2020 BMW i3 Review
Price: $21,590
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+98
Good
7.8
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
You'll like the i3 if you're looking for a distinctive and sporty electric vehicle. Its interior looks cool and upscale, and the car's light weight and small size make it fun to drive around in the city. But the i3's elevated price, mediocre range and compromised practicality are significant drawbacks.
For sale nearby
18 listings
- $23,660fair price$692 below market
- 30,604 miles
- No accidents, 2 Owners, Personal use
- 2cyl Direct Drive
- Car Pros Lake Norman (301 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Keyless Entry/Start
Close
Located in Mooresville, NC
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
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:
31 Combined MPG (30 City/31 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WBY8P4C06L7G44746
Stock: 4746C
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 10-05-2024 - $17,499great price$3,959 below market
- 31,655 miles
- No accidents, 2 Owners, Personal use
- 153mi EPA electric range
- Genesis of Downtown Chicago (567 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
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Located in Chicago, IL
Clean CARFAX. BLUETOOTH, BACK UP CAMERA, APPLE CARPLAY, ANDROID AUTO, NAVIGATION, DETAILED, HEATED SEATS, SUNROOF/MOONROOF, ALLOY WHEELS, ACC Stop & G...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
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: WBY8P2C01L7G60969
Stock: H24097A
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 08-22-2024 - $22,190good price$782 below market
- 30,622 miles
- No accidents, 1 Owner, Corporate fleet vehicle
- 2cyl Direct Drive
- Hansen Brothers Auto Sales (617 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Upgraded Headlights
Close
Located in Milwaukee, WI
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:
31 Combined MPG (30 City/31 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WBY8P4C08L7F85960
Stock: F85960
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 10-06-2023 - $21,995good price$914 below market
- 22,376 miles
- No accidents, 2 Owners, Personal use
- 2cyl Direct Drive
- Boulder Cars (1,475 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Upgraded Headlights
Close
Located in Boulder, CO
CHECK OUT OUR 5 STAR RATING AND REVIEWS ON GOOGLE AND FACEBOOK! ALL CARS COME WITH REMAINDER OF FACTORY WARRANTY. All cars fully inspected and recondi...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
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:
31 Combined MPG (30 City/31 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WBY8P4C0XL7G40179
Stock: 7G40179A
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 04-23-2024 - 27,232 miles
- No accidents, 3 Owners, Personal use
- 153mi EPA electric range
- Bill Luke Marana (1,930 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Keyless Entry/Start
Close
Located in Tucson, AZ
BILL LUKE CERTIFIED!! Experience the innovative 2020 BMW i3 120Ah RWD, featuring a single-speed automatic electric motor for a smooth, efficient ride....
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
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: WBY8P2C07L7F86974
Stock: MU5438
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 10-24-2024- 24,190 miles
- No accidents, 2 Owners, Personal use
- 153mi EPA electric range
- Carvana - Phoenix (1,950 mi away)
- Free home delivery*
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Upgraded Headlights
Close
Located in Phoenix, AZ
At Carvana, we go miles beyond the extra mile. That's why we provide you with a convenient, fast, and hassle-free car buying experience that puts you ...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
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: WBY8P2C07L7G39186
Stock: 2003234309
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 10-23-2024- $19,999fair price$545 below market
- 22,907 miles
- No accidents, 2 Owners, Personal use
- 153mi EPA electric range
- Crown Lexus (2,232 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Upgraded Headlights
Close
Located in Ontario, CA
This 2020 BMW i3 120 Ah has a Clean Carfax, Imperial Blue Metallic exterior, and Deka Dark interior. Key features include Deka World, Tech + Driving A...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
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: WBY8P2C01L7G74189
Stock: TL7G74189
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 11-06-2024 - 49,709 miles
- No accidents, 1 Owner, Personal use
- 2cyl Direct Drive
- BMW of Monrovia (2,254 mi away)
- Five Star Dealer
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Upgraded Headlights
Close
Located in Monrovia, CA
This 2020 BMW i3 120 Ah w/Range Extender is a One Owner vehicle with a Clean Carfax, Melbourne Red Metallic exterior, and Deka Dark interior. Key feat...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
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:
31 Combined MPG (30 City/31 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WBY8P4C08L7G63184
Stock: BL7G63184
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 10-10-2024- $18,999fair price$285 below market
- 48,482 miles
- No accidents, 1 Owner, Personal use
- 2cyl Direct Drive
- LA City Cars (2,277 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Upgraded Headlights
Close
Located in Inglewood, CA
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
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:
31 Combined MPG (30 City/31 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WBY8P4C00L7G53006
Stock: LA7984
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 08-28-2024
2020 BMW i3 Review
byCameron Rogers
Manager, News
Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at Edmunds include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).
