2019 BMW i3 Review

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Used i3 for sale

$19,590 - $24,590

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BMW i3 model years

2014

BMW i3 for Sale

BMW i3 types

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Edmunds' Expert Review

byCalvin Kim^{Vehicle Test Engineer
Calvin Kim is an automotive journalist at Edmunds.}

Pros

Quick and nimble due to lightweight chassis
Well-crafted, contemporary interior has a distinctive style
Available range-extender model

Cons

Pricier than rivals
Reverse-hinged rear doors are suboptimal in parking lots
Cargo area isn't large and has a high load floor

What's new

Larger 42-kWh battery pack provides 153 miles of range (30 percent more than 2018)
Front and rear parking sensors and BMW's ConnectedDrive services are now standard
New exterior colors and interior trim options
Part of the first i3 generation introduced for 2014

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.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

2019 BMW i3 EV Insights

Trim:

i3 Base

Estimated Range Based on Age

142 miles^{The range for a used 2019 BMW i3 is estimated to be 142 miles because electric cars typically experience 1-2% of range loss per year, with slightly faster degradation over the first 50,000 miles as the car settles into its long term state, according to Recurrent's study of 15,000 EVs.}

EV batteries lose 1-2% of range per year. Est. range for this car is 142 miles.^{Electric cars typically experience 1-2% of range loss per year with slightly faster degradation over the first 50,000 miles as the car settles into its long term state, according to Recurrent's study of 15,000 EVs.}

Round-trip

One-way

Estimated range map^{This map is a visual representation of the possible one-way and round-trips by this vehicle (on a full charge) from the geometric center of Ashburn, Virginia. The depicted ranges are based on the estimated new vehicle range value provided by the EPA, rounded down to miles for one-way and miles for round-trip. Actual range will vary depending on the condition of this vehicle’s battery pack, how you drive, driving conditions and other factors.Map display generated using: © openrouteservice.org by HeiGIT | Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors | Leaflet} from

Charging at Home

5 hours

Total Charging Time (240V outlet)

SAE Combo^{Standard port for most electric models. Supports Level 1, Level 2, and DC Fast charging.}

Plug Type

EV Battery Warranty

8 yrs or 100,000 miles^{The federal government requires that EV batteries be warrantied for a minimum of eight years or 100,000 miles. The EV battery warranty includes replacement if your battery capacity drops below a certain percentage of the original capacity.}

Estimated battery warranty remaining is 4 years or 44,000 miles for this car.^{Warranty remaining value is based on the vehicle year, and on driving 14,000 miles per year. Confirm exact warranty coverage for each vehicle with the dealers and the manufacturer before purchasing.}

EV Tax Credits & Rebates

$4,000

Available Rebates. Restrictions apply.

Restrictions:
Beginning January 1, 2023 under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers taxpayers a Used Clean Vehicle Tax Credit equal to 30% of the sale price up to a maximum credit of $4,000 for the purchase of a used plug-in electric or hydrogen fuel cell vehicle.

For the vehicle to qualify:
- Price cannot exceed $25,000.
- Need to verify the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
- Must be at least two model years older than the current calendar year in which the vehicle was purchased.
- Must be sold through a dealership, private sales not permitted.
- Not have already been transferred after August 16, 2022, to a qualified buyer.
For individuals to qualify:
- Must meet income eligibility, depending on modified adjusted gross income (AGI) and tax filing status.
- Must not be the first owner of the qualifying vehicle.
- Has not been allowed a credit under this section for any sale during the 3-year period ending on the date of the sale of such vehicle.
- Purchased for personal use, not a business, corporation or for resale.
To learn more, visit https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/used-clean-vehicle-credit

See All EV incentives

Cost to Drive

$51/mo

$168/mo

Car Avg.

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

Am I Ready for an EV?

