2018 BMW i3 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$44,450 to $51,500

Original MSRP

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expert review

4.6

avg user rating

(22 reviews)
2018 BMW i3 Preview summaryImage

BMW launched its diminutive i3 in 2014, as the entry point for its “i” series of premium electric vehicles. The five-door hatchback has seen improvements over the years. For 2018, the i3 gets a facelift and updated features.

Buyers often notice the quirky styling of the BMW i3. Entering its fifth model year, the i3 continues to make a statement. The two-tone paint scheme, short hood, and non-linear window line are unlike other BMWs; the twin-kidney grille is the sole family resemblance carried by the i3. For 2018, BMW made LED headlights standard on the i3. Front and rear bumpers, wheel designs, and additional colors (Melbourne Red Metallic and Imperial Blue Metallic) are new as well.

The interior style echoes the ultramodern exterior, full of thin, planar surfaces and interesting blends of textiles, wood, and plastic—over 80 percent of them recycled or renewable. Like some trucks, the i3 has reverse-hinged rear doors, allowing an unobstructed view. The dashboard stretches across the cabin to create an airy feel. Trim level changes the overall theme considerably. Mega World, Giga World and Tera World trims are carried over from 2017; the only change for 2018 is a new cloth-and-leather upholstery combination for the Giga World package.

The base i3 gets a single electric motor mounted at the rear—making the vehicle rear-wheel drive—that develops 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Benefitting from a larger 33 kWh battery introduced in 2017, there’s 124 miles of driving range, and the sprint from 0-60 mph takes 7.2 seconds. For better performance, choose the new-for-2018 BMW i3s. The i3s benefits from unique exterior theming, lowered suspension, a wider wheel track, a SPORT driving mode, and an electric motor that’s uprated to 181 hp and 199 lb.-ft. of torque. Total range figures for the i3s were unavailable at the time of this writing, but this performance variant hits 60 mph in just 6.8 seconds.

All i3 models take about 4.8 hours to charge fully on a Level 2 charger; although, a DC 50kW fast charger can get the battery up to 80 percent in as little as 45 minutes. Should drivers develop range anxiety, BMW offers a 2-cylinder, 2.3-gallon range extender engine on both trims. This provides up to 205 miles of total driving range on the regular i3, but the additional weight can cause performance to suffer.

One advantage to driving the i3 is a wide array of technology options. BMW’s iDrive 6, the latest evolution of automaker’s infotainment system, arrives for 2018 with better voice recognition software, over-the-air update capabilities, Apple CarPlay, and a touchscreen interface that feels familiar to smartphone users. BMW also equips the i3 with its Connected or Connected+ services, which include functions designed for the i3, like intelligent route planning, a function that takes into account the available range and charging station locations when determining an ideal course.

The i3 has driver and passenger frontal airbags and side curtain airbags. The i3 also gets a suite of optional driving aids, like active cruise control with a low-speed function, parking sensors, a parking assistant, pedestrian detection, and frontal collision warning with automatic emergency braking. The i3 was evaluated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and scored a Good rating, the highest score, in most categories.

The i3 isn’t for everyone. The low range of the electric car means that long trips need to be well planned. Even with the range extender, there’s less than 200 miles between stops, and in range-extender mode, the vehicle struggles to keep up to highway speeds. For car buyers in cities, the tight packaging and small wheelbase make for tidy parking and easy maneuverability. The i3 also qualifies for the full $7,500 federal EV tax credit. With those attributes, singular exterior, and high-tech drivetrain, the i3 is a compelling option.

Kyree Rollerson
Published May 31, 2022 by Kyree Rollerson
A CarGurus contributor since 2017, Kyree has always been fascinated with the automotive world, especially when it comes to premium European cars. But regardless of the vehicle—whether it's an efficient hybrid or the latest luxury sled—he's always ready to dispense information and advice.

