BMW M3 vs BMW i3
Overview | |
Years produced1986-1992 | Years produced2014-2021 |
MSRP$76,700 | MSRP$42,400 |
Listings1619 | Listings235 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews8.5 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.0 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| |
Reviews SummaryFor six generations, the BMW M3 sedan has long exemplified everyday-friendly high-performance, and for 2025, its current G80 generation possesses a handful of exterior and tech mid-cycle updates to keep the formula fresh. It’s what brand enthusiasts refer to as the LCI model, or, life-cycle impulse. Since 2021, the M3 been offered in either standard or Competition trims, xDrive all-wheel drive (AWD) or rear-wheel drive (RWD), and with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. The Bavarian brand maintains its inline-six engine layout—a cornerstone of its history—and there’s no hybrid assistance to be found; just two mono-scroll turbochargers to help produce thrilling acceleration all over the rev band. Verdict: There are few purpose-built-yet-all-purpose vehicles on the road that offer the same thrills as BMW’s most iconic four-door performance badge. | |
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 | |
Engine3.0L 473 hp I6 | Engine168 hp Electric |
Drive TrainRWD | Drive TrainRWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity4 |
Horsepower473 hp @ 6250 rpm | Horsepower |
EV Battery Capacity | EV Battery Capacity27 kWh |
MPG City16 | MPG City137 |
MPG Highway23 | MPG Highway111 |
Battery Charge Time (240V) | Battery Charge Time (240V)4 hours |
Engine | |
Engine Name3.0L 473 hp I6 | Engine Name168 hp Electric |
Torque406 lb-ft @ 2650 rpm | Torque |
Horsepower473 hp @ 6250 rpm | Horsepower |
Battery Charge Time (240V) | Battery Charge Time (240V)4 hours |
DrivetrainRWD | DrivetrainRWD |
Fuel Economy | |
EV Battery Capacity | EV Battery Capacity27 kWh |
MPG City16 | MPG City137 |
MPG Highway23 | MPG Highway111 |
Interior | |
Leather SeatsStandard | Leather Seats |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity4 |
Key Features | |
Navigation SystemStandard | Navigation SystemStandard |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space16.9 cu ft | Cargo Space11.8 cu ft |
Curb Weight3840 lbs | Curb Weight2634 lbs |
Height56.6 in | Height62.1 in |
Length189.1 in | Length157.8 in |
Width81.4 in | Width70.0 in |
Wheelbase112.5 in | Wheelbase101.2 in |
Maximum Payload860 lbs | Maximum Payload |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
Years produced | 1986-1992 | 2014-2021 |
MSRP | $76,700 | $42,400 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 8.5 out of 10Read full review | 7.0 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| |
Summary | For six generations, the BMW M3 sedan has long exemplified everyday-friendly high-performance, and for 2025, its current G80 generation possesses a handful of exterior and tech mid-cycle updates to keep the formula fresh. It’s what brand enthusiasts refer to as the LCI model, or, life-cycle impulse. Since 2021, the M3 been offered in either standard or Competition trims, xDrive all-wheel drive (AWD) or rear-wheel drive (RWD), and with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. The Bavarian brand maintains its inline-six engine layout—a cornerstone of its history—and there’s no hybrid assistance to be found; just two mono-scroll turbochargers to help produce thrilling acceleration all over the rev band. Verdict: There are few purpose-built-yet-all-purpose vehicles on the road that offer the same thrills as BMW’s most iconic four-door performance badge. | 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 | 3.0L 473 hp I6 | 168 hp Electric |
Drive Train | RWD | RWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 4 |
Horsepower | 473 hp @ 6250 rpm | |
EV Battery Capacity | 27 kWh | |
MPG City | 16 | 137 |
MPG Highway | 23 | 111 |
Battery Charge Time (240V) | 4 hours | |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 3.0L 473 hp I6 | 168 hp Electric |
Torque | 406 lb-ft @ 2650 rpm | |
Horsepower | 473 hp @ 6250 rpm | |
Battery Charge Time (240V) | 4 hours | |
Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
EV Battery Capacity | 27 kWh | |
MPG City | 16 | 137 |
MPG Highway | 23 | 111 |
Interior | ||
Leather Seats | Standard | |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 4 |
Key Features | ||
Navigation System | Standard | Standard |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 16.9 cu ft | 11.8 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3840 lbs | 2634 lbs |
Height | 56.6 in | 62.1 in |
Length | 189.1 in | 157.8 in |
Width | 81.4 in | 70.0 in |
Wheelbase | 112.5 in | 101.2 in |
Maximum Payload | 860 lbs | |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
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