2017 BMW i3 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$42,400 to $48,300

Original MSRP

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expert review

4.3

avg user rating

(19 reviews)
2017 BMW i3 Preview summaryImage

You can usually identify a BMW at a glance based on its kidney-shaped grille and overall styling. That all changed when the German automaker came out with its electric i3 and i8 models. These two stand out from the rest of the BMW lineup--and they should, because they’re very unique vehicles.

The i3 is only a few years old and is intended for those who live in more urban areas. It’s small enough to squeeze into just about any parking space, is easy to navigate through city streets, and is an environmentally conscious choice. There is room for four passengers, with 36.9 cubic feet of trunk space when you fold the seats flat. That’s about the same as what you’ll find in the BMW 3 Series. The i3 hasn’t seen a lot of changes since its introduction, but there will be a few updates for 2017.

Range is key with electrics, and the 2017 BMW i3 sees a range increase on the base trim from 81 to 114 miles per charge. Take that, range anxiety! If you’re still not convinced, you can also get the i3 with a range extender. This adds a gas-powered 38-hp 2-cylinder engine as a backup to the electric battery. When that battery falls to around the 5% level, the gas motor kicks in to give you a little extra range from its 2.4-gallon tank. This increases the overall range to an estimated 175 miles, which is more than most people will have to drive in a typical day.

Just because the i3 is small doesn’t mean it’s slow. Electric cars have the benefit of delivering all their torque right away, so when you press the gas you really move. The i3's 184 lb-ft of torque make for an exhilarating drive--it's actually one of the fastest BMWs off the line. The nifty little i3 also gets a few new fun features. Prototonic Blue metallic paint, which was previously only available on the larger and pricier i8, now finds its way to the i3. There are also five other color choices available. The Giga World’s 20-inch BMW i light alloy double-spoke wheels are also now standard on every i3. A new and highly anticipated optional feature is the power moonroof. New packages are also available, with the Deka World and its unique interior finally coming to the U.S.

Returning packages include Mega World, with its more refined interior, Giga World, with its own uniquely sporty interior, and Tera World, with the most high-end and luxurious interior available. Deka World features a dark cloth interior, upgraded navigation, and a universal garage door opener. No matter which version of the BMW i3 you choose, over 25% of the interior materials are renewable or recycled, in keeping with the vehicle's environmentally conscious attitude.

The i3 also uses some very high-tech materials that are commonplace in sports cars and which you wouldn’t expect to find in an electric. Carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic used in the i3's framework make it one of BMW’s lightest vehicles--this material is 50% lighter than steel but maintains the same strength.

As you might expect, the i3 comes with plenty of technology. The navigation system includes ConnectedDrive Services, which includes a Range Assistant that monitors your battery, driving style, traffic, and road information to show you both the most efficient way to get where you’re going and whether or not you have enough battery charge to make the trip. It will also point you to mass transit (like the nearest subway or train station) and show you schedules if that turns out to be a quicker method of transportation. There’s even a BMW i Remote app that syncs to your smartphone, Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Gear Watch, or other mobile device and keeps tabs on your battery and charging times and lets you set the cabin temperature and destination before you even take a seat in the car.

The 2017 BMW i3 is set to arrive in dealerships this fall.

Published May 31, 2022 by Nicole Wakelin

User reviews for 2017 BMW i3

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User rating:
by joe c
Jun 13, 2023
Good city car with a reasonable amount of room for the price Jun 13, 2023
by Vicente P
May 09, 2023
This car as a used vehicle is perhaps the best deal out there. Fit and finish like a luxury car, amazing handling and comfortable ride. Additionally, the BMW i3 is surprisingly large inside for how compact it is. Range could be better, but with the REx option the car is totally usable, even for the occasional road trip. We have owned three of them so far, and I know multiple people who have also owned more than one. That says it all…May 09, 2023
by Anonymous
Jul 30, 2022
33kwh seems like the sweet spot for range. The vehicle is a technological marvel. Grab one while you canJul 30, 2022

2017 BMW i3 Pricing

Original MSRP
$42,400 to $48,300
Price range
$11,277 to $12,797
Average price on CG
$11,277
YoY price change
$12,727 to $11,277

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 · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 4

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

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: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: vehicle and key memory · 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: cruise 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: 4 hours · Electric motor miles per charge: 81

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: power operated · 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: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED · Taillights: adaptive

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: auto-dimming

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 6

Rear Seats

Type: 50-50 split bench

Safety

Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: alert system

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · 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: 14.2

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): rear

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist · 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 · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 4

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

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: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · 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: 114

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

Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: battery disconnect

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · 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: 14.2

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 · Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist · 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: 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 · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 4

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

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: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise 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: power operated · 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: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED · Taillights: adaptive

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 6

Rear Seats

Type: 50-50 split bench

Safety

Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system

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: 14.2

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 · Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist · 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

See all trims (3)