Pros
- Lightweight chassis makes the i3 quick and nimble
- Well-crafted interior offers distinctive styling
- 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
- Edition RoadStyle offers unique exterior and interior styling details
- No other significant changes
- Part of the first i3 generation introduced for 2014
Overview
It's been six model years since the original BMW i3 debuted, yet the 2020 i3 remains one of the most unusual cars on the market today. Its body is made from carbon fiber-reinforced plastic, an expensive but strong and lightweight material normally found on exotic supercars. The i3 is pretty small as cars go, but it's surprisingly roomy inside and fitted with attractive materials.
2020 BMW i3 EV Insights
Trim:
i3 Base
Estimated Range Based on Age
142 milesThe range for a used 2020 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.
Estimated range mapThis 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
SAE ComboStandard port for most electric models. Supports Level 1, Level 2, and DC Fast charging.
Plug Type
7 hrs
240V Home ChargingEstimated total charging time when using a 240V outlet. This is either a 3-prong or 4-prong outlet used for appliances, for example a clothes dryer.EV batteries should be kept at 30-80% charged to extend battery life.
When can I use NACS/Tesla charging stations?EV Battery Warranty
8 yrs or 100,000 milesThe 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.
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.
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
$4,125
Available Rebates. Restrictions apply.
- Restrictions:
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. Beginning January 1, 2024, Clean Vehicle Tax Credits may be initiated and approved at the point of sale at participating dealerships registered with the IRS. Dealers will be responsible for submitting Clean Vehicle Tax Credit information to the IRS. Buyers are advised to obtain a copy of an IRS "time of sale" report, confirming it was submitted successfully by the dealer.
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
- Restrictions: Dominion Energy offers EV owners a rebate of up to $125 towards the cost of a Level 2 charging station.
To qualify for this rebate, the customer and/or charging station must meet the following requirements:
- Receive electricity from Dominion Energy.
- Have an electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle.
- Networked/Smart charging capabilities to program the station to off-peak periods and respond to managed charging events
- You also earn a $40 e-gift card on the anniversary of your enrollment every year you remain enrolled.
Additional Information:
Cost to Drive
$53/mo
i3
vs
$156/mo
Car Avg.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
Am I Ready for an EV?
- EV ownership works best if you can charge at home (240V outlet) This typically means a 240V home installation, or other places your car is parked for several hours each day. Don't expect a regular household outlet (120V) to suffice.
- Adding a home charging system is estimated to cost $1,616 in This is an estimate for your area. Using your address and the answers you provide, Treehouse can provide a more accurate price.
- Edmunds is partnering with Treehouse, an independent provider of home EV installation services. Learn more Edmunds customers receive a 10% installation discount and 4% smart charger discount. Discount excludes permit, hosted inspection, and load management devices. Valid for 30 days.
Need to install a charger at home?
The i3 is also distinctive in that you can get one as a pure electric car or opt for the Range Extender model, which uses a two-cylinder gasoline engine to recharge the battery when you run out of electricity. Other 2020 EVs have fresher designs and more range, but overall the i3 is worth a look.
