2019 BMW i3 Review

The BMW i3 debuted in 2014, making it one of the first electric vehicles to be offered from a luxury automaker. A lot has changed since then, both in terms of new technology and competitive models, but BMW has maintained the i3 as a relevant pick for EV shoppers by making constant updates.

Thanks to a higher-capacity battery this year, the i3 can now go an EPA-estimated 153 miles on a full charge — a significant jump from last year's 118-mile range. If you get a 2019 i3 equipped with the gasoline Range Extender generator, that figure jumps to 200 miles on a full charge and tank of gas.

Much of the rest of the i3 is the same, which is largely a good thing. Its small size and light weight make it nimble, quick to accelerate and easy to park. It also has one of the more distinctive interiors you'll find in an EV thanks to its curved dashboard design and varied interior color and material choices.

Some flaws remain, however. The rear-hinged rear doors, for instance, are a hassle to open and make getting in and out harder for backseat passengers. The i3's cargo area isn't very big either. And even with 153 miles of range this year, the i3 is increasingly left behind by rivals that can easily go more than 200 miles, such as the Tesla Model 3 and the Hyundai Kona Electric. But if style and urban maneuverability are priorities in your EV purchase, the 2019 BMW i3 deserves a look.

Notably, we picked the 2019 BMW i3 as one of Edmunds' Best Luxury Cars and Best Electric Cars and Cheapest Electric Cars for this year.

What's it like to live with?

For more information on the BMW i3 of this generation, read about our experiences from a full year of living with a 2014 BMW i3 Range Extender. We cover everything from range to comfort. We liked it for its nimble driving characteristics and distinctive interior but had less positive things to say about the rear door and cargo space. The 2019 i3 is available with a larger battery and more additional range, DC fast charging, a newer infotainment system, and heated seats that weren't offered on our 2014 long-term vehicle. It's the same generation, though, so most of our observations still apply.

The 2019 BMW i3 is a four-door hatchback with seating for four passengers that's available in i3 or i3s trim, both of which are battery-electric. You can also get them equipped with a gasoline-powered Range Extender. All four versions are powered with a 42-kWh battery that provides up to 153 miles of range for the battery version or up to 200 miles for the Range Extender model.

Base i3 models have an electric motor (170 horsepower, 184 pound-feet of torque) that drives the rear wheels. It comes well equipped with 19-inch wheels, LED headlights and Level 3 DC fast-charging capability. Inside, the interior upholstery is cloth (Deka World), and it comes with keyless entry, automatic headlights, front and rear parking sensors, and heated front seats. For technology, you get Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay (subscription-based), satellite radio, and BMW's basic Business navigation system with a modest 6.5-inch display screen.

The i3s is the sportier, better-handling version of the i3. Its electric motor cranks out 181 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque, which shortens its 0-60 mph sprint to 6.8 seconds (0.4 second quicker than the base i3). Compared to the i3, the i3s' ride height sits 0.4 inch lower, and its fenders, 20-inch wheels and performance tires are wider.

The only difference between the all-electric and the Range Extender versions is, quite simply, the range-extending, 0.6-liter two-cylinder gasoline generator, which is the same as last year's. Because the Range Extender is heavier, these models don't travel quite as far when operating on electricity alone, maxing out at an estimated 127 miles. A 2.3-gallon fuel tank enables a combined range of 200 miles for both Range Extender versions of i3 and i3s models.

All models can be equipped with the Technology + Driving Assistant package, which adds advanced navigation with a widescreen display, all-speed adaptive cruise control, and forward collision warning with emergency braking.

For the i3, BMW offers three main upholstery packages — Mega World, Giga World and Tera World — that add combinations of leather and wool or full-leather upholstery plus different wheels and interior trim. Stand-alone options include parking sensors, 20-inch wheels (for the regular i3), a wireless charging pad, a premium Harman Kardon audio system and a sunroof.

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 BMW i3 w/Range Extender (battery electric w/0.6L 2-cyl. gasoline generator | 1-speed direct drive | RWD).

NOTE: Since this test was conducted in 2017, the current i3 has received some revisions, including more range, an updated infotainment system, and a revised stability control calibration. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's i3.