BMW i3

File:MEGA-NYT low res.jpg

In February 2011, BMW debuted its sub-brand, BMW i, to market vehicles produced under Project i. BMW i vehicles were to be sold separately from BMW or Mini. The first two production models are the BMW i3, formerly called the Mega City Vehicle (MCV), and the plug-in hybrid BMW i8, the production version of the Vision Efficient Dynamics concept unveiled at the 2009 International Motor Show Germany, which has an all-electric range of {{Convert|50|km|mi}}. Production of both cars was scheduled to start in Leipzig in 2013.{{cite web|url=http://www.greencarcongress.com/2011/02/i-20110221.html#more|title=BMW introduces new i sub-brand, first two vehicles i3 and i8; premium mobility services and new venture capital company|publisher=Green Car Congress |date=21 February 2011|access-date=21 February 2011}}{{cite web|url=http://www.greencarcongress.com/2009/08/bmw-iaa-concept-20090830.html|title=BMW's "{{CO2}} Champion" Performance Concept is a Plug-in Diesel Hybrid; 50 km/31-mile All-Electric Range; Thermo-electric Generator for Waste Heat Recovery|publisher=Green Car Congress |date=30 August 2009|access-date=21 February 2011}}

BMW incorporated lessons learned during the field testing of the Mini E (2009–2010) and the BMW ActiveE (2012) into the design of the i3, in particular the battery and powertrain, achievable range, and the use of one pedal driving in urban traffic areas.

File:BMW i3 Concept IAA.jpg]]

The i3 concept car was unveiled at the 2011 International Motor Show.{{cite news|url=http://www.roadandtrack.com/auto-shows/frankfurt/bmw-i3-concept |title=BMW i3 Concept – 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show |work=Road & Track |author=Shaun Bailey |date=13 September 2011 |access-date=2 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111007065505/http://www.roadandtrack.com/auto-shows/frankfurt/bmw-i3-concept |archive-date=7 October 2011 }} This prototype had a {{convert|22|kWh|abbr=on}} lithium-ion battery pack that delivered between {{Convert|80|and|100|mi|abbr=on|order=flip}}. The battery fully charged in about four hours with the 240-volt charging unit. The i3 was expected to go from 0 to {{cvt|100|km/h}} in less than 8 seconds.

BMW also showcased a BMW i3 prototype during the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.{{cite web|url=http://www.motorauthority.com/blog/1047387_first-major-outing-for-bmw-megacity-vehicle-at-2012-london-olympic-games|title=First Major Outing For BMW Megacity Vehicle At 2012 London Olympic Games|author=Viknesh Vijayenthiran|publisher=Motor Authority|date=20 July 2010|access-date=23 July 2010|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130129090126/http://www.motorauthority.com/blog/1047387_first-major-outing-for-bmw-megacity-vehicle-at-2012-london-olympic-games|archive-date=29 January 2013}}

File:2013-03-05_Geneva_Motor_Show_8191.JPGBMW unveiled the i3 Concept Coupé study at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show. The concept car demonstrated the potential for extending the model range. The three-door hatchback coupe, like the five-door i3 electric hatchback sedan, was propelled by an electric motor developed by the BMW Group, with a maximum output of {{convert|125|kW|abbr=on|}} and peak torque of {{cvt|250|Nm}}. Power delivery to the rear wheels was via a single-speed transmission. The li-ion battery pack was placed under the floor and could deliver an all-electric range of {{convert|160|km|abbr=on}}. A 34 horsepower REX petroleum engine could be added to extend the car's range to {{convert|320|km|abbr=on}}.{{cite web|url=http://www.greencarcongress.com/2012/11/i3coupe-20121128.html|title=BMW presents i3 Concept Coupé battery-electric vehicle at the LA Auto Show; focus on connectivity for driver assistance and intermodal mobility|author=BMW Group Press Club|publisher=Green Car Congress |date=28 November 2012|access-date=28 November 2012}}{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2012/11/28/bmw-i3-coupe-electric-car/1731249/|title=BMW builds buzz for electric i3 coupe concept|author=Chris Woodyard |work=USA Today|date=28 November 2012|access-date=28 November 2012}}

{{multiple image|direction = vertical | align = left | width = 200 |image1=BMW i3 – Frontansicht, 5. Oktober 2014, Düsseldorf.jpg|image2=BMW i3 – Heckansicht, 5. Oktober 2014, Düsseldorf.jpg|caption1=2014 i3 frontal view|caption2=2014 i3 side & rear view |image3=2021 BMW i3 CRI 03 2022 4720.jpg|caption3=2021 i3 rear view}}

The production i3 was announced in July 2013 as a 2014 model year vehicle.{{cite news |author=Voelcker, John |date=July 29, 2013 |title=2014 BMW i3 Electric Car: Full Details And Images Released |work=Green Car Reports |url=https://www.greencarreports.com/news/1085824_2014-bmw-i3-electric-car-full-details-and-images-released |access-date=31 January 2022}} Automotive press were invited to test drive the production cars in Amsterdam.{{cite news |url=https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a15113673/2014-bmw-i3-first-drive-review/ |title=2014 BMW i3 |author=Gall, Jared |date=October 22, 2013 |work=Car and Driver |access-date=31 January 2022}}

The original battery capacity was 60 Ah or 22 kWh (gross), with a net capacity of 19 kWh. The unladen DIN weight was {{cvt|1195|kg}}, {{cvt|1315|kg}} with the range extender.{{cite web |url=https://autocatalogarchive.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/BMW-i3-2013.pdf |title=The New BMW i3: Electric and Electrifying |date=2013 |publisher=BMW Group |access-date=5 February 2022}}