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. Note that the 2020 i3 comes with a larger battery with more additional range, DC fast charging and a newer infotainment system, but most of our observations still apply.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
Good
7.8
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
You'll like the i3 if you're looking for a distinctive and sporty electric vehicle. Its interior looks cool and upscale, and the car's light weight and small size make it fun to drive around in the city. But the i3's elevated price, mediocre range and compromised practicality are significant drawbacks.
Rated for you by America's best test team.Performance
8.5/10
How does the i3 drive? The BMW i3 is a surprisingly good all-around performer. Even though it's equipped with skinny, eco-minded tires, the i3 exhibits excellent handling abilities. Credit is due to the low center of gravity afforded by its lightweight carbon-fiber construction and low-mounted battery pack.
The quick, responsive steering is an acquired taste since it can make the i3 feel a little darty at highway speeds. In our testing, the i3 (the Range Extender model) accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds. It's decently quick compared to similarly sized hatchbacks, but the i3 lacks the prodigious acceleration of other EVs such as the Tesla Model 3.
Around town, it's pretty easy to use the i3's strong off-throttle regenerative braking most of the time for slowing down, so you rarely need to use the brake pedal.
The quick, responsive steering is an acquired taste since it can make the i3 feel a little darty at highway speeds. In our testing, the i3 (the Range Extender model) accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds. It's decently quick compared to similarly sized hatchbacks, but the i3 lacks the prodigious acceleration of other EVs such as the Tesla Model 3.
Around town, it's pretty easy to use the i3's strong off-throttle regenerative braking most of the time for slowing down, so you rarely need to use the brake pedal.
Comfort
7/10
How comfortable is the i3? The i3 affords a surprisingly good degree of comfort for its size. The front seats are thin and firm, and they offer little lateral support and zero adjustable lumbar. On paper, it's a recipe for disaster, but BMW has somehow made them quite pleasant to sit in. The rear seats sit a bit higher and are also comfortable.
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.
The single-zone climate system works well, but it's basic even among the mainstream EV segment. Even stranger is the fact that it adjusts in 2-degree increments. The cabin is usually remarkably quiet, except for when the gas generator comes on after the battery is depleted. It sounds like a tiny lawnmower is following you.
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.
The single-zone climate system works well, but it's basic even among the mainstream EV segment. Even stranger is the fact that it adjusts in 2-degree increments. The cabin is usually remarkably quiet, except for when the gas generator comes on after the battery is depleted. It sounds like a tiny lawnmower is following you.
Interior
7.5/10
How’s the interior? The i3, despite its diminutive size, is remarkably adult-friendly. Without an engine in front, there's room for a larger passenger cell, with plenty of head- and legroom all around. It is fairly narrow, however, and the rear only seats two. The i3's cabin is unusually laid out, but once you figure everything out, the controls are easy to use.
Also unusual are the i3's reverse-hinged rear doors. They 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 of tight parking lots. Rear passengers can't let themselves out either.
Also unusual are the i3's reverse-hinged rear doors. They 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 of tight parking lots. Rear passengers can't let themselves out either.
Technology
7.5/10
How’s the tech? BMW uses its older iDrive infotainment system in the i3, but that's OK with us. It's actually easier to use than what you'll find in, say, a 3 Series. The standard 6.5-inch screen is quite small, especially considering how far away it is from the front passengers. The optional 10.25-inch screen is preferred, as is the available Harman Kardon audio system for its superior sound. Apple CarPlay comes standard, and BMW's superb onboard phone integration software somewhat makes up for the fact that Android Auto is not offered.
The i3 doesn't offer every new driver assistance feature, such as lane keeping assist, but what is here works well. BMW voice controls don't require a rigid command structure, but we found some variability in its ability to understand what we said.
The i3 doesn't offer every new driver assistance feature, such as lane keeping assist, but what is here works well. BMW voice controls don't require a rigid command structure, but we found some variability in its ability to understand what we said.
