2018 BMW I3 review
BMW I3 highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Finely crafted, contemporary cabin
- Fast and agile thanks to its electric motor and lightweight frame
- Line-up includes a range-extended model
Cons
- Competitor models offer more standard range
- Reverse-hinged rear doors aren't for everyone
- Compact cargo space and a high-load floor
97 - 114 miles
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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Compact electric luxury, with a twist
If you're considering an electric vehicle for the first time or simply looking for a compact daily driver with luxurious features, the BMW i3 is a head-turning option. The 2018 BMW i3 has a second sporty trim, the i3s, which boosts the power and fun factor. Seating for four is standard on all models, and with easy-exit rear-hinged doors for your second-row passengers, the 2018 BMW i3 feels spacious and light on entry and exit. If you want to go beyond the city limits, this all-electric vehicle is available with a range extender, transforming it into a plug-in hybrid with more miles in the tank. With BMW's signature attention to detail, choosing the i3 could be an easy decision to make. Keep reading to find out more in this 2018 BMW i3 review.
All BMW I3 years
What is new for the 2018 BMW I3?
- The I3 is available in a variety of new trims, including the Range Extender, S, and S Range Extender.
- The Deka World, Deka World Range Extender, Giga World, Giga World Range Extender, Mega World, Mega World Range Extender, Tera World, and Tera World Range Extender trims have been discontinued for 2018.
- I3 trims have been upgraded with Rear View Camera, Rear Spoiler, and 20 Inch Plus Wheels as standard equipment this year.
- Apple CarPlay features are now available as options on select trims.
- The Base trim now comes with Power Locks, Power Windows, Air Conditioning, Rear Defroster, Cruise Control, ABS Brakes, Cloth Seats, Front Seat Heaters, Power Mirrors, Traction Control, Side Airbags, Overhead Airbags, Parking Sensors, Smart Key, Alloy Wheels, Automatic Transmission, AM/FM Stereo, Auxiliary Audio Input, Satellite Radio Ready, Navigation System, and Bluetooth Technology as standard equipment.
2018 BMW I3 trims
i3:
Includes 19-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, DC fast charging capability, 6.5-inch infotainment screen, cloth upholstery, keyless entry, navigation, USB port, Bluetooth® functionality, heated front seats, rain-sensing windshield wipers, rearview camera, and more. Unlocks Technology and Driving Assistant package option and three upholstery upgrade options: Mega World, Giga World, and Tera World.
i3s:
Adds 20-inch wheels, sport suspension, wider fenders, and a more powerful motor.
BMW I3 photos
5 reasons to buy the 2018 BMW I3
1. Available range extender
Perhaps you share your car with other family members, doubling your weekly mileage. Or maybe it's your first time with an EV and a familiar helping hand seems like a good idea. The 2018 BMW i3 has an available range extender, transforming your all-electric vehicle into a plug-in hybrid, thanks to the addition of a 0.6L two-cylinder gasoline engine to the overall powertrain package. Increasing your combined range to an EPA-estimated 180 miles on a full charge, your i3 can go farther when you need it to.
2. Unique styling
Compact is not a byword for boring, and that's never more true than when you consider the 2018 BMW i3's unique style. You get exciting exterior colors, a classic BMW front fascia with a twist, and short rear-hinged rear doors that help open up the whole cabin. These quirky design details ensure the i3 stands out from the crowd, while still retaining luxurious BMW finishing.
3. The sporty i3s trim
New for the 2018 model year is the i3s trim. Engineered for a sportier feel, the i3s has subtle enhancements that will appeal to fans of the BMW M Series. Increased power, a lower and wider chassis, and wide 20-inch wheels give this trim a dynamic look that feels road-responsive on highway twists and turns.
4. Convenient dimensions
The 2018 BMW i3 offers a roomy interior for your passengers and cargo, along with exterior dimensions that ensure you'll remain undefeated in any parking lot challenge. The standard i3 is 80.3 inches wide (including mirrors) and 13.1 feet long, with a turning circle of just 32.4 feet. Once inside, you'll enjoy 83.6 cu-ft of passenger volume, with easy entry and exit doors and a 15.1 cu-ft trunk for your gear. These thoughtful dimensions mean the i3 is clever as well as comfortable.
5. Updated infotainment interface
The BMW iDrive infotainment system received some upgraded functionality for 2018, including newly available Apple CarPlay® compatibility. The i3 and i3s have plenty of other standard tech luxuries too. Smartphone integration and built-in navigation will keep you connected to your family, friends, and the final destination, with 2018 models benefiting from improved speech and voice control recognition software. If you love premium sound or like to have additional driver aids on hand, you can shop for a model with those adds-ons.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2018 BMW I3, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
Fun to drive and full of energy, the 2017-2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV is a four-door compact car with seating for five passengers. The 2017-2021 Bolt EV is powered by a 200-hp onboard electric motor with a 66kW lithium-ion battery. When fully charged, this powertrain delivers an EPA-estimated 119 MPGe combined for 2017-2019 models and an EPA-estimated 118 MPGe combined for 2020-2021 models.
2017-2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV LT base-trim features include:
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto™ functionality
Cloth upholstery
Rearview camera
The 2017-2019 Chevrolet Volt is a compact sedan for five passengers with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The 2017-2019 Volt runs on a lithium-ion battery pack, two electric motors, and a 1.5L gasoline engine. When fully charged and with a full tank of gas, the 2017-2019 Volt pumps out an EPA-estimated 53 miles of electric-only driving range, after which the gas engine takes over for a total EPA-estimated range of 420 miles.
