BMW 3 Series vs BMW i3
Overview | |
Years produced1975-Present | Years produced2014-2021 |
MSRP$45,950 | MSRP$42,400 |
Listings9459 | Listings238 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews8.0 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.0 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| |
Reviews SummaryTo enjoy driving a new 3 Series, you don’t need to upgrade to the M340i or the M3, though we certainly wouldn’t discourage you if those models are within your budget. Instead, try the standard 330i with the M Sport Package. It’s surprisingly satisfying. Plus, minor updates and refinements make the 2025 3 Series better than ever. However, the plug-in hybrid powertrain is gone, so for that, you’ll need to find a leftover 2024. Verdict: The 2025 BMW 3 Series isn’t perfect, but it’s perfectly enjoyable to drive. Also, for a car nearing the end of its current generation, it offers remarkably advanced technology. A redesign is coming soon, but the current version remains one of our favorites. | |
Reviews SummaryThe small, lumpy i3 hatchback may not look like a BMW underneath all of its badges and grilles, but it does have enough tech to make up for it. A carbon fiber and aluminum body, and lightweight materials inside, help a 22kWh battery power the i3 for 80 miles on electricity alone—when fitted with an optional "range extending" gas-powered generator, twice that. Its $42,400 entry price isn't for the squeamish, but the "gee-whiz" tech helps make up for that. | |
No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.0L 255 hp I4 | Engine168 hp Electric |
Drive TrainRWD | Drive TrainRWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity4 |
Horsepower255 hp @ 4700 rpm | Horsepower |
EV Battery Capacity | EV Battery Capacity27 kWh |
MPG City28 | MPG City137 |
MPG Highway35 | MPG Highway111 |
Battery Charge Time (240V) | Battery Charge Time (240V)4 hours |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.0L 255 hp I4 | Engine Name168 hp Electric |
Torque295 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm | Torque |
Horsepower255 hp @ 4700 rpm | Horsepower |
Battery Charge Time (240V) | Battery Charge Time (240V)4 hours |
DrivetrainRWD | DrivetrainRWD |
Fuel Economy | |
EV Battery Capacity | EV Battery Capacity27 kWh |
MPG City28 | MPG City137 |
MPG Highway35 | MPG Highway111 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity4 |
Key Features | |
Navigation SystemStandard | Navigation SystemStandard |
Sunroof/MoonroofStandard | Sunroof/Moonroof |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space16.9 cu ft | Cargo Space11.8 cu ft |
Curb Weight3644 lbs | Curb Weight2634 lbs |
Height56.8 in | Height62.1 in |
Length185.9 in | Length157.8 in |
Width81.4 in | Width70.0 in |
Wheelbase112.2 in | Wheelbase101.2 in |
Maximum Payload899 lbs | Maximum Payload |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
Years produced | 1975-Present | 2014-2021 |
MSRP | $45,950 | $42,400 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 8.0 out of 10Read full review | 7.0 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| |
Summary | To enjoy driving a new 3 Series, you don’t need to upgrade to the M340i or the M3, though we certainly wouldn’t discourage you if those models are within your budget. Instead, try the standard 330i with the M Sport Package. It’s surprisingly satisfying. Plus, minor updates and refinements make the 2025 3 Series better than ever. However, the plug-in hybrid powertrain is gone, so for that, you’ll need to find a leftover 2024. Verdict: The 2025 BMW 3 Series isn’t perfect, but it’s perfectly enjoyable to drive. Also, for a car nearing the end of its current generation, it offers remarkably advanced technology. A redesign is coming soon, but the current version remains one of our favorites. | The small, lumpy i3 hatchback may not look like a BMW underneath all of its badges and grilles, but it does have enough tech to make up for it. A carbon fiber and aluminum body, and lightweight materials inside, help a 22kWh battery power the i3 for 80 miles on electricity alone—when fitted with an optional "range extending" gas-powered generator, twice that. Its $42,400 entry price isn't for the squeamish, but the "gee-whiz" tech helps make up for that. |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.0L 255 hp I4 | 168 hp Electric |
Drive Train | RWD | RWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 4 |
Horsepower | 255 hp @ 4700 rpm | |
EV Battery Capacity | 27 kWh | |
MPG City | 28 | 137 |
MPG Highway | 35 | 111 |
Battery Charge Time (240V) | 4 hours | |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.0L 255 hp I4 | 168 hp Electric |
Torque | 295 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm | |
Horsepower | 255 hp @ 4700 rpm | |
Battery Charge Time (240V) | 4 hours | |
Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
EV Battery Capacity | 27 kWh | |
MPG City | 28 | 137 |
MPG Highway | 35 | 111 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 4 |
Key Features | ||
Navigation System | Standard | Standard |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Standard | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 16.9 cu ft | 11.8 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3644 lbs | 2634 lbs |
Height | 56.8 in | 62.1 in |
Length | 185.9 in | 157.8 in |
Width | 81.4 in | 70.0 in |
Wheelbase | 112.2 in | 101.2 in |
Maximum Payload | 899 lbs | |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
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