The BMW i3 is and four-seat electric vehicle. With subcompact dimensions and a hatchback bodystyle, the i3 has rear doors that open clamshell fashion to provide access to the back seat. Competitors include the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Volt, Hyundai Ionic, Kia Niro, Nissan Leaf and Toyota Prius. i3 comes in two flavors, pure electric and electric with range-extending gas engine. Buyers that opt for the electric-only model get a vehicle with an EPA-estimated range of 114 miles. The i3's gasoline engine adds an additional 97 miles of driving range. The i3 does not share chassis with any other BMW models. In fact, the chassis is mostly constructed of aluminum and the upper cabin of lightweight carbon fiber.
Power for the BMW i3 comes from a 33-kilowat-hour lithium-ion battery pack that's located beneath the floor. It drives a 125-kilowatt electric motor that's connected directly to the rear wheels. Output is pegged at 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The optional two-cylinder range-extending gasoline engine serves as a generator to maintain the minimum charge in the battery pack.
Safety features include antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, rear parking sensors, rear-view camera, front parking sensors and front-, front-side and side-curtain airbags. The Technology + Driving Assistant package adds adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning system and forward-collision warning with automatic braking. Prices start as low as $42,400 for the electric-only version.
The BMW i3 is a relatively quick electric vehicle. With just the driver aboard and a sufficient electric charge, the i3 will run from 0 to 60 mph in about seven seconds. Add a few passengers or deplete the battery so much so that the range-extending engine kicks in and acceleration is dulled greatly. Like most electric vehicles, the i3 has no transmission, which means acceleration is smooth and seamless with no hesitation in power delivery.
Driving the i3 requires a slight re-calibration in technique as computer programming makes the best use of regenerative braking to maximize range. Lifting off the accelerator results in instant deceleration, much like driving a vehicle in low range. With good technique, most drivers will only use the brake pedal for emergency stopping. Simply resting your foot on the accelerator modulates between coasting and braking force.
Given a full charge and ideal temperature conditions, the i3 with can go about 120 miles on a single charge. Once the battery is depleted, the range-extending gas engine kicks in and adds another 90-100 miles of range -- albeit with limited performance. Fully recharging batteries from empty on a standard wall outlet can take more than 20 hours. However, that time drops to about four hours when using a 240-volt outlet. The i3's DC fast-charging system can fully recharge the battery in less than 60 minutes (assuming you have access to a DC charger).
Once you get past the unusual braking sensation, the BMW i3 drives like a normal car. In fact, at times, it feels almost sporty. You certainly wouldn't think that, given the skinny tires and tall build. But, placing a heavy battery pack below the wheel centers and creating an extremely light-but-rigid frame allowed BMW engineers to work magic with the i3's suspension. It's euro firm for sure, but never harsh or pounding. The tires have enough compliance to soak up minor road imperfection, however, the occasional expansion joint or pot hole will, unflatteringly, pound through to the cabin. Highway ride is comfortable enough, but the short wheelbase is prone to occasional oscillations on concrete roadways.
At the same time, the skinny, fuel-economy-minded tires do limit ultimate handling prowess. Steering feel is heavy if somewhat numb. Thankfully, it's quite precise and the short wheelbase means a very tight turning circle. The brakes have good stopping power, and, in normal driving mode, are quite easy to modulate. Overall, the i3 feels nimble and tossable in most urban driving situations and doesn't get blown about on the highway.
At highway speed, interior noise levels are about what you might expect for a small car. There's some tire thrum on rough concrete surfaces and a bit of wind rush from the side glass at speed. Around town, the i3 is eerily quiet with just a whisper of a hum from the electric drivetrain. Even when the range-extending gas engine kicks in there's only a slight buzz from the rear quarter. Plus, it only operates sporadically around town, so when sitting at stoplights, you hear nothing.
To say the i3's interior is unusual would be an understatement. Recycled materials are unexpected but price appropriate, the layout is functional and fit-and-finish is excellent. BMW's iDrive infotainment system has a steep learning curve, but many of the functions are customizable. Using the climate control (heat or AC) takes a whack at overall range, so beware on extremely hot or cold days.
Front seats are firmly bolstered and some might find them confining. Rear-seats are raised and separated by a seat-cushion cup holder. Up front, head and leg room are generous. In back, average-size adults will find adequate room but might ask front-seat occupants to scoot forward to increase knee space. The rear-opening back doors hamper easy access in tight spots but are a boon when parked in open spaces. Outward visibility is great. Cargo capacity is below average, especially compared to direct competitors. There's enough room for a several grocery bags but not enough width for golf clubs. Interior storage is sparse.
Make no doubt the BMW i3 is expensive, but its sprightly driving demeanor, 2-plus-2 seating arrangement, diminutive footprint and clamshell doors make it an excellent city vehicle. It's also quite unique. The interior is like nothing else in the industry, the overall build quality is top notch and the execution - from both a design and engineering standpoint - is unmatched. Yes, there are more affordable and practical electric vehicles. There are even hybrid vehicles that offer a better dollar-per-mile ratio. Still, the i3 has a charm and sophistication that's unparalleled by its competition. If low cost isn't your first objective, then the BMW i3 makes a lot of sense for the eco-shopper.
|
|