2021 BMW I3 review
BMW I3 highlights
Customer rating
(not yet rated)
Pros
- Agile and engaging handling
- Loaded with tech features
- Stylish and sleek interior
Cons
- Reverse-hinged rear doors are awkward to use in parking lots
- Cargo space could be bigger
- Only single-zone climate control
126 - 153 miles
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
A city-friendly EV that's full of surprises.
The ultimate urban commuting machine, the 2021 BMW i3 is a subcompact EV that offers plenty of range for everyday around-town driving. Smart, stylish, and comfortable for up to four passengers, the 2021 BMW i3 gets an EPA-estimated range of 153 miles on a full battery. Range figures are based on EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new and assume a full battery charge. If you're looking for a more spirited driving experience, shop for a 2021 BMW i3s, which slightly boosts performance for a sportier ride. And if you'd like more range, the 2021 BMW i3 is available with a tiny two-cylinder gas generator that extends the range when the battery runs out. While we currently do not have many 2021 BMW i3 cars on our lots, we look forward to selling more in the future. If you love the 2021 model, you should also consider prior model years of the BMW i3 with similar features.
All BMW I3 years
What is new for the 2021 BMW I3?
- The Range Extender and S Range Extender trims have been discontinued for 2021.
- I3 trims have been upgraded with Harman Kardon Sound as standard equipment this year.
- Rear Spoiler and Run Flat Tires features are now available as options on select trims.
2021 BMW I3 trims
BMW i3:
Heated front seats, iDrive infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, keyless entry, and more.
BMW i3s:
Includes everything from the BMW i3 trim, with a 181-hp electric motor, and a sport-tuned suspension.
5 reasons to buy the 2021 BMW I3
1. Useful tech
The 2021 i3 is equipped with the BMW iDrive infotainment system, which you can manage with a dial in the center console. Controls are intuitive, and you get connected tech like Bluetooth® capability, Apple CarPlay® integration, and satellite navigation. The Technology and Driving Assistant Package adds stop/go adaptive cruise control, automatic headlights, and navigation with real-time traffic data (subscription required).
2. Range extending options
Don't let running out of charge worry you when you get a 2021 BMW i3 equipped with the range extender package. This package adds a 0.6L two-cylinder gas generator and a 2.6-gallon fuel tank. The gas generator kicks in when the charge runs out to give you extra range. The 2021 BMW i3 with the range extender gets an EPA-estimated electric range of 126 miles on a full charge, and another 74 miles using the gas generator.
3. Easy access
Despite how it looks, there are four doors on the 2021 BMW i3, and the rear doors are reverse-hinged. This means doors open extra wide, making it easy to get child seats and cargo in and out of the back. Kids and smaller adults will appreciate the extra space the rear doors provide when hopping in and out of the 2021 BMW i3.
4. Spacious interior
The 2021 BMW i3 is small on the outside, but spacious on the inside. Because the 2021 i3 doesn't have a traditional engine, there's an impressive 83.6 cubic feet of passenger volume. Thanks to its hatchback design, the 2021 BMW i3 offers 15.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, which is more than enough room for groceries.
5. Packed with functionality
The 2021 BMW i3 has the functionality you need for daily life. You can fold the rear seats down to adjust the rear cargo space to fit more oversize items. There are even cup holders in the back seat that are easy for passengers to use. Thanks to multiple storage cubbies scattered around the interior, there's more space for storage than first meets the eye. The 2021 BMW i3 proves that ample space can come in a small package.
Shop with your budget in mind
Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
The 2021 BMW I3 is not yet rated. Help future customers learn about a car you've owned and write a review.
RepairPal gave the BMW I3 an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks BMW I3 1st out of 1 among Luxury Cars.
