HatchbackBMW11% by Neofiliac Team61% by External Reviewers

BMW i3 LCI

Subcompact Hatchback

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Product Overview

BMW i3 LCI is a subcompact hatchback in production from 2017 to 2022. It was powered by electric motors of 170hp aided by batteries from 33kWh to 42kWh. A tiny inline-2 engine is optional as a "range extender".

BMW has made a good effort in aerodynamics, with a decent 0.28 coefficient of drag to show for it.

Drivers who appreciate handling should keep in mind that the BMW i3 (facelift 2017) uses MacPherson front suspension, which doesn't provide the best cornering performance. Another plus is the small 9.8m (32.1ft) turning circle.

Ratings

What we found

Neofiliac score 11%

Pros

Good 0.28 drag coefficient
Small turning circle

Cons

Very, very ugly
Nonsense positioning
Greenwashing
Stuck with MacPherson struts in the front

What external reviewers found

External score 61%

Pros

Fantastic range
Decent electric range
Comfortable ride
Comfortable to drive
High-quality interior

Cons

Lack of standard equipment
Poor ride quality
Expensive compared to rivals
Lack of infotainment
Cramped rear cabin
No range extender

Your rating:

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Specifications

[[{"Ft":"Capacity","Fn":"Cargo Capacity","Fv":"260 L / 9.2 cu-ft ~ 1100 L / 38.8 cu-ft"},{"Ft":"Capacity","Fn":"Fuel Capacity","Fv":"9.0 L / 2.4 gal"},{"Ft":"Capacity","Fn":"Passengers","Fv":"4"},{"Ft":"Capacity","Fn":"Payload","Fv":"425 kg / 937 lbs"},{"Ft":"Chassis","Fn":"Brakes | Front","Fv":"Ventilated discs"},{"Ft":"Chassis","Fn":"Brakes | Rear","Fv":"Ventilated discs"},{"Ft":"Chassis","Fn":"Power Steering","Fv":"Electric Steering"},{"Ft":"Chassis","Fn":"Suspension | Front","Fv":"MacPherson strut"},{"Ft":"Chassis","Fn":"Suspension | Rear","Fv":"Multi-link"},{"Ft":"Chassis","Fn":"Tire Size","Fv":"Front wheel tires: 155/70 R19, 155/60 R20 Rear wheel tires: 155/70 R19, 175/60 R19, 175/55 R20"},{"Ft":"Chassis","Fn":"Turning Circle","Fv":"9.9 m / 32.3 ft"},{"Ft":"Construction","Fn":"Battery | Capacity","Fv":"33.2 kWh (gross) | 27.2 kWh (net)"},{"Ft":"Construction","Fn":"Battery | Type","Fv":"Lithium-ion"},{"Ft":"Construction","Fn":"Battery | Voltage","Fv":"353.0 V"},{"Ft":"Construction","Fn":"Body Style","Fv":"5-door battery-electric Hatchback"},{"Ft":"Dimensions","Fn":"Ground Clearance","Fv":"139 mm / 5.5 in"},{"Ft":"Dimensions","Fn":"Size | Height","Fv":"1598 mm / 62.9 in"},{"Ft":"Dimensions","Fn":"Size | Length","Fv":"4011 mm / 157.9 in"},{"Ft":"Dimensions","Fn":"Size | Width","Fv":"1775 mm / 69.9 in | 2039 mm / 80.3 in (mirror unfolded)"},{"Ft":"Dimensions","Fn":"Track Width | Front","Fv":"1571.0 mm / 61.9 in"},{"Ft":"Dimensions","Fn":"Track Width | Rear","Fv":"1576.0 mm / 62.0 in"},{"Ft":"Dimensions","Fn":"Weight","Fv":"1245.0 kg / 2744.8 lbs"},{"Ft":"Dimensions","Fn":"Wheel Size","Fv":"Front wheel rims: 5J x 19, 5J x 20 Rear wheel rims: 5J x 19, 5.5J x 19, 5.5J x 20"},{"Ft":"Dimensions","Fn":"Wheelbase","Fv":"2570 mm / 101.2 in"},{"Ft":"Performance","Fn":"Acceleration | 0 - 100 km/h","Fv":"7.3 sec"},{"Ft":"Performance","Fn":"Acceleration | 0 - 60 mph","Fv":"6.9 sec"},{"Ft":"Performance","Fn":"Coefficient Of Drag","Fv":"0.29"},{"Ft":"Performance","Fn":"Electric Range","Fv":"235.0 km / 146.0 mi"},{"Ft":"Powertrain","Fn":"Drivetrain Layout","Fv":"Rear-engine (transverse), Rear-wheel drive"},{"Ft":"Powertrain","Fn":"Engine | Power","Fv":"170 hp / 126.8 kW @ 4800 rpm"},{"Ft":"Powertrain","Fn":"Transmission | Gears","Fv":"1-speed"},{"Ft":"Powertrain","Fn":"Transmission | Type","Fv":"Automatic"},{"Ft":"Production","Fn":"Availability","Fv":"2017 ~ 2018"}],[{"Ft":"Capacity","Fn":"Cargo Capacity","Fv":"260 L / 9.2 cu-ft ~ 1100 L / 38.8 cu-ft"},{"Ft":"Capacity","Fn":"Fuel Capacity","Fv":"9.0 L / 2.4 gal"},{"Ft":"Capacity","Fn":"Passengers","Fv":"4"},{"Ft":"Capacity","Fn":"Payload","Fv":"395 kg / 871 lbs"},{"Ft":"Chassis","Fn":"Brakes | Front","Fv":"Ventilated discs"},{"Ft":"Chassis","Fn":"Brakes | Rear","Fv":"Ventilated discs"},{"Ft":"Chassis","Fn":"Power Steering","Fv":"Electric Steering"},{"Ft":"Chassis","Fn":"Suspension | Front","Fv":"MacPherson strut"},{"Ft":"Chassis","Fn":"Suspension | Rear","Fv":"Multi-link"},{"Ft":"Chassis","Fn":"Tire Size","Fv":"Front wheel tires: 155/70 R19, 155/60 R20 Rear wheel tires: 175/60 R19, 175/55 R20"},{"Ft":"Chassis","Fn":"Turning Circle","Fv":"9.9 m / 32.3 ft"},{"Ft":"Construction","Fn":"Battery | Capacity","Fv":"33.2 kWh (gross) | 27.2 kWh (net)"},{"Ft":"Construction","Fn":"Battery | Type","Fv":"Lithium-ion"},{"Ft":"Construction","Fn":"Battery | Voltage","Fv":"353.0 V"},{"Ft":"Construction","Fn":"Body Style","Fv":"5-door plug-in hybrid Hatchback"},{"Ft":"Dimensions","Fn":"Ground Clearance","Fv":"139 mm / 5.5 in"},{"Ft":"Dimensions","Fn":"Size | Height","Fv":"1598 mm / 62.9 in"},{"Ft":"Dimensions","Fn":"Size | Length","Fv":"4011 mm / 157.9 in"},{"Ft":"Dimensions","Fn":"Size | Width","Fv":"1775 mm / 69.9 in"},{"Ft":"Dimensions","Fn":"Track Width | Front","Fv":"1571.0 mm / 61.9 in"},{"Ft":"Dimensions","Fn":"Track Width | Rear","Fv":"1576.0 mm / 62.0 in"},{"Ft":"Dimensions","Fn":"Weight","Fv":"1365.0 kg / 3009.3 lbs"},{"Ft":"Dimensions","Fn":"Wheel Size","Fv":"Front wheel rims: 5J x 19, 5J x 20 Rear wheel rims: 5.5J x 19, 5.5J x 20"},{"Ft":"Dimensions","Fn":"Wheelbase","Fv":"2570 mm / 101.2 in"},{"Ft":"Performance","Fn":"Acceleration | 0 - 100 km/h","Fv":"8.1 sec"},{"Ft":"Performance","Fn":"Acceleration | 0 - 60 mph","Fv":"7.7 sec"},{"Ft":"Performance","Fn":"Coefficient Of Drag","Fv":"0.30"},{"Ft":"Performance","Fn":"Electric Range","Fv":"225.0 km / 139.8 mi"},{"Ft":"Powertrain","Fn":"Drivetrain Layout","Fv":"Rear-engine (transverse), Rear-wheel drive"},{"Ft":"Powertrain","Fn":"Engine | Power","Fv":"38.0 hp / 28.3 kW @ 5000 rpm + 170.0 hp / 126.8 kW @ 4800 rpm (electric motor)"},{"Ft":"Powertrain","Fn":"Transmission | Gears","Fv":"1-speed"},{"Ft":"Powertrain","Fn":"Transmission | Type","Fv":"Automatic"},{"Ft":"Production","Fn":"Availability","Fv":"2017 ~ 2018"}],[{"Ft":"Capacity","Fn":"Cargo Capacity","Fv":"260 L / 9.2 cu-ft ~ 1100 L / 38.8 cu-ft"},{"Ft":"Capacity","Fn":"Fuel Capacity","Fv":"9.0 L / 2.4 gal"},{"Ft":"Capacity","Fn":"Passengers","Fv":"4"},{"Ft":"Capacity","Fn":"Payload","Fv":"440 kg / 970 lbs"},{"Ft":"Chassis","Fn":"Brakes | Front","Fv":"Ventilated discs"},{"Ft":"Chassis","Fn":"Brakes | Rear","Fv":"Ventilated discs"},{"Ft":"Chassis","Fn":"Power Steering","Fv":"Electric Steering"},{"Ft":"Chassis","Fn":"Suspension | Front","Fv":"MacPherson strut"},{"Ft":"Chassis","Fn":"Suspension | Rear","Fv":"Multi-link"},{"Ft":"Chassis","Fn":"Tire Size","Fv":"155/70 R19"},{"Ft":"Chassis","Fn":"Turning Circle","Fv":"9.9 m / 32.3 ft"},{"Ft":"Construction","Fn":"Battery | Capacity","Fv":"42.2 kWh (gross) | 37.9 kWh (net)"},{"Ft":"Construction","Fn":"Battery | Type","Fv":"Lithium-ion"},{"Ft":"Construction","Fn":"Battery | Voltage","Fv":"352.0 V"},{"Ft":"Construction","Fn":"Body Style","Fv":"5-door battery-electric Hatchback"},{"Ft":"Dimensions","Fn":"Ground Clearance","Fv":"139 mm / 5.5 in"},{"Ft":"Dimensions","Fn":"Size | Height","Fv":"1598 mm / 62.9 in"},{"Ft":"Dimensions","Fn":"Size | Length","Fv":"4011 mm / 157.9 in"},{"Ft":"Dimensions","Fn":"Size | Width","Fv":"1775 mm / 69.9 in | 2039 mm / 80.3 in (mirror unfolded)"},{"Ft":"Dimensions","Fn":"Track Width | Front","Fv":"1571.0 mm / 61.9 in"},{"Ft":"Dimensions","Fn":"Track Width | Rear","Fv":"1576.0 mm / 62.0 in"},{"Ft":"Dimensions","Fn":"Weight","Fv":"1270.0 kg / 2799.9 lbs"},{"Ft":"Dimensions","Fn":"Wheel Size","Fv":"5J x 19"},{"Ft":"Dimensions","Fn":"Wheelbase","Fv":"2570 mm / 101.2 in"},{"Ft":"Performance","Fn":"Acceleration | 0 - 100 km/h","Fv":"7.3 sec"},{"Ft":"Performance","Fn":"Acceleration | 0 - 60 mph","Fv":"6.9 sec"},{"Ft":"Performance","Fn":"Coefficient Of Drag","Fv":"0.29"},{"Ft":"Performance","Fn":"Electric Range","Fv":"359.0 km / 223.1 mi"},{"Ft":"Powertrain","Fn":"Drivetrain Layout","Fv":"Rear-engine (transverse), Rear-wheel drive"},{"Ft":"Powertrain","Fn":"Engine | Power","Fv":"170 hp / 126.8 kW @ 4800 rpm"},{"Ft":"Powertrain","Fn":"Transmission | Gears","Fv":"1-speed"},{"Ft":"Powertrain","Fn":"Transmission | Type","Fv":"Automatic"},{"Ft":"Production","Fn":"Availability","Fv":"2018 ~ 2022"}]]

	33.2 kWh	33.2 kWh Range Extender	42.2 kWh

External Reviews

autocar^[1]

Reviewer score 49% (normalized by Neofiliac)

Reviewers from autocar have found:

BMW says 60% of customers think it’s worth the extra over the vanilla i3. It has six months to convince me of the same. In the 1000 miles I’ve spent with the i3s so far, the inability to charge at home has yet to make this venture a literal non-starter. Fully charged, the impossible-to-miss remaining battery indicator on the dashboard informs me it has 155 miles in reserve.

Pros

Fully loaded
Comfortable to drive

Cons

No transmission tunnel
Lack of infotainment

autoexpress^[2]

Reviewer score 79% (normalized by Neofiliac)

Reviewers from autoexpress have found:

The BMW i3 electric hatchback has been on sale in the UK since 2014. The latest iteration arrived in 2017 along with the sporty i3s, with both getting a small update in 2018 to add a larger battery. The i3 makes use of a ground-up design, advanced construction methods and carbon fibre to keep weight to a minimum. The styling is radical too, with a unique hatchback body with a wheel-at-each-corner design.

Pros

Best-in-class electric powertrain
Spacious four-seat interior
Comfortable to drive

Cons

Expensive compared to rivals

digitaltrends^[3]

Reviewer score 51% (normalized by Neofiliac)

Reviewers from digitaltrends have found:

The 2019 BMW i3 is rated at 153 miles of range by the EPA. That's a massive increase over the 81-mile rating from the car's 2014-model-year launch. The i3s is also a riot in corners. Its light weight, small size, and quick-reacting steering make a great combination. The default “comfort” setting isn't that great to begin with.

Pros

Powerful electric motor
Comfortable ride

Cons

Short range
No range extender

Also Check

Product ComparisonProducts in HatchbackProducts by BMWKeyword electric-vehicleKeyword macpherson-strutKeyword multi-linkKeyword phevKeyword rwdKeyword subcompact-car

References

^ BMW i3S 2020 long-term review. [autocar].
^ BMW i3 review. [autoexpress].
^ 2019 BMW i3s review: Fun, but still flawed. [digitaltrends].

BMW i3 LCI

Product Gallery

Product Overview

Ratings

What we found

What external reviewers found

Your rating:

Price Comparison

Specifications

Related Products

External Reviews

autocar[1]

autoexpress[2]

digitaltrends[3]

Also Check

References

autocar^[1]

autoexpress^[2]

digitaltrends^[3]