EV ownership works best if you can charge (240V) at home or at work ^{This typically means a 240V home installation, but you could also have a similar setup at your office or other places your car is already parked for several hours each day. Don't expect a regular household outlet (120V) to suffice unless you've got a plug-in hybrid, in which case overnight charging at home is feasible.}

If you can’t charge at home, charging at a charging station could take at least 10x longer than at a gas station ^{With public charging infrastructure still in its infancy, the user experience can be maddeningly inconsistent. Tesla owners tend to rave about the reliability and speed of the company's proprietary Supercharger stations, but rival DC fast options have thus far been plagued by technical issues and overcrowding. It's an evolving landscape and our best advice is to do your research on the available options for the EV you want to buy.}

Adding a 240V home charging system could cost up to $1,000 or more ^{If your existing electrical service can handle the additional demands of EV charging, you may be able to add Level 2 charging at home for less than a grand, including installation. But your costs will multiply if you need to upgrade your electrical panel or add a dedicated circuit.}

Learn more about EV charging

See All EV Insights

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.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

7.8 / 10

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 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.

Scorecard

Overall	7.8 / 10
Driving	8.5
Comfort	7.0
Interior	7.5
Utility	7.5
Technology	7.5

Driving

8.5

The BMW i3 is a surprisingly good all-around performer. The new 2019 car gains about 42 pounds' worth of battery weight, but that shouldn't upset the finely balanced handling and responsive steering much. Acceleration is quick, though some rivals are dramatically quicker.

Acceleration

7.5

The i3 with the range extender takes 7.4 seconds to get to 60 mph instead of 7.1 seconds without it, still decently quick by modern car standards. But compared to Tesla's Model 3, its primary competition, the i3 is a whopping 2 seconds slower to 60 mph.

Braking

10.0

The i3 feels supremely stable when stopping hard, but you'll rarely encounter its natural pedal feel because of the i3's substantial off-throttle regenerative braking. Our i3 REX needed just 107 feet to stop from 60 mph, which is 4 feet shorter than its lighter predecessor and no less astounding.

Steering

8.0

The 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 the i3 feel darty on the highway at speed, especially since it can also be susceptible to following grooves in the road.

Handling

8.5

Don't let the skinny tires fool you. The i3 feels impressively coordinated and lively. It has a low center of gravity due to its lightweight carbon-fiber construction and batteries mounted under the floor. And the rear-mounted propulsion system gives it a slight rear weight bias that aids traction.

Drivability

9.0

Without the need to shift gears, electric vehicles such as the i3 make for utterly smooth acceleration and braking. A high level of natural off-throttle regenerative braking allows for one-pedal driving, which is efficient, fun and less taxing once you get familiar with it.

Comfort

7.0

The i3 has surprisingly comfortable seats, and the ride exhibits a level of polish you might not expect from such a small car. The basic climate system works well and is easy to use, but it doesn't offer quite the level of adjustment as competitors. The cabin is remarkably quiet until, that is, the battery runs down to zero and the two-cylinder gas generator kicks on.

Seat comfort

7.5

The leather seats employ manual adjusters to save weight and electricity, but they have fixed lumbar support. The seats are thin and firm, as are the armrests, but they provide a surprisingly good level of comfort, though low on lateral support. The rear seats are stadium-like and cushy.

Ride comfort

7.5

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 as plush.

Noise & vibration

7.0

There's a touch of wind and road noise on the highway that's only noticeable because the electric motor is silent. That changes when the gas generator comes on after the battery is depleted, and it sounds like a tiny lawnmower is following you.

Climate control

6.5

The climate control is single-zone only, with 2-degree cabin temperature adjustment increments, which is not as fine a degree of adjustment as most are used to. The seat heaters warm up quickly and offer even warmth across the seat surface. All the climate controls are straightforward and easy to access.

Interior

7.5

The i3's functional and friendly cabin is an inviting place to spend your commute and a very space-efficient one to boot. There's a lot of no-nonsense practicality but also oodles of style and innovative design.

Ease of use

8.0

The nontraditional rotary shifter stalk is actually intuitive and easy to work once you use it a few times. There's the typical BMW iDrive controller and screen menus, which work well, and the steering-mounted controls that make for slightly odd volume knob and preset placement.

Getting in/getting out

6.5

A slightly elevated seat position makes for easy access, though the stepover is a little higher as well. The reverse-hinged rear doors open wide to admit passengers or packages, but that's only if you have the space to do so. You'll often find yourself corralled by the front and rear doors when trying to get in and out in tight parking lots. Rear passengers can't let themselves out either.