RepairPal reports that the average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a BMW I3 is $586, compared to an average of $586 for Luxury Cars and $591 for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
According to RepairPal, BMW I3 owners bring their vehicles into a repair shop for unscheduled repairs an average of 0.4 times per year, compared to an average of 0.4 times for Luxury Cars and 1.3 times for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
RepairPal reported that the probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 9% for the BMW I3, compared to an average of 9% for Luxury Cars and 14% for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
BMW I3 features and specs
S 2WD 4D Hatchback
Standard Features
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Apple CarPlay
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cloth Seats
- Cruise Control
- Front Seat Heaters
- Harman Kardon Sound
- Navigation System
- Overhead Airbags
- Parking Sensors
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Windows
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Traction Control
- Automated Cruise Control
- Harman Kardon Sound
- Leather Seats
- Leatherette & Cloth
- Navigation System
- Parking Sensors
- Rear Defroster
- Rear Spoiler
- Rear View Camera
- Run Flat Tires
- Sunroof(s)
Battery details Size
42.0 kWh
Range when new (EPA estimate)
153 miles
Estimated range today
128 - 179 miles
Est. range in 3 years
119 - 170 miles
Is this battery range helpful?Other specifications Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
0.0L
Engine type
Electric
Wheelbase
101.2"
Overall length
158.1"
Width
70.5"
Height
62.6"
Leg room
F 40.5"/R 31.9"
Head room
F 39.6"/R 37.2"
Front tires
P175/55TR20
Rear tires
P195/50TR20
Seating capacity
4
Transmission
Automatic
2021 BMW I3 FAQ
The 2021 BMW i3 equipped with a range extender has an EPA-estimated combined range of 200 miles. The electric-only range is an EPA-estimated 126 miles, while the gas range is an additional 74 miles.
EPA-estimated 126-mile range based on 100 MPGe combined estimate (electric); additional EPA-estimated 74-mile extended range based on 31 MPG combined estimate (gas). Range figures are based on EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new and assume a full battery charge and full tank of gas (if applicable). Range will vary based on things like battery age, vehicle condition and history, driving and charging habits, accessory use, and driving conditions. Battery capacity may decrease with time and use. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
The biggest difference between a 2021 BMW i3 and i3s is increased top speed, acceleration, and the addition of sportier suspension. The 2021 BMW i3s can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds without an added range extender (according to the manufacturer, when new).
The BMW i3 Deka World is another name for the base-model BMW i3 and features a good list of standard features. You can also shop for a model with available packages like Giga World, Tera World, and Mega World.
More about the 2021 BMW I3
Color options
Exterior colors:
Capparis White
Fluid Black
Imperial Blue Metallic
Jucaro Beige Metallic
Mineral Grey Metallic
Melbourne Red Metallic
Interior colors:
Deka Dark
Giga Brown
Mega Carum Spice Gray
Tera Dark Truffle
Interior details
There's plenty of room for four passengers inside the 2021 BMW i3—more than you might expect from a subcompact car. Front passengers get an impressive 40.5 inches of legroom, while rear passengers are treated to 31.9 inches of legroom. The interior of the 2021 BMW i3 is uniquely laid out, offering a fresh take on interior style. Plus, there's plenty of space in the large 15.1 cubic-foot trunk.
Child seat details
There are two child seat positions in the second-row seats of the 2021 BMW i3. Thanks to the reverse-hinged rear doors, which open wide, you will have no issue getting child seats in and out of the back. Both seats have upper and lower LATCH anchors that are easy to access and connect. If you have young kids in the back, remind them to open doors carefully in parking lots—those rear doors can open wider than some tight spaces allow.
Performance
If you're looking for the best performance from the 2021 BMW i3, shop for the i3s trim. The 2021 BMW i3s has a top speed of 99 mph and accelerates from zero to 60 mph in just 6.8 seconds (according to the manufacturer, when new). Because the 2021 BMW i3 is built on a carbon-fiber structure, the ride is stiff but absorbs most bumps. The i3s sport-tuned suspension does an excellent job of reducing body roll in turns. Best of all, the 2021 BMW i3s enjoys the same EPA-estimated range as the standard i3 trim—153 miles on a full charge.
Year comparison
2014-2021 BMW i3 (first generation)
The first BMW to feature a fully electric drivetrain, the i3 has a striking design inside and out. The first-generation BMW i3 offers a smooth ride and spacious interior despite its small size, using a lightweight but sturdy carbon-fiber frame. An extended 120Ah battery was added for 2019-2021 models, increasing the EPA-estimated range to 153 miles on a full charge.
We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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