2020 BMW i3 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The BMW i3 comprises both electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (EV and PHEV) variants. For 2020, it gets a new special edition.
Both base and i3s grades return for 2020. Standard features include 19-inch alloy wheels on the base and 20-inchers on the i3s, power-folding heated side mirrors, LED exterior lights, 50/50 split-folding rear seats, cloth upholstery, HD radio, satellite radio, an LCD instrument cluster, a 6.5-inch infotainment system with navigation and Apple CarPlay, keyless access and start, tri-stage heated seats, automatic climate control, and telematics. Options include leather, larger wheels, and an 8.8-inch infotainment system with navigation and Apple CarPlay.
There’s also a new i3s Edition RoadStyle, featuring black exterior paint, copper exterior accents, 20-inch black wheels, exclusive brown leather, exclusive wood trim, and “Edition RoadStyle” embroidery. BMW plans to produce just under 1,000 i3s Edition RoadStyle units worldwide.
The Base i3 is powered by a single electric motor that makes 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, plus a 42.2-kilowatt-hour battery and rear-wheel drive (RWD). Equipped as such, the i3 reaches 60 miles per hour in 7.2 seconds and a top speed of 93 miles per hour. The i3s model does a bit better, with a 184-hp and 199-lb-ft tune that increases top speed to 99 mph and enables a zero-to-60 time of 6.8 seconds.
In its pure electric configuration, the i3 is rated for 112 miles-per-gallon equivalent and 153 miles of range. An optional range extender comes in the form of a 2-cylinder gasoline engine and makes the i3 a PHEV. It acts solely as a generator to recharge the battery while on the move, enabling 200 miles of range altogether. If plugged in, the i3 charges in under 6 hours using a standard Level 2 SAE charger. Level 3 DC fast-charging is also standard. That said, fuel economy decreases to 100 miles-per-gallon equivalent on PHEV versions.
A reversing camera and automatic emergency braking are the only major safety features that come standard on the i3. Adaptive cruise control is bundled into the Technology + Driving Assistance Package. The i3 achieved decent scores in its 2019 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) tests.
As of this writing, the BMW i3 still qualifies for the full $7,500 federal EV tax credit.
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2020 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 · Voice recognition audio system · 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 · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: manual driver and passenger seat · Memorized settings: 2 driver · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): USB front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 9.66
Engine
EV battery capacity: 42 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: 7 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 spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler 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 screen size: 6.5 in. · Smartphone integration: wireless Apple CarPlay
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: 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: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
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 · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist · Smart device app compatibility: Amazon Alexa · Smart device app function: horn/light operation
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: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · 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: cargo area carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: hard · 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): USB front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 9.66
Engine
EV battery capacity: 42 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: 7 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 spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler 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 screen size: 6.5 in. · Smartphone integration: wireless Apple CarPlay
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: 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: post-collision safety system · 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
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Kit: inflator kit
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 · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist · Smart device app compatibility: BMW ConnectedDrive · Smart device app function: maintenance status
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheels: painted aluminum
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 · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · 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: cargo area carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: manual driver seat · Memorized settings: climate control · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): USB front · Power steering: speed-proportional · 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: 9.66
Engine
EV battery capacity: 42 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 spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler 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 screen size: 6.5 in. · Smartphone integration: wireless Apple CarPlay
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low battery
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: Auto on/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
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: alert system · Parking sensors: rear · 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
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Kit: inflator kit
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 · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist · Smart device app compatibility: Amazon Alexa · Smart device app function: maintenance scheduling
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: remote operation · 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: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · 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 · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: hard · 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: voice recognition controls · Storage: accessory hook · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 9.66
Engine
EV battery capacity: 42 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 spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler 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 screen size: 6.5 in. · Smartphone integration: wireless Apple CarPlay
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low battery
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: Auto on/off · 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: fuel cut-off · Parking sensors: rear · 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
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Kit: inflator kit
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 · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist · Smart device app compatibility: BMW ConnectedDrive · Smart device app function: vehicle location
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