Driving position

7.0

The seating position is upright with generous fore/aft adjustment and a tilt-and-telescoping steering column. The spring-loaded seat height adjuster requires either pulling yourself up using the steering wheel or letting it rise before you sit. It's odd at first but it’s quicker than a ratcheting lever.

Roominess

7.5

For its size, the i3 uses all of its interior space well. There is legitimate room for four adults to fit comfortably inside the i3, with adequate leg- and headroom all around. But there's no ignoring the fact that the Tesla Model 3 offers nearly 4 inches more rear legroom and 5 inches more shoulder room. Its narrowness will be most obvious to rear occupants, but the i3 isn't intended to be a long-distance cruiser anyway.

Visibility

8.0

Expansive forward and side visibility is aided by the elevated seating position. The odd dip in rear door windows is useful here, and the rear three-quarter blind spot isn't too bad. Rear parking sensors come standard, as does a rearview camera.

Quality

8.0

The i3 is a bit costly even after considering the interior quality and modern design that really separates it from the group. Since the Model 3 has entered the scene, the i3 isn't quite the standout it once was. There's still an intriguing mix of high-quality and eco-friendly materials that will appeal to discerning buyers, along with the typical solid BMW switchgear. But it's no longer leaps and bounds better than the competition.

Utility

7.5

There is plentiful storage in the cabin, but the trunk is small and a bit high. The 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

9.0

The i3 has big door bins, a decent amount of dash storage, and a small but useful in-armrest bin. Backseat passengers have dedicated center-mounted cupholders. The i3 is very space-efficient.

Cargo space

7.0

The trunk is somewhat small because the electric drive motor and generator are housed under the floor, which makes the loading height a bit high too. The i3's high roof offsets these issues somewhat, and the rear seats do fold flat. There's good usable space folding one or both.

Child safety seat accommodation

6.5

The reverse-hinged doors give uncommonly good access to front-facing seats. Space for and access to larger rear-facing seats can be tough, and the open rear door may impede stroller access to the hatch. Even average-size drivers will find it a tight fit. The two car seat positions benefit from car seat and Isofix anchors that are easily accessed under plastic covers.

Technology

7.5

BMW's previous-generation iDrive infotainment system, which is the system in the i3, is preferred to the new system for its easier usability. Wireless Apple CarPlay comes standard, but there's still integration for Android Auto users. BMW offers decent access to your smartphone's voice functions through the in-car voice command button.

Audio & navigation

8.0

A rather small 6.5-inch screen is standard. That grows to 10.2 inches with the optional Tech + driving assistance package. The optional Harman Kardon system produces quality sound, though some may find it lacking in bass. Also, there's no AM radio tuner. The navigation system is easy to operate and allows destination input through voice, rotary dial or touchpad character recognition.

Smartphone integration

8.0

Bluetooth and USB connections work as expected, and you can navigate to your music or other genres such as audiobooks and podcasts with the iDrive controller. Wireless Apple CarPlay is standard but requires a subscription, as do all other BMW models. You also have access to your smartphone's voice command through the car's voice control button by holding it down for about 4 seconds.

Driver aids

7.5

The optional adaptive cruise control will bring the i3 to a complete stop and works well in stop-and-go traffic. It also comes with frontal collision warning and mitigation with pedestrian detection. Unfortunately, lane keeping assist is not offered on the i3.

Voice control

7.0

There is a fair amount of flexibility in the voice commands, though we had some issues with the system recognizing our destination address. iPhone users have an advantage because they can hold the button longer and access the phone's Siri voice recognition, which opens up a whole host of functions.

2019 BMW i3 models

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.

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Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2019 BMW i3.

5 (69%)

4 (22%)

3 (5%)

2 (2%)

1 (2%)

4.5

42 reviews

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Most helpful consumer 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.