Storage
7.5/10
How’s the storage? The cabin offers numerous spots to store your stuff. There are large door bins, a useful shelf on the dashboard, and a small bin under the front armrest. Rear passengers have dual cupholders in the space between seats. It offers less trunk space than other hatchbacks but it's still OK. The rear-mounted electric drive motor and generator necessitate a raised cargo floor, but the i3's tall roof makes the 15.1 cubic feet of cargo space usable.
Got little kids? the reverse-hinged rear doors give the i3 uncommonly good access to front-facing child safety seats. The two car seat positions benefit from anchors that are easily accessed under plastic covers. But fitting in a larger rear-facing seat, and accessing it, can be tough.
Got little kids? the reverse-hinged rear doors give the i3 uncommonly good access to front-facing child safety seats. The two car seat positions benefit from anchors that are easily accessed under plastic covers. But fitting in a larger rear-facing seat, and accessing it, can be tough.
Range and Efficiency
7/10
How are the range and efficiency? According to the EPA, the regular BMW i3 uses 30 kWh of electricity for every 100 miles of driving. The i3 with the Range Extender uses a bit more: 32 kWh. This is OK, though other EVs are even more efficient, specifically the Model 3 with its rating of 25 kWh/100 miles.
Range is also lackluster. The regular i3 can go an EPA-estimated 153 miles, which is less than most other EVs. The Range Extender model is even lower — 126 miles — but you can go farther once the generator kicks on. Range is about 200 miles total before you'll have to stop and refuel.
Range is also lackluster. The regular i3 can go an EPA-estimated 153 miles, which is less than most other EVs. The Range Extender model is even lower — 126 miles — but you can go farther once the generator kicks on. Range is about 200 miles total before you'll have to stop and refuel.
Value
7.5/10
Is the i3 a good value? The BMW i3's price in the mid- to high $40,000s didn't seem steep when it first launched given its advanced materials, sufficient feature content and high-end cabin. But now that the Tesla Model 3 exists, it's not the coolest kid on the block anymore. It's also not the most spacious or practical. Mainstream brands such as Kia and Hyundai offer more EV for your buck too.
BMW offers bumper-to-bumper coverage for four years/50,000 miles. Complimentary maintenance is included for the first three years.
BMW offers bumper-to-bumper coverage for four years/50,000 miles. Complimentary maintenance is included for the first three years.
Wildcard
9/10
Six years after its first year of production, the i3 still doesn't look like anything else on the road. The i3's exterior styling puts the "funk" in functional, and the interior looks like it was put together by architects, not engineers. Even after all this time, the i3 truly feels like something special.
The rear-wheel-drive platform, lightweight construction and compact dimensions make the i3 quick, responsive and nimble. The electric motor imbues it with smooth acceleration and a mostly silent ride, while aggressive regenerative braking makes one-pedal driving fun and efficient.
The rear-wheel-drive platform, lightweight construction and compact dimensions make the i3 quick, responsive and nimble. The electric motor imbues it with smooth acceleration and a mostly silent ride, while aggressive regenerative braking makes one-pedal driving fun and efficient.
Which i3 does Edmunds recommend?
While we like the styling of the i3s, we don't think its restyled bumpers, larger wheels and marginally more powerful motor are worth the premium it commands. Stick with the standard i3 instead, and opt for the Technology + Driving Assistant package if you want to make the daily commute a little easier.
2020 BMW i3 models
The 2020 BMW i3 is a four-door hatchback with seating for four passengers. It's available in i3 or i3s trim, both of which are all-electric by default. You can also get them equipped with a gasoline-powered Range Extender, which uses a two-cylinder gasoline and a 2.3-gallon tank to recharge the battery once it runs out. All four versions are powered with a 42-kWh battery that is good for 153 miles of range in the electric-only version or 126 miles in the Range Extender model.
Base i3 models have an electric motor (170 horsepower, 184 lb-ft of torque) that drives the rear wheels. The i3s is the sportier, better-handling version of the i3, with an electric motor that cranks out 181 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque.
i3
The standard i3 comes with a healthy list of features, including:
- 19-inch wheels
- LED headlights
- DC fast-charging capability
- Keyless entry and push-button start
- Auto-dimming mirrors
- Automatic single-zone climate control
- Heated front seats
- Cloth upholstery
- Navigation system
- 6.5-inch central display screen
- Apple CarPlay
- Front and rear parking sensors (alerts you to obstacles that may not be visible behind or in front of the vehicle when parking)
i3s
Aside from the more powerful electric motor, the i3s adds:
- 20-inch wheels with performance tires
- Black exterior trim
- Restyled bumpers
There's also a new Edition RoadStyle variant for the i3s. It features:
- Black exterior paint with black-painted rims
- Orange exterior accents
- Brown leather upholstery
- Brown wood interior trim
A number of options are available for both i3 and i3s models. These include:
- Mega World (cloth upholstery with imitation leather inserts)
- Giga World (cloth upholstery with leather inserts)
- Tera World (leather upholstery)
- Sunroof
- Wireless charging pad and Wi-Fi hotspot
- 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system
- Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with no driver intervention)
- Technology + Driving Assistant package
- Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
- Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the i3 and the car in front)
- Cornering lights (illuminate to enhance your field of view while turning)
- Advanced navigation system
- 10.25-inch central display screen
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
4 out of 5 stars4/5Excellent
#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
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the BMW i3 from 2008-2022.$586/yr
vs. $554/yr
for Average Luxury Compact Car
for Average Luxury Compact Car
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).0.37x/yr
vs. 1.57x/yr
for Average Luxury Compact Car
for Average Luxury Compact Car
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).9.2%
vs. 11.1%
for Average Luxury Compact Car
for Average Luxury Compact Car
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2020 BMW i3.
5 star(70%)
4 star(21%)
3 star(5%)
2 star(2%)
1 star(2%)
44 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
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.
5 out of 5 stars
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.
4 out of 5 stars
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 … complexity leaves very little room for a decent-sized battery. BMW built the i3 as an electric car first, and added the range extender for even more capability. I live in a medium-sized town, and typically am able to stay within my electric range. When I travel to neighboring towns, however, I almost always kick in the little REX engine on the highway, allowing me to save my electricity for city driving. This is an important point - in the United States, the car is programmed ("coded," in BMW-speak) so that the REX engine won't come on until you're down to your last few miles of electricity. It was originally designed, however, for you to be able turn on the REX engine at will below 75% charge, and works that way in Europe. It's easy to re-code it to the European specs (search You Tube) and turns it into a MUCH more useful car. I took my i3 on a 250-mile trip to a large city today, and although I had to stop about every hour to fill up the tiny gas tank, I was able to make the trip with ease and always had plenty of electricity to use when I needed it. In short, the range extender + recoding turns it into a REAL car if you want to use it that way.
5 out of 5 stars
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. … Pick-up 0 to 30 is outstanding though you will feel the road and bumps a little much. Previous reviews on ride comfort hold true for the battery refreshed 2017. Overall a great car for suburbanites and urban dwellers. Getting 5 miles per kW hour.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2020 BMW i3, so we've included reviews for other years of the i3 since its last redesign.
2020 i3 Highlights
Hatchback
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $44,450 |
---|---|
EV Tax Credits & Rebates | $4,125 |
Engine Type | Electric |
EPA Electric Range | 153 miles |
Cost to Drive | $53/month |
Total Charging Time (240V) | 7.0 hours |
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 |
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 you in sudden slowdown situations.
- Tire Pressure Monitor
- Warns you of insufficient tire pressure well before a slow leak can lead to a blowout.
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestGood
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintAcceptable
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