings for the 2018 BMW i3 4dr Hatchback w/Range Extender (electric DD) is 5% below the MSRP.
We are showing 18 4dr Hatchback w/Range Extender (electric DD) 2018 BMW i3 4dr Hatchback w/Range Extender (electric DD) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
Is the 2018 BMW i3 a good car? Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 BMW i3 and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 i3 featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process All of our reviews are written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
2018 BMW i3 inventory listings Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2018 BMW i3 for sale near Ashburn VA. There are currently 20 new and 28 used and CPO 2018 i3s listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as 45421 and mileage as low as 0. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2018 BMW i3. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to 3260 on a new, used, or CPO 2018 i3 available from one of 2630 dealerships in your area.
How can Edmunds help? Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color
What options are available on the 2018 BMW i3?
Available BMW i3 2018 Submodel Types: Hatchback
Available BMW i3 2018 Trims: w/Range Extender, Base, s
Exterior Colors: Arravani Grey w/BMW i Frozen Blue Accent, Capparis White w/BMW i Frozen Blue Accent, Ionic Silver Metallic w/BMW i Frozen Blue Accent, Protonic Blue Metallic w/Frozen Grey Accent, Fluid Black w/BMW i Frozen Blue Accent, Mineral Grey w/BMW i Frozen Blue Accent, Andesite Silver Metallic w/BMW i Frozen Blue Accent, Imperial Blue Metallic w/Frozen Grey Accent, Solar Orange Metallic w/Frozen Grey Accent, Laurel Grey Metallic w/BMW i Frozen Blue Accent, Melbourne Red Metallic w/Frozen Grey Accent
Interior Colors: Mega Carum Spice Grey and Carum Spice Grey leatherette/cloth, Giga Brown Natural and Carum Spice Grey leather/cloth, Atelier European Dark cloth, Giga Cassia and Carum Spice Grey leather/cloth, Tera Dalbergia Brown leather, Tera Dalbergia Brown Natural leather