User reviews for 2018 BMW i3

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User rating:
by PHILIP T
Oct 23, 2024
What is there not to love about this AMAZING little gem...? The best small car on the road and not to mention, its a BMW. At the price these are selling for now, its a no brainer to buy this compact and sporty EV. Especially with the REX option. Great drivers experience. Waited too long to buy on of these, but Im definitely in love with its very good throttle response, great visibility, and next to none individual looks. From Concept to the streets, BMW hit a home run with this from day one. It just took a few years for the price to come down to a budget conscious range. Oct 23, 2024
by Jared P
Apr 19, 2023
I travel 50 to 60 miles round trip to work and back each day. The 94 ah battery gets about 110 miles fully charged and additional range extender adds another 60 miles. This car is more than adequate and fun to drive for daily commute. It also fits 2 child car seats in rear seat and our 90 lb dog in the trunk hatchback. Large display, with apple car play, heated seats and moon roof are also a plus. Only Downside are the fast tire wear about 12000 miles needs new tires and bmw level service costs. Apr 19, 2023
by russ k
Mar 20, 2023
An ideal, state of the art electric urban commuter vehicle. More than youll ever need to go to the store and run errands.Mar 20, 2023

2018 BMW i3 Pricing

Original MSRP
$44,450 to $51,500
Price range
$14,747 to $14,782
Average price on CG
$14,782
YoY price change
$14,754 to $14,782

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 4

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Cargo area floor mat material: carpet · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: climate control · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: multi-function screen controls · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 9.67

Engine

EV battery capacity: 33 kWh · Electric Charge Cord: 240 volt · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 168 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 125 · Electric Motor Torque: 184 · Electric motor charger: DC fast charging · Electric motor charger connector: SAE Combo CCS · Electric motor charging time: 5 hours · Electric motor miles per charge: 124

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: black · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low battery

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: wiper activated · Tail and brake lights: LED · Taillights: adaptive

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 6

Rear Seats

Type: 50-50 split bench

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: door unlock · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Kit: tire sealant

Steering

Steering ratio: 14.0

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist · Smart device app compatibility: Amazon Alexa · Smart device app function: maintenance status

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 4

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Cargo area floor mat material: carpet · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: audio system · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 9.67

Engine

EV battery capacity: 33 kWh · Electric Charge Cord: 240 volt · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 181 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 135 · Electric Motor Torque: 199 · Electric motor charger: DC fast charging · Electric motor charger connector: SAE Combo CCS · Electric motor charging time: 5 hours · Electric motor miles per charge: 124

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Fender lip moldings: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: black · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: wiper activated · Tail and brake lights: LED · Taillights: adaptive

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 6

Rear Seats

Type: 50-50 split bench

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: door unlock · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Kit: tire sealant

Steering

Steering ratio: 14.0

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist · Smart device app compatibility: Amazon Alexa · Smart device app function: maintenance status

Tires

Type: performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 4

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Cargo area floor mat material: carpet · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: climate control · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: multi-function screen controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 9.67

Engine

EV battery capacity: 33 kWh · Electric Charge Cord: 240 volt · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 168 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 125 · Electric Motor Torque: 184 · Electric Vehicle Extended Range Generator Displacement: 0.7 · Electric Vehicle Extended Range Generator HP: 38 · Electric Vehicle Extended Range Generator Number of Cylinders: 2 · Electric motor charger: DC fast charging · Electric motor charger connector: SAE Combo CCS · Electric motor charging time: 5 hours · Electric motor miles per charge: 97

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: black · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low battery

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: LED · Tail and brake lights: LED · Taillights: adaptive

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power folding

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 6

Rear Seats

Type: 50-50 split bench

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Kit: tire sealant

Steering

Steering ratio: 14.0

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist · Smart device app compatibility: Amazon Alexa · Smart device app function: maintenance status

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 4

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Cargo area floor mat material: carpet · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: audio system · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 9.67

Engine

EV battery capacity: 33 kWh · Electric Charge Cord: 240 volt · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 181 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 135 · Electric Motor Torque: 199 · Electric Vehicle Extended Range Generator Displacement: 0.7 · Electric Vehicle Extended Range Generator HP: 38 · Electric Vehicle Extended Range Generator Number of Cylinders: 2 · Electric motor charger: DC fast charging · Electric motor charger connector: SAE Combo CCS · Electric motor charging time: 5 hours · Electric motor miles per charge: 97

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Fender lip moldings: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: black · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: wiper activated · Tail and brake lights: LED · Taillights: adaptive

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 6

Rear Seats

Type: 50-50 split bench

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Kit: tire sealant

Steering

Steering ratio: 14.0

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist · Smart device app compatibility: Amazon Alexa · Smart device app function: maintenance status

Tires

Type: performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: intermittent

See all trims (4)