2019 BMW i3 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Now in its sixth model year, the BMW i3 electric hatchback is still as funky and futuristic as ever. For 2019, an upgraded battery extends the range by 30 percent and a Range Extender trim features a 2-cylinder motorcycle engine that acts as a generator to charge the batteries, making longer trips possible. New available paint colors are also available as well as options like wireless device charging, automatic high-beam headlights, and a WiFi hotspot. The i3 is available in standard base trim or the slightly better equipped i3s.
The new electric powertrain underneath the i3 is a 42.2-kWh battery, replacing the old 33.2-kWh version from 2017. Total range now extends to 153 miles; expect fuel economy to reach 124 MPGe city, 102 highway, and 113 combined. The i3’s output is 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The i3s trim has a higher output at 181 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque, and it will do 0-60 miles per hour in 6.8 seconds. Charging from empty to full takes 6.5 hours on a normal connection, while DC fast charging at 50-kW happens in an hour and a half.
The inside of the i3, even several years after its introduction, remains a novel and forward-thinking space. BMW makes heavy use of recycled materials, including on the seats and some of the trim. BMW’s iDrive infotainment system is centered on a 10.2-inch screen in the dash. Drivers can access the rear seats via small rear-hinged, pickup-style doors.
Rather than trims, BMW offers the i3 in “worlds” that each have a loose theme for the interior. The Deka version has dark cloth seats, a navigation system, heated front seats, automatic climate control, and a universal garage-door opener. The Mega version adds lighter cloth and synthetic leather seats, while the Giga version has a leather-covered dash and open-pore eucalyptus wood trim. Finally, the Tera version gets genuine leather upholstery and special alloy wheels. A Technology and Driving Assistant package adds several active safety features, plus a navigation system and extra features for the infotainment system like stock updates, weather, and Google search capability.
The BMW i3 hasn’t been fully crash tested and doesn’t come standard with the kind of active safety features common across the rest of the market. The optional Technology and Driving Assistant package adds adaptive cruise control and pedestrian warning with automatic emergency braking, and both automatic parking and parking sensors are available options.
The i3 was one of the first mass-produced EVs on the American market and it’s still a futuristic automobile that draws glances wherever it goes, but it’s not alone. A Nissan Leaf has similar capability, but comes at a much lower price, and both the Chevrolet Bolt and the Tesla Model 3 have the i3 beat for range. The i3 has charming quirkiness and its available gasoline-powered Range Extender feature to make longer trips in an EV possible.
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2019 BMW i3 Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: jack · 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
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 · Easy entry: manual driver seat · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: vehicle and key memory · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · 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: 9.66
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: 153
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 · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: Apply CarPlay ready · Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: wiper activated · Tail and brake lights: LED · Taillights: adaptive
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: driver side auto-dimming
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 · Parking sensors: rear · Rearview monitor: in dash
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: reclining · 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): rear
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone: voice activated · 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 · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front 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
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: cargo area carpet · Floor Mats: front
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: manual driver and passenger seat · Memorized settings: climate control · Multi-function remote: vehicle and key memory · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · 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: 9.66
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: 153
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 · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: Apply CarPlay ready · Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
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 · Parking sensors: front · Rearview monitor: in dash
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: 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: voice activated · 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
Wheels: painted aluminum
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 · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · USB 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
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 · Easy entry: manual driver seat · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · 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: 9.66
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: 7 hours · Electric motor miles per charge: 126
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 · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: Apply CarPlay ready · 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 · Parking sensors: front · Rearview monitor: in dash
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: 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: voice activated · 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 · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · 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
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 · Easy entry: manual driver seat · Memorized settings: audio system · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 9.66
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: 7 hours · Electric motor miles per charge: 126
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 · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: Apply CarPlay ready · Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low battery
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: wiper activated · 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
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Parking sensors: front · 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: voice activated · 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
Wheels: painted aluminum
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer