Vehicle photos
Our Review
The 2020 BMW i3 is a chunky little monkey with bodywork that ensures it will always be unmistakably identified as an electric vehicle. Its spacious front-seat area is inviting, however, the rear seating space is disappointing. In addition to its much-appreciated all-electric, rear-drive powertrain with up to 153 miles of range on one charge, there is also an optional gas engine available that can expand the range as a last resort. Despite its unique aesthetics, the 2020 i3's price tag competes with mainstream upscale models such as the Tesla Model 3 while having significantly less driving range than comparable mid-priced EVs. The bottom line...the i3 is an ugly duckling with limited range that will only appeal to the staunchest tree huggers.
What's New
The 2020 BMW i3 carries over from the previous model year with only minor improvements such as a larger battery pack and greater driving range. For those wary of relying solely on electricity, the i3 comes with a gas-powered range extender. However, for most people, the electric-only version will do just fine, as the i3 is best suited for urban driving and short highway trips. The base model is the most affordable and the one we recommend. While you can customize it to your own taste by selecting from the various exterior and interior color options, we highly recommend the Giga World package. It includes brown leather and grey cloth upholstery, Apple CarPlay capability, heated front seats, and navigation.The BMW i3 offers a unique driving experience for an awkward-looking electric vehicle. Zooming from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.6 seconds, the electric car does defy expectations with smooth, linear acceleration thanks to its one-speed direct transmission. For an even sportier experience, the optional gas engine range extender kicks in for instantaneous response when maneuvering around town. Inside the cabin, you'll find complete serenity and isolation; there are absolutely no vibrations, humming, or noise. Its lightweight construction creates excellent road feedback delivered directly to your hands through the steering column. The 2020 i3 is an attractive option due to its functional size, adeptness for weaving through traffic, and penchant for slipping into the tightest parking spaces.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe
The i3's battery, boasting 42.2-kWh and 153 miles of all-electric driving range may not compare with the Bolt EV (60.0 kWh/259 miles) or Model 3 (322 miles), but it does offer a unique feature - an optional gasoline-fueled range extender that turns on when the battery reaches 5% capacity. With regard to fuel economy, the 2019 i3s reported numbers in line with the EPA rating of 102 MPGe on highway routes, though a test of an i3 equipped with the gas-powered range extender fell 6 points shy of its 100 MPGe specs.The interior of the 2020 BMW i3 has been nicely crafted with recycled materials, giving it an open feel - but seating in the rear seats is cramped with very limited space. One nice feature of the i3 is the rear doors open opposite of the front ones - therefore there is no "B" pillar between the doors allowing entering the rear seats extremely easy. As a bonus feature, you're also able to fold down both back seats using only one inner strap – providing room for up to 14 carry-on suitcases.
The BMW i3 offers a simplified approach to its infotainment compared to many other electric and hybrid vehicles. Its standard iDrive 6 interface provides Apple CarPlay integration but no Android Auto option. Additionally, the car only features one USB charger in the front center console with no power points in the rear seating area.
The 2020 i3 has yet to be evaluated for crash safety by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and didn't receive a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). However, many driver-assistance features have been made available as optional add-ons. Key safety features include:
The i3's warranty on its hybrid components is comparable to other EVs, whilst the three complimentary years of scheduled maintenance that come with it trounce any rival offerings.
Price Comparison
Vehicle Rating
Recalls, Complaints and Safety Issues
Vehicle Specifications
- Melbourne Red Metallic w/Frozen Grey Accent
- Jucaro Beige Metallic w/Frozen Grey Accent
- Imperial Blue Metallic w/Frozen Grey Accent
- Fluid Black w/BMW i Frozen Blue Accent
- Mineral Grey w/BMW i Frozen Blue Accent
- Capparis White w/BMW i Frozen Blue Accent
- Mega Carum Spice Grey and Brown Highlight, leatherette/cloth
- Giga Brown Natural and Carum Spice Grey, leather/cloth
- Tera Dark Truffle Vernasca, leather
- Deka Dark, cloth
- Melbourne Red Metallic w/Frozen Grey Accent
- Jucaro Beige Metallic w/Frozen Grey Accent
- Imperial Blue Metallic w/Frozen Grey Accent
- Fluid Black w/BMW i Frozen Blue Accent
- Mineral Grey w/BMW i Frozen Blue Accent
- Capparis White w/BMW i Frozen Blue Accent
- Mega Carum Spice Grey and Brown Highlight, leatherette/cloth
- Giga Brown Natural and Carum Spice Grey, leather/cloth
- Tera Dark Truffle Vernasca, leather
- Deka Dark, cloth
- Melbourne Red Metallic w/Frozen Grey Accent
- Jucaro Beige Metallic w/Frozen Grey Accent
- Imperial Blue Metallic w/Frozen Grey Accent
- Fluid Black w/BMW i Frozen Blue Accent
- Mineral Grey w/BMW i Frozen Blue Accent
- Capparis White w/BMW i Frozen Blue Accent
- Mega Carum Spice Grey and Brown Highlight, leatherette/cloth
- Giga Brown Natural and Carum Spice Grey, leather/cloth
- Tera Dark Truffle Vernasca, leather
- Deka Dark, cloth
- Melbourne Red Metallic w/Frozen Grey Accent
- Jucaro Beige Metallic w/Frozen Grey Accent
- Imperial Blue Metallic w/Frozen Grey Accent
- Fluid Black w/BMW i Frozen Blue Accent
- Mineral Grey w/BMW i Frozen Blue Accent
- Capparis White w/BMW i Frozen Blue Accent
- Mega Carum Spice Grey and Brown Highlight, leatherette/cloth
- Giga Brown Natural and Carum Spice Grey, leather/cloth
- Tera Dark Truffle Vernasca, leather
- Deka Dark, cloth