Love our i3 REX's

Matt from Maine, 10/01/2019

2018 BMW i3 4dr Hatchback w/Range Extender (0.6L 2cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid DD)

We have had short-lease ownership of both a 2017 and a 2018 model, They are virtually identical, with the main difference being that the 2017 did not have the backup camera. From 2018 on, all i3's now have the integrated camera, and it is a good one. Now that the lease is up on the 2017 model, we got a nice promotional offer from a New England dealer, and took them up on it. So, we … will now have a 2019 model, with the larger battery pack. Obviously we enjoy the car. It is particularly fun and zippy around town. Highway driving is okay, but sketchy on days when there is a strong crosswind. This car is not for everybody, of course. But none of our routine drives are more than 75 miles, and we have a level 2 charger in our garage at home. As an experiment, I once drove round-trip 650 miles in one day, to visit my daughter at college, using frequent gas fillups. This is not ideal, but it is possible, if you don't want to find chargers. Try driving a Chevy Bolt or Nissan Leaf 650 miles in 13 hours. People get hung up on the list price of the car. As if that is what you really have to pay. The pundits don't seem to grasp that virtually nobody BUYS a new i3. The lease deals are too attractive. With some effort, you can lease one for less than $300 per month. Particularly if you are buying at the end of the model year. You have the option of "buying out" the car at the end of the lease, but I suspect that nobody does that, either, because the pre-determined 'residual value' is set at an artificially high level, in order to decrease the monthly lease payments. These are fun cars. But because they are so fun to drive, the tires will wear out. if that bothers you, stay away from this car. It is a very odd tire size, and no other car on the planet uses that size. As a consequence, there is only one company that manufactures that tire size for all-season tires. (there are two other companies that make winter tires for the i3, but only in the 19" rim size). At first, when I realized I might have to buy new tires on the 2017 that I turned in, with about 18000 miles, I was a tad upset. But then I realized that it is a high-performance car, and the rear-wheel drive dynamics do put a lot of stress on the rear tires. In the end, the dealer who accepted the car at the end of the lease commented on the worn rear tires, but let it pass, ultimately. And I am okay with buying new tires, if I have to. And I will be putting on Nokain R3 winter tires on my 2018 this winter, both for winter safety, but also to save the tread on the summer tires. Again if you hate buying tires, and you want to own this car, then drive gently, corner reasonably, and avoid jack-rabbit starts. Hard things for me to do. If you test drive this car, you will want one. I have now "test driven" over 20K miles, and I am sold. It is an electric car 98% of the time. But it has neutralized range anxiety with the backup gasoline power. I rarely use gas, but it's nice to know that I can. That beats a Chevy Bolt or a Nissan Leaf, as far as I'm concerned. And it comes pretty close to beating a Tesla, from range-anxiety point of view. ======================================= I do live in an area with a handful of available high-amperage DC chargers. These will fully charge a depleted battery in about 40 minutes. But most owners charge at home, or at work, if they are lucky enough to have an enlightened employer. ======================================== Buying a used i3 REX is a totally valid option. They all have warranties out to 48 months, and the first 36 months includes free dealer service, including inspection stickers. So any car that you will find has been well maintained (though you will want to do your own due diligence on that). The gas engine requires an oil change about once a year, if it is used at all. The battery and electric powertrain should last ten years or more, without being touched. You just have to keep up with tires, wiper blades, and changing the hydraulic brake fluiid every couple of year. But if you are buying used, be aware of the battery size. The battery size has jumped every two years of production. And be sure to get a backup camera. You can tell if a used car has a backup camera in the dealer's photos, because the little fish-eye is in the middle of the bumper. And rumor has it that BMW will stop making these in a year or two. And it seems likely that they will not increase the battery size beyond what is is now (2019 and 2020 model years) It is a unique car, remarkably quiet inside, remarkably good ride, considering it is a small car. Remarkably tight turning radius. I can make a U-turn in places were no other car could possibly do it. Even if you never own one, you should make an effort to drive one. It is unique.

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. …

Great car - only one of its kind!

Robert, 01/03/2019

2018 BMW i3 4dr Hatchback w/Range Extender (0.6L 2cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid DD)

I've had my 2015 i3 Rex for a little over a year now. Others have pretty well covered the high quality of materials and how much fun the car is to drive. I'll comment more specifically on the REX engine. BMW is the ONLY electric car to include such a thing. Every other plug-in hybrid includes a full-size engine to drive the wheels when you're out of power. All that weight and …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2019 BMW i3, so we've included reviews for other years of the i3 since its last redesign.

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2019 i3 Highlights

Type:

Hatchback