Auto Trader – BMW i3 Review – Video

 

If an electric car can fit into your lifestyle, then the BMW i3 is certainly worth a look. It may be dearer than other electric cars, but we think the extra is justified by the premium look and feel, fun driving dynamics, not to mention the option of this range extender version.

BMW i3 Specs:

PRICE AS TESTED:$52,550 (base price w/range extender: $46,150)

MOTOR TYPE:synchronous AC, 170 hp, 184 lb-ft; 22-kWh lithium-ion battery pack

GENERATOR ENGINE:DOHC 8-valve 647-cc inline-2, 34 hp

TRANSMISSION:1-speed direct drive

DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 101.2 in
Length: 157.8 in
Width: 69.9 in Height:62.1 in
Curb weight: 3135 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS (CHARGE-DEPLETING MODE/CHARGE-SUSTAINING MODE):
Zero to 60 mph: 7.0/7.9 sec
Zero to 90 mph: 18.1/ N/A sec
Rolling start, 5-60 mph: 7.0/7.9 sec
Top gear, 30-50 mph: 2.6/3.0 sec
Top gear, 50-70 mph: 4.4/5.1 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 15.8 sec @ 86 mph/16.4 sec @ 81 mph
Top speed (redline limited): 92 mph
Braking, 70-0 mph: 160 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad*: 0.80 g

FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA city/highway (charge-depleting mode, charge-sustaining mode): 127/107 MPGe, 41/37 mpg
C/D observed: 60 MPGe
*Stability-control-inhibited