Introduction

The BMW i3 was the first fully electric production car to come from the makers of ‘The Ultimate Driving Machine’, and it has surprised many with how well it drives. It is made from a variety of lightweight materials and has a revolutionary-looking interior to maximise space, while an upgraded battery now extends driving range up to 195 miles. If that still leaves you a little anxious about running out of power, there is also a range-extender version. The familiar rear-wheel-drive layout typical of BMWs adds to the sharp handling, making this one of the more interesting EVs you can buy.  

Did you know? All of the electricity used by BMW in the production of the i3 comes exclusively from renewable energy sources.

Verdict | Design | Interior | Technology | Performance | Safety | Specs | Running Costs | Pricing

Verdict: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ (7.9/10)

Objectively, the BMW i3 is one of the most appealing electric vehicles on sale today. But when you start to compare it to its main EV rivals, such as the Nissan Leaf and Renault Zoe, it starts to lose some of its shine. It is also one of the more expensive EVs on sale of its size, and it gets even more expensive should you choose the range extending REX model. Price aside, it is a hugely impressive car to drive and a very positive example of how EVs should perform. Its agility and pace often surprise, w...