2017 BMW i3

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$42,400

starting MSRP

2017 BMW i3
2017 BMW i3

Key specs

Base trim shown

Hatchback

Body style

118
Combined MPGe Combined MPGe

Miles per gallon-equivalent is how the EPA provides efficiency ratings for battery-electric vehicles in a way that can be used in comparison with gasoline-powered vehicles. Actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, driving habits, elevation changes, weather, accessory usage (lights, climate control), vehicle condition and other factors.

Related: Top 10 Most Efficient Electric Cars
114 mi.
EPA-est. range EPA-est. range

EPA-estimated range is the distance, or predicted distance, a new plug-in vehicle will travel on electric power before its battery charge is exhausted. Actual range will vary depending on driving conditions, driving habits, elevation changes, weather, accessory usage (lights, climate control), vehicle condition and other factors.

Related: Electric Cars With The Longest Range
5 hrs.
Level 2 charging Level 2 charging

Charge time estimates are based on using a 240-volt charging circuit charging from empty to 100% battery capacity. Level 2 is the fastest way to charge at home, though charging times can vary and are dependent on factors such as the capabilities of the charging circuit, charging equipment and the vehicle’s onboard charger.

42 mins.
DC fast charging DC fast charging

DC fast charging is the fastest way to charge and only available at pay-for-use public charging stations, though some EVs come with complimentary charging for a limited time. Real-world DC fast charging times can vary greatly, even on the same vehicle, because of this type of charging’s sensitivities to ambient and battery conditions.

33 kWh
Battery capacity Battery capacity

Battery capacity is measured in kilowatt-hours, which is a measure of how much energy is used over time. A 70-kWh battery has more energy capacity than a 50-kWh battery and would result in a longer driving range if all other factors were equal. But more battery capacity doesn’t always mean longer range because of differences in energy consumption from vehicle to vehicle.

4

Seating capacity

157” x 62”

Dimensions

Rear-wheel drive

Drivetrain

Overview

The good:

  • Acceleration
  • Ride comfort
  • Overall range with gasoline extender
  • Cabin space
  • Urban-friendly dimensions, turning circle

The bad:

  • Low-grip tires
  • Bluetooth audio, backup camera not standard
  • Relatively high price
  • Braking
  • Range extender recommends premium gas
  • No AM radio

3 trims

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2017 BMW i3 trim comparison will help you decide.

See also: Find the best Hatchbacks for 2023

Notable features

  • New higher-capacity battery pack for longer range
  • New power moonroof available
  • All-electric four-seat hatchback
  • Gasoline range-extending engine available
  • Rear-wheel drive

2017 BMW i3 review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview

What it is: The BMW i3 is a purpose-built electric car with rear-wheel drive and seating for four. Constructed of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic and aluminum to save weight, the i3’s electric drivetrain gives it a range of up to 114 miles or so, according to BMW. Competitors include the Nissan Leaf, Fiat 500e, Volkswagen e-Golf and Chevrolet Volt.

To address the range anxiety associated with electric cars, BMW offers an available two-cylinder gas engine for the i3. The engine doesn’t drive the wheels but rather charges the lithium-ion battery to extend the i3’s range.
New for 2017
A higher-capacity 33-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack increases the i3’s estimated driving range to 114 miles from 81 miles. A new residential charging station is available from BMW i, and it takes about 4.5 hours to charge the battery on Level 2 service. A power moonroof is now available.
Significant Standard Features

  • 170-horsepower electric motor
  • Rear-wheel drive
  • Traditional front doors and rear-hinged back doors
  • LED headlights and taillights
  • Automatic air conditioning
  • Tilt/telescoping steering wheel
  • Heated front seats
  • 50/50-split folding backseat
  • Navigation system
  • Required in every new car: front airbags, antilock brakes and an electronic stability system

Significant Available Features

  • 38-hp, two-cylinder gas engine-generator
  • Backup camera
  • Leather upholstery
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Bluetooth audio streaming
  • Forward collision warning

Consumer reviews

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.3
  • Interior design 4.5
  • Performance 4.4
  • Value for the money 4.1
  • Exterior styling 4.4
  • Reliability 4.4

Most recent consumer reviews

5.0

Great for city driving!

I love this cute and zippy car! I feel so responsible and earth-friendly when I drive this electric car. It’s the way of the future!

5.0

2017 ReX and I'm Loving It

Quick, quiet, and fun to drive. Just picked up a 2017 ReX Deka with 30K miles and a new set of tires for $16900 and have driven it over 350 miles thus far and it's a blast. I'm 6' 6" tall and have three Golden Retrievers and we all fit comfortably. This may be the most fun, practical choice, that I've ever made.

5.0

Buy these used for tremendous value

Cons: Doors could be an issue for some the way they open, but I think they are cool Small tires take a lot of suspension out of the car, so a decently firm ride that is actually nice in spirited driving Small trunk with smaller frunk Somewhat clunky infotainment menu at first, but it grows on you with use and familiarity Hack the REX to be able to turn it on whenever you want, as long as you are under 75% battery. 100 bucks tops. Get bimmercode app. Get a obd 2 reader from the list recommended in app. Upgrade bimmercode subscription. Its not meant for heavy use, bit man does it solve issues. I used to own a Leaf, so I know about trying to get a charge. All the time waiting or maybe not around one.....REX. This hack allows more control versus only on at 6%. Pros: Everything else. Seriously. I have owned over 30 cars. This one is right up there. It will be a classic with some of the architecture such as a carbon fiber cage.

See all 28 consumer reviews

Warranty

New car and Certified Pre-Owned programs by BMW
New car program benefits
Bumper-to-bumper
48 months/50,000 miles
Corrosion
144 months/unlimited distance
Powertrain
48 months/50,000 miles
Maintenance
36 months/36,000 miles
Roadside assistance
48 months/unlimited distance
Certified Pre-Owned program benefits
Maximum age/mileage
Certified Pre-Owned Elite with less than 15,000 miles; Certified Pre-Owned with less than 60,000 miles
Basic warranty terms
1 year/unlimited miles from expiration of 4-year/50,000-mile new car warranty
Powertrain
N/A
Dealer certification required
196-point inspection
Roadside assistance
Yes
View all cpo program details

Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?

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