The 2017-2019 Chevrolet Volt LT base trim has these standard features and more:
Eight-inch infotainment touchscreen
Rearview camera
Cloth upholstery
The 2018-2021 Tesla Model S is an ever-evolving, all-electric hatchback sedan crossover that has swift acceleration, impeccable road handling, and plenty of tech throughout. All 2019-2021 Tesla Model S trims are powered by dual electric motors and a 100kWh battery pack. Over-the-air updates keep the Tesla fresh, while its many trim levels dictate how the vehicle is tuned for performance and range.
Standard features on the 2018-2021 Tesla Model S base trim include:
17-inch touchscreen
Synthetic leather upholstery
Panoramic glass roof
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Ratings & reliability
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.
View RepairPal's full rating of the BMW I3BMW I3 features and specs
Range Extender 2WD 4D Hatchback
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cloth Seats
- Cruise Control
- Front Seat Heaters
- Navigation System
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Windows
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Smart Key
- Traction Control
- Harman Kardon Sound
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
0.6L
Horsepower
170
Torque (ft-lbs)
184
Engine type
Plug-in Hybrid
Fuel capacity
2.3
Wheelbase
101.2"
Overall length
158.3"
Width
69.9"
Height
62.9"
Leg room
F 40.5"/R 31.9"
Head room
F 39.6"/R 37.2"
Front tires
P155/70R19
Rear tires
P175/60R19
Seating capacity
4
Transmission
Automatic
2018 BMW I3 FAQ
Yes, you can. Once the required charge is reached, the power supply switches off. BMW suggests that leaving the i3 unplugged and on a low battery level for an extended period of time, particularly in cold climates, is not a great idea. So you may want to play it safe and plug in your i3 regularly.
2018 BMW i3 models fitted with range-extender capability add more miles to the clock. The 2018 BMW i3 and i3s fitted with a range extender get an EPA-estimated total range of 180 miles on a full charge.
EPA-estimated 97-mile range based on 109 MPGe combined estimate (electric); additional EPA-estimated 83-mile extended range based on 35 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.
It depends. The i3 and i3s are all-electric vehicles powered by a 33kWh battery and onboard electric motor. If you choose one with a range extender, it transforms your i3 or i3s into a plug-in hybrid, thanks to the addition of a 0.6L two-cylinder gasoline engine that works with the electric motor to gain more range.
More about the 2018 BMW I3
Color options
Exterior colors:
Capparis White/Frozen Blue
Fluid Black/Frozen Blue
Imperial Blue Metallic/Frozen Gray
Melbourne Red Metallic/Frozen Gray
Mineral Gray Metallic/Frozen Blue
Protonic Blue Metallic/Frozen Gray
Interior colors:
Atelier European Dark
Giga Brown/Carum Spice Gray
Mega Carum Spice Gray/Carum Spice Gray
Tera Dalbergia Brown
Interior details
The 2018 BMW i3 is a four-door, four-passenger, compact hatchback with luxury finishing and unique style accents. Cloth upholstery is standard, with three stand-alone package options that can upgrade the seating to SensaTec synthetic leather/cloth, leather/cloth, or full leather. Front-row passengers enjoy 40.5 inches of legroom, heated seats, cup holders, door cubbies, and a center console storage bin. Rear passengers get 31.9 inches of legroom, central dual cup holders, and front seatback storage nets. Cargo is another pleasant i3 surprise. Standard cargo storage is 15.1 cu-ft, increasing to 36.9 cu-ft when the rear row is folded down.
Child seat details
The 2018 BMW i3 has two complete sets of LATCH connectors (two lower anchors and an upper tether) in the second-row outboard seats. The lower anchors are clearly indicated and easy to reach. The upper tethers are located behind the seatback. Two seats can be fixed in place with an installation that's easier than most, thanks to the absence of a central pillar and the unique addition of short rear-hinged rear doors. All seat types are accommodated, though some rear-facing seats will impact front-row legroom.
Performance
The 2018 BMW i3 is powered by a 170-hp electric motor and 33kWh lithium-ion battery. The sporty i3s is powered by the same battery-electric combination, but is tuned to 184 hp for faster acceleration. The i3s will achieve zero to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds, while the standard model will do it in 7.2 seconds (according to the manufacturer, when new).
On a full charge, the 2018 BMW i3 has an EPA-estimated range of 114 miles, and the i3s has an EPA-estimated total range of 107 miles.
The i3 and i3s can be found with a range extender, adding a 0.6L two-cylinder gasoline engine for more miles once your battery power is used up. Adding the range extender to either trim makes the vehicle heavier, so while the overall range increases to an EPA-estimated 180 miles on a full charge, the electric-only range drops to an EPA-estimated 97 miles on a full charge.
Year comparison
2014-2021 BMW i3 (first generation)
The BMW i3 was introduced as a brand-new compact luxury electric vehicle in 2014. For 2015, the i3 gained standard DC fast charging capability and heated front seats. Following a no-change year in 2016, the 2017 BMW i3 was equipped with a larger battery. The sporty i3s trim was added to the lineup in 2018. Battery improvements for 2019 models increased the i3 and i3s electric-only range to an EPA-estimated 153 miles on a full charge.
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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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