2020 BMW i3 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

The BMW i3 comprises both electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (EV and PHEV) variants. For 2020, it gets a new special...

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.