In the United States, the i3 was available with one of three trim packages dictating the wheels and interior: Mega World (base, cloth seats and 19" Style 427 wheels), Giga World (+US$1,700, adds leather interior accents and 19" Giga-specific Style 429 wheels), and Tera World (+US$2,700, adds full leather interior and 19" Tera-specific Style 428 wheels). 20" Style 430 double-spoke wheels were optional for Giga and Tera trims. In addition, two option packages were available: Parking Assistant (+US$1,000, added backup camera and parking assistance) and Technology – Driving Assistant (+US$2,500, added wide-screen navigation, deceleration assistance, and adaptive cruise control).{{cite news |url=https://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/bmw-i3-isnt-sale-yet-now-can-configure-just-one-want/ |title=Megas, Giga, and Terra World aren't sci-fi planets; they're BMW i3 trim levels |author=Braun, Peter |date=April 25, 2014 |work=digitaltrends |access-date=4 February 2022}}{{cite news |url=https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a15368836/wacky-world-bmw-outlines-i3s-bizarrely-named-trim-levels/ |title=Wacky World: BMW Outlines i3's Bizarrely Named Trim Levels |author=Stoklosa, Alexander |date=October 11, 2013 |work=Car and Driver |access-date=4 February 2022}} Wheel and tyre sizes varied by trim.{{cite web |url=https://www.bmwblog.com/2014/02/18/guide-bmw-i3-wheels-tires-need-know/ |title=Guide: BMW i3 Wheels and Tires – All you need to know |author=Moloughney, Tom |date=February 18, 2014 |work=BMWblog |access-date=4 February 2022}} The equivalent trim lines in the UK were named Standard/Atelier, Loft (+£1,000; both corresponding to Mega); Lodge (+£1,500, corresponding to Giga); and Suite (+£2,000, corresponding to Tera). Wheel options were not locked to trims in the UK, with 19" Style 427 wheels standard and the rest optionally available in combination with any interior trim.{{cite web |url=https://www.i3guide.com/pdf/The_BMW_i3_Price_List_April_2015.pdf |title=The BMW i3 (2015 brochure) |publisher=i3 Guide |access-date=4 February 2022}}

In May 2016, BMW announced the 2017 model year (MY) BMW i3 would have a 94 Ah / 33 kWh (27.2 kWh net usable) battery, allowing increased range, in both the all-electric and range-extended versions. BMW and Samsung SDI optimized the cell-internal packages with more electrolyte and adapted the active material, resulting in higher energy density of the lithium ion cells that increased battery capacity by more than 50% without changes in exterior dimensions of the car. The electronics package was upgraded with new software mapping for the battery cooling system and the electric motor.{{cite news|url=http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/new-battery-boost-bmw-i3-range |title=New battery to boost BMW i3 range|author= Greg Kable |work=Autocar |date=23 November 2015|access-date=27 November 2015}} With the larger battery, the unladen EU weight was {{cvt|1320|kg}}, rising to {{cvt|1440|kg}} with the range extender.{{cite web |url=https://autocatalogarchive.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/BMW-i3-i3s-2018-GER.pdf |title=Der Neue BMW i3 und der Neue BMW i3s |trans-title=The new BMW i3 and the new BMW i3s |language=de |date=2018 |publisher=BMW Group |access-date=5 February 2022}}

The range of the REx model was increased in the American market thanks to a fuel tank that is effectively 25% larger than the previous model. Although the fuel tank is physically unchanged, BMW previously had locked out part of the tank using software specific to the American market to meet requirements for vehicles with range extenders, as the car had more gasoline-powered range than all-electric range, which would affect its status as a zero-emissions vehicle (ZEV) in California.{{cite news | url=http://www.caranddriver.com/news/2017-bmw-i3-revealed-more-range-leads-the-updates-news | title=2017 BMW i3: Now with More Electric Range | first=Steve | last=Siler | work=Car and Driver | date=May 2016 | access-date=4 May 2016}}

The 2017 model year i3 was released in the United States and Europe in July 2016. According to BMW, as of 10 August 2016, orders for the larger battery i3 exceeded 7,000 units, with a total of 2,358 i3s delivered worldwide in July 2016, up 33.7% year-on-year.{{cite press release | url=https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0262839EN/bmw-group-sales-grow-steadily-for-best-ever-july | title=BMW Group sales grow steadily for best-ever July | publisher=BMW Group | location=Munich | date=10 August 2016| access-date=12 August 2016 }} Sales also surged in the U.S. with 1,479 units sold in July 2016, up 58.2% from July 2015, and 143.3% from June 2016.{{cite news| url=http://www.hybridcars.com/july-2016-dashboard/ |title= July 2016 Dashboard | first=Jeff | last=Cobb | work= HybridCars.com and Baum & Associates | date=3 August 2016 |access-date=12 August 2016}} However, BMW only managed to sell 6,276 i3s in 2017 in the U.S., a drop of 17 percent from 2016.{{cite news |title=How to lease a $50,000 BMW for less than a subway pass |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-05-14/how-to-lease-a-50-000-bmw-for-less-than-a-subway-pass |access-date=5 June 2021 |work=www.bloomberg.com |publisher=Bloomberg |date=14 May 2018}} Purchase incentive of up to $10,000 was available for 2017 or 2018 models.{{cite news |title=Get $10,000 Off BMW i3 Purchase Or $500 Lease Incentive At Costco |url=https://insideevs.com/news/335398/get-10000-off-bmw-i3-purchase-or-500-lease-incentive-at-costco/ |access-date=5 June 2021 |work=InsideEVs |date=11 March 2018 |language=en}}{{cite news |title=More ways to get $10K off BMW i3 electric car: new utilities add discount |url=https://www.greencarreports.com/news/1115302_another-utility-gives-10k-off-bmw-i3-electric-car-sales-backed-by-socal-edison |access-date=5 June 2021 |work=Green Car Reports |date=11 March 2018 |language=en}}

Both variants with the improved battery were scheduled to be available in the UK, Germany, and France starting in July 2016.{{cite web| url=http://www.nextgreencar.com/news/7629/new-bmw-i3-gets-195-mile-range/ | title=New BMW i3 gets 195-mile range | first=Chris | last=Lilly |publisher=Next Green Car UK | date=2 May 2016| access-date=4 May 2016}} Owners of previous i3 models in selected markets have the option to retrofit their vehicles with the improved battery. BMW plans to use the used 22 kWh batteries in the manufacturing of stationary power storage units.{{cite web| url=http://www.avem.fr/actualite-de-300-a-400-km-avec-la-nouvelle-bmw-i3-6029.html | title=De 300 à 400 km avec la nouvelle BMW i3 |language=fr|trans-title=From 300 to 400 km with the new BMW i3 | first=Philippe |last=Schwoerer | work=Association pour l'Avenir du Véhicule Electrique Méditerranéen (AVEM) | date=3 May 2016 |access-date=5 May 2016}} The battery retrofit option is not available in the U.S.{{cite web| url=http://insideevs.com/bmw-33-kwh-battery-retrofit-for-older-i3s-wont-be-offered-in-u-s/ | title=BMW 33 kWh Battery Retrofit For Older i3s Won't Be Offered in U.S. | first=Eric | last=Loveday | publisher=InsideEVs| date=5 May 2016| access-date=5 May 2016}}

{{multiple image|direction = vertical | align = right | width = 225 |title=BMW i3s |image1=BMW i3s CRI 03 2021 7596.jpg|caption1=i3s front|image2=IAA 2017, Frankfurt (1Y7A1779).jpg|caption2=i3s side and rear }}

The exterior was refreshed for the 2018 model year, with a new front bumper, horizontal turnsignal light openings, and standard LED headlights. The rear bumper was also revised and a horizontal silver bar was added to the rear hatch. On the side, a silver accent was added to the roofline on the i3 model, not on the i3s model; the visual stance of the i3s was widened with the addition of fender flares.{{cite web |url=https://www.bmwblog.com/2017/08/28/world-premiere-2018-bmw-i3-lci-facelift/ |title=World Premiere: 2018 BMW i3 LCI Facelift |author=DeMattia, Nico |date=August 28, 2017 |work=BMWblog |access-date=4 February 2022}}

In 2017, BMW announced the addition of the i3s ("sport") to its lineup beginning with the 2018 model year. Visually, many of the chrome accents added to the regular 2018 model were blacked-out on the i3s. The i3s features increased power and torque output from {{cvt|170|to|181|hp}} and {{cvt|184|to|199|lbft}}, a lowered sport suspension, wider model-exclusive Style 431 double-spoke wheels and tires (F: 175/55R20 and R: 195/50R20, each {{cvt|20|mm}} wider than the standard tires fitted with Style 430 wheels), faster acceleration, and a SPORT drive mode.{{cite news |url=https://www.autoweek.com/news/green-cars/a1836816/2018-bmw-i3s-first-drive-proof-sporty-relative-sense/ |title=2018 BMW i3s first drive: Sport is used in the relative sense |author=Warner, Robin |date=December 22, 2017 |work=Autoweek |access-date=4 February 2022}}{{cite web |url=https://www.stephenjamesruxleybmw.co.uk/media/303755/no31227-bmw-i3-i01-pt-spreads.pdf |title=The new BMW i3 and i3s 120Ah |date=2020 |publisher=Stephen James Ruxley BMW |access-date=4 February 2022}} The i3s features a wider track width at {{cvt|1592|/|1578|mm}}, compared to {{cvt|1571|/|1576|mm}} (F/R) for the regular i3; overall width also increases from {{cvt|1775|to|1791|mm}}.{{cite web |url=https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/attachment/T0284828EN/415571 |title=Technical specifications: BMW i3 / i3s (120 Ah) |date=September 2018 |publisher=BMW Media Information |access-date=4 February 2022}} The i3s, like the i3, is offered with optional Range Extender. Also like the regular i3, the i3s is offered with a choice of interiors, from standard Mega / Atelier and Loft to Giga / Lodge and Tera / Suite. The unladen EU weight of the i3s was approximately {{cvt|20|kg}} heavier than the regular i3, at {{cvt|1340|kg}} without and {{cvt|1460|kg}} with the range extender.

In September 2018, BMW announced a larger 42.2 kWh (120 Ah) battery for the i3.{{cite web |title=BMW i3 updated with more range and new trim options |url=https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/bmw/i3/104793/bmw-i3-updated-with-more-range-and-new-trim-options |website=Auto Express |access-date=28 September 2018 |date=28 September 2018}} Minor alterations to the i3 included new color options and adaptive headlights. With the introduction of the bigger battery, BMW decided to discontinue the REX version of the i3 in Europe.{{cite news |url=https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/2019-bmw-i3-loses-range-extender-europe/ |title=2019 BMW i3 loses range extender in Europe thanks to bigger battery |author=Krok, Andrew |date=October 5, 2018 |work=Road/Show |publisher=CNet |access-date=31 January 2022}} Unladen weight did not grow much with the larger battery; the unladen EU weight was {{cvt|1345|kg}} for the regular i3 and {{cvt|1365|kg}} for the i3s.{{cite web |url=https://autocatalogarchive.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/BMW-i3-i3s-2021-INT.pdf |title=The i3 {{!}} The i3s |date=2021 |publisher=BMW Group |access-date=5 February 2022}}

File:BMW i3 CRI 03 2021 7833.jpg

{{As of|2019|12}}, BMW planned to continue i3 production until 2024, and there were no specific plans for an i3 successor.{{cite news|url=https://ecomento.de/2019/12/12/bmw-i3-wird-bis-2024-weitergebaut/ |title=BMW i3 wird noch bis 2024 weitergebaut |language=de |trans-title=BMW i3 will continue to be built until 2024 | publisher=ecomento.de | date=2019-12-12|access-date=2020-06-13}} However, BMW announced in June 2021 it would discontinue i3 sales in the US after the 2021 model year, replaced by the BMW iX and BMW i4 for that market in 2022. The end of production for US models occurred in July 2021;{{cite news |url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/6/28/22554419/bmw-i3-discontinued-us-electric-hatchback-sales |title=Say farewell to the BMW i3, the kooky electric hatchback that couldn't quite make it |author=Hawkins, Andrew J. |date=June 28, 2021 |work=The Verge |access-date=31 January 2022}}{{Cite web|last=Boeriu|first=Horatiu|date=2021-06-25|title=BMW i3 era comes to an end in the U.S. this July|url=https://www.bmwblog.com/2021/06/25/bmw-i3-era-comes-to-an-end-in-the-u-s-this-july/|access-date=2021-06-26|website=BMW BLOG|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|last=Dorian|first=Drew|title=2021 BMW i3|url=https://www.caranddriver.com/bmw/i3|access-date=2021-10-08|website=Car and Driver|date=30 June 2021 |language=en-US}} Australian models were discontinued at the end of 2021.{{cite news |url=https://uk.motor1.com/news/563960/bmw-i3-production-end-july/amp/ |title=BMW i3 production ending in July after about 250,000 units |author=Karr, Anthony |date=29 January 2022 |work=Motor1 |access-date=31 January 2022}}

BMW confirmed in early 2022 that production of all i3 models is scheduled to end in July 2022, and will be succeeded in some markets by BMW iX1, which will enter mass production at the Regensburg factory in 2024{{cite web| url=https://www.drive.com.au/news/official-bmw-i3-electric-car-production-to-end-in-july/ | title=Official: BMW i3 electric car production to end in July | first=Greg | last=Kable |website=Drive.com (Australia)| date=2022-01-28 | access-date=2022-01-28|df=dmy-all}} before shifting to Hungary. The Leipzig plant will be retooled to produce the updated Mini Countryman.

In April 2021, BMW announced the 3G cellular technology services will be discontinued starting February 2022 for vehicles in the US market.[https://www.bmwusa.com/content/dam/bmwusa/common/connected-drive/pdf/3G_FAQ.pdf.asset.1659110969709.pdf Frequently Asked Questions] BMW USA. 22 April 2021. Retrieved 19 December 2022 This is due to the decline and decommissioning of the 3G service.

File:BMW i3 Chassis.jpg "Life Module" mated to an aluminum "Drive Module"]]

The i3 was the first mass production car with most of its internal structure and body made of carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP). BMW took advantage of the absence of a forward internal combustion engine, giving the i3 a "clean sheet design" with a sports-like appearance.{{cite web|url=http://www.bmwgroup.com/bmwgroup_prod/e/nav/index.html?http://www.bmwgroup.com/bmwgroup_prod/e/0_0_www_bmwgroup_com/investor_relations/corporate_news/news/2010/MCV_2013.html|title=BMW Group: Megacity Vehicle to launch in 2013|publisher=BMW (press release)|date=22 April 2010|access-date=3 August 2010|archive-date=8 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708075834/http://www.bmwgroup.com/bmwgroup_prod/e/nav/index.html?http://www.bmwgroup.com/bmwgroup_prod/e/0_0_www_bmwgroup_com/investor_relations/corporate_news/news/2010/MCV_2013.html|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/04/automobiles/04MEGACITY.html?_r=1&ref=automobiles|title=Envisioning a Small Electric BMW for the World's Very Big Cities|author=Phil Patton|work=The New York Times|date=3 July 2010|access-date=3 July 2010| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130602133636/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/04/automobiles/04MEGACITY.html?_r=1&ref=automobiles | archive-date=2 June 2013|url-status= live}}

File:BMW i3 - Side Doors open (cropped).jpg

The i3 includes four doors and seating for four occupants with rear clamshell doors. The passenger compartment is known as the Life Module, made of CFRP, sitting atop the aluminum Drive Module, which incorporates the powertrain, frame, battery, and suspension. Carbon fiber is sourced from SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers, a joint venture of BMW and SGL Carbon in Moses Lake, Washington; the fibers are woven into fabric at another BMW/SGL joint venture plant in Wackersdorf, then the fabric is laid up into structures using a resin transfer molding process at BMW Landshut.{{cite press release |url=https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0079154EN/sgl-group-and-bmw-group:-new-carbon-fiber-plant-to-be-built-in-moses-lake-wa?language=en |title=SGL Group and BMW Group: New Carbon Fiber Plant to be Built in Moses Lake, WA |date=April 6, 2010 |publisher=BMW Group |access-date=31 January 2022}} Finally, the finished pieces are assembled into the Life Module by 173 robots at BMW Leipzig, using adhesives only.{{cite web |url=https://www.compositesworld.com/articles/the-making-of-the-bmw-i3 |title=The making of the BMW i3 |author=Sloan, Jeff |date=April 23, 2014 |work=Composites World |access-date=31 January 2022}}

The door panels of the i3 are made of hemp, which mixed with plastic helps lower the weight of each panel by about 10%. Hemp fibers, left exposed, also form a design element of the car's interior and contribute to sustainability. Further environmental consciousness is reflected in the optional seat leather, which is tanned with olive-leaf extract and the dashboard trim, which is made from environmentally refined wood from certified cultivation in Europe.{{cite news |last1=Petrány |first1=Máté |title=The BMW i3 Is Officially Much Greener Than Almost Every Other Car |url=https://jalopnik.com/the-bmw-i3-is-officially-much-greener-than-almost-every-1462999376 |access-date=30 October 2018 |publisher=Jalopnik |date=12 November 2013}} By November 2010, BMW had demonstrated the passenger compartment's light weight, and the automaker's chief executive said they had already decided on the basic design of the car and that road-testing prototypes began soon after.

The tires for the i3 were designed by Bridgestone to minimize rolling resistance and aerodynamic drag, featuring a narrower width, larger diameter, and higher inflation pressure (155/70R19 at {{cvt|320|kPa|psi}}) than typical passenger car tires (175/65R15 at {{cvt|210|kPa|psi}} for equivalent load capacity).{{cite news |url=https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/tire-tech-the-bmw-i3s-bridgestone-ecopia-ep500s/ |title=Tire Tech: How does the BMW i3 handle so well on such narrow tires? |author=Goodwin, Antuan |date=April 20, 2015 |work=Road/Show |publisher=CNet |access-date=31 January 2022}} Bridgestone call this combination of changes "ologic", supplying similar tires to World Solar Challenge teams.{{cite web |url=https://www.bridgestone.com/technology_innovation/ologic/ |title=Next Generation Tire Technology for Fuel Efficiency 'ologic' |website=Bridgestone |access-date=31 January 2022}}{{cite web |url=https://www.car-engineer.com/bridgestone-ologic-tyre-fitted-in-the-bmw-i3/ |title=Bridgestone ologic tyre fitted in the BMW i3 |author=Nicolas, Romain |website=Car Engineer |date=8 January 2014 |access-date=31 January 2022}}

At launch Bridgestone were the sole tyre supplier for the BMW i3, but since launch Nankang, Continental and recently Michelin have begun to supply 155 and 175 widths.{{cite web |title=Michelin e Primacy BMW i3 Review |url=https://carwitter.com/michelin-e-primacy-bmw-i3-review/ |website=Carwitter |date=3 July 2023 |access-date=16 October 2023}}

File:BMW-i3-Electric Drive unit2.JPG

The i3 uses a newly developed powertrain consisting of a {{convert|170|hp|kW|order=flip|adj=on}} electric motor running on lithium-ion batteries and driving the rear axle. The top speed is limited to {{convert|93|mph|km/h|order=flip|abbr=on}}.{{cite web|url=http://news.consumerreports.org/cars/2011/08/preview-bmw-i3-and-i8-plug-in-vehicles.html|title=Preview: BMW i3 and i8 plug-in cars|publisher=Consumer Reports|date=3 August 2011|access-date=23 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111019171231/http://news.consumerreports.org/cars/2011/08/preview-bmw-i3-and-i8-plug-in-vehicles.html|archive-date=19 October 2011}} A range-extender option is available, adding a small rear-mounted gasoline engine to recharge the traction battery when it is low.

File:Lithium-Ion Battery for BMW i3 - Battery Pack.JPG

BMW aimed to achieve a range of {{Convert|100|mi|order=flip|abbr=on}}, the same range that was expected for the BMW ActiveE, but in order to reduce weight, battery capacity was cut to 16 kWh instead of the ActiveE's 30 kWh.{{cite web|url=http://wardsauto.com/ar/mini_bmw_ev_100519/|title=Mini E Only Beginning of BMW EV Strategy|author=Tom Murphy|publisher=Wards Auto|date=19 May 2010|access-date=13 June 2010| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100624131510/http://wardsauto.com/ar/mini_bmw_ev_100519/| archive-date= 24 June 2010 | url-status= live}} As initially sold (2014–16 model years), the vehicle's official range is {{Convert|80|to|100|mi|abbr=on|order=flip}} for the 60 Ah battery option under the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC), and up to {{Convert|200|km|abbr=on}} in the most efficient driving mode.{{cite news |last1=Padeanu |first1=Adrian |title=2017 BMW i3 range jumps to 114 miles thanks to 33 kWh battery |url=https://www.motor1.com/news/62480/2017-bmw-i3-range-jumps-to-114-miles-thanks-to-33-kwh-battery/ |access-date=19 September 2019 |date=2 May 2016}} Under the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cycle, the official range of the 60 Ah model is {{Convert|81|mi|abbr=on|order=flip}} with combined fuel economy of 124 miles per gallon gasoline equivalent —MPGe— (1.90 L/100 km; 149 mpg _imp).

The 2014–16 model years with the range extender option have an official NEDC total range of {{Convert|160|to|186|mi|abbr=on|order=flip}}.{{cite press release |url=https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/united-kingdom/pressDetail.html?title=the-new-bmw-i3-%E2%80%93-born-to-be-electric&outputChannelId=8&id=T0144135EN_GB&left_menu_item=node__6728 |title=The new BMW i3 – born to be electric |publisher=BMW Group |location=London |date=29 July 2013|access-date=27 November 2015}}

BMW estimates the energy consumption is 0.21 kWh/mile in everyday driving. Under its five-cycle testing, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rated the 2014 through 2016 model year all-electric BMW i3 (60 Ah) energy consumption at 27 kWh/100 mi (16.9 kWh/100 km) with a combined fuel economy at 124 miles per gallon gasoline equivalent – MPGe – (1.90 L/100 km; 149 mpg _imp) with an all-electric range of {{convert|81|mi|abbr=on|order=flip}}.{{cite web|url=http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/Find.do?action=sbs&id=35207&id=36016&id=35279&id=36030|title=Compare Side-by-Side: 2014/2015 BMW i3 BEV & 2014/2015 BMW i3 REx|website=Fuel Economy |date=4 December 2015 |access-date=6 December 2015}} The range-extended model has lower ratings than the all-electric i3 due to the extra weight of the twin-cylinder gasoline engine used in the i3 REx.{{cite web|url=http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1092237_2014-bmw-i3-rex-window-sticker-revealed-39-mpg-on-gasoline-breaking|title=2014 BMW i3 REx Window Sticker Revealed, 39 MPG On Gasoline: BREAKING|author=Antony Ingram|publisher=Green Car Reports|date=21 May 2014|access-date=25 May 2014}} See details in EPA window sticker

Range and economy varies depending on the presence of the range extending internal combustion engine and larger batteries fitted to later models:

With these ratings the all-electric BMW i3 was the most fuel efficient EPA-certified vehicle sold in the United States of all years regardless of fuel type until November 2016, when it was surpassed by the Hyundai Ioniq Electric, rated at 136 MPGe (25 kWh/100 mi).{{cite web|url=http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/extremeMPG.jsp|title=Most Efficient EPA Certified Vehicles|website=Fuel Economy |date=25 July 2014|access-date=13 June 2015}} Current Model Year excludes all-electric vehicles.{{cite web |url=http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/topten.jsp |title=Top Fuel Sippers (EPA Ratings, 2017 Model Year) |publisher=fueleconomy.gov|author=U. S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy|date=16 November 2016 |access-date=21 November 2016}} The 2014–16 BMW i3 BEV (60 Amp-hour battery) was the most efficient EPA-certified vehicles considering all fuels and of all years until November 2016, when it was surpassed by the 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Electric.{{cite news | url=http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1107392_hyundai-ioniq-electric-beats-prius-prime-bmw-i3-on-energy-efficiency | title=Hyundai Ioniq Electric beats Prius Prime, BMW i3 on energy efficiency | first= Stephen |last=Edelstein | work=Green Car Reports | date=21 November 2016 | access-date=21 November 2016}} Similarly, the i3 REx in 2014 was the most efficient EPA-certified current year vehicle with a gasoline engine, replacing the Chevrolet Volt.{{cite web|url=http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/topten.jsp?year=2017&action=ExEvs|title=Fueleconomy.gov's Top Fuel Sippers (EPA Ratings, 2017 Model Year) |website=Fuel Economy |date=16 November 2016 |access-date=21 November 2016}} Excludes all-electric vehicles. Click on the tab "EPA Rated – All Years. The 2013–2014 Chevrolet Volt has a combined fuel economy of 62 MPG-e.

File:BEV EPA range comparison 2016-2017 MY priced under 50K US.png for electric cars rated up until July 2017 and priced under {{USD|50,000}} in the U.S. Only model year with 2016 and 2017 cars included{{cite web|url=http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/PowerSearch.do?action=PowerSearch&year1=2016&year2=2017&minmsrpsel=0&maxmsrpsel=0&city=0&highway=0&combined=0&cbvtelectric=Electric&YearSel=2016-2017&MakeSel=&MarClassSel=&FuelTypeSel=&VehTypeSel=Electric&TranySel=&DriveTypeSel=&CylindersSel=&MpgSel=000&sortBy=Comb&Units=&url=SearchServlet&opt=new&minmsrp=0&maxmsrp=0&minmpg=&maxmpg=&rowLimit=10 |title= Find a car – Years: 2016–2017 – Vehicle Type: Electric |publisher=fueleconomy.gov |author=Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, U.S. Department of Energy and U. S. Environmental Protection Agency | date=24 March 2017 |access-date=26 March 2017}}{{cite news| url=https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/by-the-numbers-tesla-model-3-vs-chevrolet-bolt-ev/| title=By the numbers: Tesla Model 3 vs. Chevrolet Bolt EV |first=Andrew |last=Krok | work=CNET| date=29 July 2017| access-date=29 July 2017}}]]

In July 2016, BMW released the 2017 model year (MY) BMW i3 with an improved 94 Ah (33 kWh) battery pack, 50% more capacity than the previous model, resulting in an increase of its range to {{convert|114|mi|abbr=on|order=flip}} under the EPA cycle, an increase of {{convert|33|mi|abbr=on}} over the 60 Ah variant. The 94 Ah battery gave a range of {{convert|300|km|abbr=on}} under the NEDC test.{{cite press release | url=https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/usa/article/detail/T0259560EN_US/the-new-2017-bmw-i3-94-ah-more-range-paired-to-high-level-dynamic-performance | title=The new 2017 BMW i3 (94 Ah): More range paired to high-level dynamic performance | publisher=BMW Group PressClub USA | location=Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey | date=2 May 2016 | access-date=3 May 2016}}{{cite web| url=http://www.kfz-betrieb.vogel.de/neuwagen/articles/531955/?cmp=nl-125&uuid=B225CA8F-E6F9-464D-9839-BAB0E10881B8 | title=Mehr Reichweite für den BMW i3 | language=de |trans-title= More range for the BMW i3 | author=Staff |publisher=kfz-betrieb | date=2 May 2016 | access-date=4 May 2016}} The i3 94 Ah combined fuel economy rating is 118 MPG-e, down from 124 MPG-e for the model with the 60 Ah battery.{{cite news| url=http://www.hybridcars.com/2017-bmw-i3-epa-rated-for-114-miles-range/ | title=2017 BMW i3 EPA Rated For 114 Miles Range | first=Jeff | last=Cobb| work=HybridCars.com| date=11 August 2016 | access-date=12 August 2016}}

The 2017 BMW i3 REx with the larger 94 Ah battery has an EPA-rated range of {{convert|97|mi|abbr=on}}, and combined fuel economy rating is 111 MPG-e. The range using the gasoline-powered engine increased to {{Convert|83|mi|abbr=on}} from {{Convert|78|mi|abbr=on}} in the previous versions.{{cite news |url=http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1106049_2017-bmw-i3-rex-97-mile-electric-range-lower-efficiency-for-range-extended-model |title=2017 BMW i3 REx: 97-mile electric range, lower efficiency for range-extended model | first=Stephen |last=Edelstein |work=Green Car Reports |date=12 September 2016 |access-date=19 September 2016}}

The battery rating was again increased in 2018 to 120 Ah, which results in a total capacity of 42.2 kWh. The 2019 BMW i3 REx with 120 Ah battery has an EPA-rated battery-only range of {{convert|126|mi|abbr=on|}}, a combined gas and electric range of {{Convert|200|mi|km|abbr=}} miles, and a combined fuel economy rating of 100 MPG-e.{{Cite web|url=https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/Find.do?action=sbs&id=41211|title=2019 BMW i3 with Range Extender|website=Fuel Economy|access-date=2019-09-30}}

File:Type2 CCS Bmw i3.jpg (Combo 1 in North America) that can charge at up to 7-11 kW AC (with the type 2 charge port) depending on the model and 50 kW DC.]]

File:BMW i3 charging Hungary.jpg]]

BMW designed the i3 eDrive powertrain based on the premise that the battery would need to be recharged only once every two to three days. The charging frequency was derived from field trial results taken from the BMW ActiveE and MINI E vehicles in Asia, Europe and the U.S., whereby the typical commuting use between the pilot users' homes and workplaces was calculated.

The i3 allows the owner to charge the battery from a conventional wall socket. In addition, the BMW i3 has multiple charging options. With the original 60Ah battery, AC fast charging can take less than 3 hours when charging from 0 to 80% while using the BMW i Wallbox Pure or any 3rd party charging equipment (EVSE) supporting 32A. Most European models supported three-phase AC charging up to 11 kW. The i3 also has a 50 kW DC fast charging option suitable for public DC charging stations, which can take less than 30 minutes to charge the 60Ah version from 0% to 80%.{{cite web|title=Charging and Connectivity |url=http://www.bmw.co.uk/en/new-vehicles/bmw-i/i3/2013/charging.html |publisher=BMW UK |access-date=12 September 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130921015553/http://www.bmw.co.uk/en/new-vehicles/bmw-i/i3/2013/charging.html |archive-date=21 September 2013 }}{{cite web |title=BMW i3 Charging: The Ultimate Guide |url=https://www.pluglesspower.com/learn/bmw-i3-charging-ultimate-guide/ |website=Plugless Power}}{{cite web |title=BMW i3 |url=https://ev-database.org/car/1104/BMW-i3 |website=EV Database |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924144010/https://ev-database.org/car/1104/BMW-i3 |archive-date=24 September 2020 |language=en |url-status=live}} Later 94Ah and 120Ah models take proportionally longer.

In the US, the i3 can also be charged from any public charging station with an SAE J1772 connector.{{cite web|title=Press Release|url=https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/usa/pressDetail.html?title=the-bmw-i3&id=T0143611EN_US |publisher=BMW Group |access-date=9 July 2013}} In 2016, BMW and the PG&E utility in California expanded an experiment of delaying charge-up during peak demand and compensating i3 owners for the delay.{{cite web|url=https://electrek.co/2016/11/15/bmw-electric-vehicle-fleet-grid-service-chargeforward/ |title=BMW is successfully using its electric vehicle fleet to offer grid services in California|date= 15 November 2016 |work=Electrek |access-date= 15 November 2016}}

BMW claims that the i3 is the first fully online all-electric vehicle,{{cite web|title=Connectivity features|url=http://www.bmw.co.uk/en/new-vehicles/bmw-i/i3/2013/connectivity.html |publisher=BMW |access-date=16 November 2013}} but the Tesla Model S has had full 3G Internet connectivity since 2012.{{cite web|title=CNET Tesla 2012 Model S review|url=http://reviews.cnet.com/sedan/2012-tesla-model-s/4505-10865_7-35338245.html |publisher=CNET |access-date=16 November 2013}}

BMW i introduced the BMW i Flexible Mobility Program for trips where the range of a BMW i3 would not be enough to allow customers to cover longer distances, such as providing a conventional BMW vehicle for a specified number of days per year.{{cite web|url=http://www.hybridcars.com/bmw-reveals-i3-coming-this-year/|title=BMW Reveals i3 Coming This Year |author=Philippe Crowe |publisher=HybridCars.com|date=5 March 2013|access-date=6 March 2013}} The program started in October 2014 in the US and individual dealers can choose whether to participate in this program.{{cite web|last1=Moloughney|first1=Tom|title=BMW i Flexible Mobility Program Launches in the US|url=http://bmwi3.blogspot.com/2014/11/bmw-i-flexible-mobility-program.html|website=The Electric BMW i3|access-date=28 April 2015}} BMW is also offering a roadside assistance program in areas of high sales. The assistance vehicle will provide a charge so the i3 can travel to the next charging station. In addition, the i3 digital display panel shows the location of nearby recharging stations to alleviate range anxiety.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/16/business/with-i3-electric-car-bmw-tries-to-ease-range-anxiety.html?ref=automobiles&_r=0|title=With i3 Electric Car, BMW Tries to Ease Range Anxiety|author=Jack Ewing|work=The New York Times|date=15 July 2013|access-date=11 August 2013}}

File:BMW i3 REx SAO 2014 0619.JPG version (REx) gasoline fuel door is at the right front side]]

An optional petrol/gasoline range extender engine is marketed as REx and is powered by the same Kymco-built 647 cc inline two-cylinder engine used in the BMW C650 GT maxi-scooter.{{cite web |last1=Kreindler |first1=Derek |title=BMW Partnering With Kymco For i3 Range Extender (19 March 2013) |url=https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2013/03/bmw-partnering-with-kymco-for-i3-range-extender/ |website=The Truth About Cars |access-date=19 September 2019 |date=19 March 2013}} The system is intended as an emergency backup to extend range to the next recharging location, and not for long-distance travel.{{cite web|url=http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1082814_bmw-i3-electric-car-rex-range-extender-not-for-daily-use/page-2 |title=BMW i3 Electric Car: ReX Range Extender Not For Daily Use? |author=John Voelcker|publisher=Green Car Reports|date=12 March 2013|access-date=12 March 2013}} The 647 cc engine as fitted in the i3 REx is derated compared to the engine of the same displacement in the C650 GT; the REx engine develops {{convert|25|kW|hp PS|order=flip|abbr=on}} and {{convert|55|Nm|lbft kgm|order=flip|abbr=on}} at 4,300 RPM, achieving compliance with Euro-6 emissions standards{{cite web |url=http://www.bmw-powertrain.com/powertrain/en/automotive_engines/2-cylinder_gasoline_engines.html |title=2-cylinder gasoline range extender engine |publisher=BMW Powertrain |access-date=5 March 2018}} compared to the {{convert|44|kW|hp PS|order=flip|abbr=on}} (at 7,500 RPM) and {{convert|66|Nm|lbft kgm|order=flip|abbr=on}} (at 6,000 RPM) for the engine in the C650 GT, which complies with the less restrictive Euro-4 emissions.{{cite web |url=http://www.bmw-powertrain.com/powertrain/en/motorcycle_engines/2-cylinder-in-line_engine.html |title=2-cylinder inline engines 650cc/800cc |publisher=BMW Powertrain |access-date=5 March 2018}}

The REx engine operates when battery capacity drops to a pre-specified level, generating electricity to extend the range. Vehicles equipped with the REx have an additional fuel filler door on the right front fender, allowing drivers to fill the {{cvt|9|L}} tank. However, model year 2014–16 i3 REx vehicles in the U.S. are limited to a fuel capacity of {{cvt|7.2|L}} electronically, in accordance with the car's classification as a range-extended battery-electric vehicle; with the full capacity, the gasoline-extended range would exceed the all-electric range, which would classify the car as a plug-in hybrid instead.{{cite web|url=http://www.bmwblog.com/2015/01/22/bmw-i3-rex-u-s-fact-2-4-gallons-tank/|title=BMW i3 REx for U.S. has in fact a 2.4 gallons tank|date=22 January 2015|website=bmwblog.com|access-date=1 April 2018}}{{cite web |url=https://thegreencarguy.com/bmw-i3-ev-gets-range-boost-2017/ |title=BMW i3 Range Boost: Up 40% for 2017 |author=O'Dell, John |date=August 15, 2016 |work=The Green Car Guy |access-date=31 January 2022}} The European model REx has an extended range of approximately {{convert|200|mi|abbr=on|order=flip}}.{{cite news|url=http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/first-rides-bmw-i8-hybrid-sportscar-and-all-electric-i3|title=First rides in BMW i8 hybrid sportscar and all-electric i3|author= Greg Kable|work=Autocar|date=24 February 2013|access-date=27 February 2013}} In the United States with the limited tank, under EPA five-cycle testing, the i3 REx has a total range of {{Convert|150|mi|abbr=on|order=flip}}, of which approximately half [{{cvt|72|mi|order=flip}}] is all-electric. The restrictions applied to the US configuration of the i3 that do not apply to other territories prompted a class-action lawsuit in 2016.{{Cite web|url=https://insideevs.com/bmw-i3-rex-lawsuit-howd-this-happen-whos-at-fault/|title=BMW i3 REx Lawsuit: How'd This Happen & Who's at Fault|website=insideevs.com|language=en-US|access-date=15 February 2018}}

The range-extender option of the BMW i3 was designed to meet the California Air Resources Board (CARB) regulation for an auxiliary power unit (APU). According to rules adopted in March 2012 by CARB, the 2014 BMW i3 with a REx unit fitted is the first car ever to qualify as a range-extended battery-electric vehicle or "BEVx". CARB describes this type of electric vehicle as "a relatively high-electric range battery-electric vehicle (BEV) to which an APU is added." The unit, which maintains battery charge at about 30% after the pack has been depleted in normal use, is strictly limited in the additional range it can provide. As a BEVx, the car is required to deliver a minimum {{Convert|75|mi|abbr=on}} electric range.{{cite web|url=http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1087888_2014-bmw-i3-electric-car-why-california-set-range-requirements-engine-limits|title=2014 BMW i3 Electric Car: Why California Set Range Requirements, Engine Limits|author=John Voelcker|publisher=Green Car Reports|date=23 October 2013|access-date=19 January 2014}}

CARB classified the i3 with the REx option as a "Transitional Zero Emission Vehicle" (TZEV), the same classification as other plug-in hybrids such as the Chevrolet Volt and the Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid. This classification made the i3 REx eligible for California's green sticker that identifies the vehicles allowed to be operated by a single occupant in California's high-occupancy vehicle lanes (HOV), or carpool or diamond lanes, but not for the white sticker reserved for pure electric cars, such as the BMW i3 without REx.{{cite web|url=http://insideevs.com/breaking-bmw-i3-rex-gets-green-hov-sticker/|title=Breaking: BMW i3 REx Gets Green HOV Sticker, TZEV Rating|author=Eric Loveday|publisher=InsideEVs|date=28 April 2014|access-date=30 April 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://transportevolved.com/2014/04/29/bmw-i3-bevx-approved-coveted-californian-green-hov-lane-sticker-finally/|title=BMW i3 BEVx Approved for Coveted Californian Green HOV-Lane Sticker (Finally)|author= Nikki Gordon-Bloomfield|publisher=Transport Evolved|date=29 April 2014|access-date=29 April 2014}} In addition, CARB certification of the i3 REx as BEVx allows the i3 with range extender to be eligible for a {{USD|2,500}} Clean Vehicle Rebate, the same amount eligible pure electric cars are entitled to. Other plug-in hybrids are eligible for only a {{USD|1,500}} purchase rebate.{{cite web|url=http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1091851_2014-bmw-i3-range-extended-model-gets-full-2500-ca-rebate-for-electric-cars|title=2014 BMW i3 Range-Extended Model Gets Full $2,500 CA Rebate For Electric Cars|author=John Voelcker|publisher=Green Car Reports|date=2 May 2014|access-date=2 May 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://energycenter.org/clean-vehicle-rebate-project|title=Eligible Vehicles|website=Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP) |date=May 2014|access-date=2 May 2014}}

Since the 2017 model years and newer i3 REx have the same battery as the all-electric models, newer i3 REx cars have an increased all-electric range due to the higher capacity 94 Ah battery (2017–18) and 120 Ah battery (2019–22) that now exceeds its gas-powered range. For example, the 2017 model year i3 REx equipped with the range extender has a total range of {{Convert|180|mi|abbr=on|order=flip}}, of which {{cvt|97|mi|order=flip}} is all-electric. With their larger batteries fitted to the 2017 model year and later, the all-electric range exceeds the total gasoline range for the 2017 model year and beyond, so the software restrictions were removed for these model years and BMW was able to unlock the full tank for later models of the i3 REx without affecting its ZEV status.

{{multiple image |align=right |direction=vertical

|image1=BMW i3 control panel.jpg |caption1=Main controls and digital screens

|image2=BMW-i3-Dashboard.JPG |caption2=Dashboard and front seats (Giga/Lodge)}}

In June 2012 an updated version of the BMW i3 concept car was unveiled at the opening of the first BMW i store, located on Park Lane in London, UK. The updated i3 concept consists of a new interior colour and materials concept. The seat covers combine responsibly sourced wool and leather naturally tanned with an olive oil leaf-based agent. The almost symmetrical curving dash is inlaid with treated eucalyptus wood that, according to BMW, is sourced from sustainably managed European forests.

Information is provided to the driver through a {{convert|16.5|cm|in|abbr=on}} freestanding instrument cluster and a {{convert|22.3|cm|in|abbr=on}} central information display. The bench-derived front seats replace the center tunnel that bisected the cabin and a floor-mounted transmission, brake levers or center console are also absent.{{cite web|url=http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1076919_first-bmw-i-store-opens-in-london-while-i3-concept-gets-new-interior|title=First BMW i Store Opens in London, i3 Concept Gets New Interior |author=Nikki Gordon-Bloomfield|publisher=Green Car Reports|date=13 June 2012|access-date=13 June 2012}}{{cite web|url= https://www.dexigner.com/news/25243|title=First BMW i Store Opens in London: New BMW i3 Concept and BMW i Pedelec Concept|author=Levent Ozler|publisher=Dexigner|date=13 June 2012|access-date=13 June 2012}}

The BMW i3 has two pedals like all cars with automatic transmission. The accelerator pedal acts as both accelerator and engine brake. When the driver releases the pedal, the vehicle's kinetic energy is regenerated by the vehicle drivetrain to recharge the battery. This has the effect of slowing the car down. During the field testing of the Mini E, which has an accelerator that recharges the battery in this way, and consists of brakes that only apply to the rear wheels, BMW has learned that drivers tend to rely on the engine brake: around 75% of all deceleration maneuvers are initiated without the brake pedal in urban traffic areas. BMW also expected the i3 to use the same type of battery and powertrain that is being tested in the BMW ActiveE trials.{{cite web|url=http://www.automobilemag.com/green/news/1005_rich_steinberg_interview/|title=Green: Rich Steinberg Interview: Electric Bimmer Man|publisher=Automobile Magazine|author=Joe Lorio|date=May 2010|access-date=13 February 2013|archive-date=23 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023112013/http://www.automobilemag.com/green/news/1005_rich_steinberg_interview/|url-status=dead}}

File:BMW i3 driving dynamics control 03 2022 4732.jpg

The BMW i3 allows the driver to select the car energy consumption through three different driving modes: Comfort, Eco Pro or Eco Pro+ mode. In the standard Comfort mode the i3 delivers a range between {{Convert|80|and|100|mi|order=flip|abbr=on}} in everyday driving conditions, while the i3 REx delivers between {{Convert|160|and|180|mi|order=flip|abbr=on}}.{{cite web|url=http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Content/Vehicles/2014/i3/BMWi3RangeExtender/Features_and_Specs/BMWi3RangeExtenderSpecifications.aspx|title=The BMW i3 with Range Extender – Features & Specs|publisher=BMW USA|access-date=25 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140526035300/http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Content/Vehicles/2014/i3/BMWi3RangeExtender/Features_and_Specs/BMWi3RangeExtenderSpecifications.aspx|archive-date=26 May 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Content/Vehicles/2014/i3/BMWi3/Features_and_Specs/BMWi3Specifications.aspx|title=The BMW i3 – Features & Specs|publisher=BMW USA|access-date=25 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140526031800/http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Content/Vehicles/2014/i3/BMWi3/Features_and_Specs/BMWi3Specifications.aspx|archive-date=26 May 2014}} The Eco Pro mode increases the driving range by around 12% through a different accelerator pedal mapping which uses less power. In Eco Pro+ mode, all settings are geared to achieving the maximum possible range, increasing the driving range by about 24% compared with Comfort mode. In this mode, the maximum speed of the BMW i3 is limited to {{convert|90|km/h|abbr=on}} and electrical devices such as the heating and air conditioning are switched to energy-saving mode.{{cite web|url=http://www.autoblog.com/2013/07/29/2014-bmw-i3-official-worldwide-launch/|title=BMW i3 gets official worldwide [UPDATE]|author=Damon Lowney| publisher=Autoblog.com |date=29 July 2013|access-date=29 July 2013}} See details in press release.{{cite web|url=https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/pressclub/p/pcgl/pressDetail.html?title=bmw-i3-concept-coupe-european-premiere-plus-intelligent-range-enhancing-solutions&outputChannelId=6&id=T0137344EN&left_menu_item=node__6729|title=BMW i3 Concept Coupe: European premiere plus intelligent range-enhancing solutions|author=BMW Group|publisher=BMW Press Release|date=3 April 2013|access-date=14 August 2013}} The i3s, introduced for the 2018 model year, adds a SPORT drive mode.{{cite web |title=The new BMW i3, the new BMW i3s. |url=https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0273661EN/the-new-bmw-i3-the-new-bmw-i3s |website=The BMW Group PressClub |publisher=BMW Group |access-date=30 October 2018}}

{{Clear}}

The European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) awarded the i3 a four-star car safety rating, resulting in the following ratings for each criterion:

{{Euro NCAP |year=2013 |overall_stars=4 |description=BMW i3 |reference={{cite web |title=Official BMW i3 2013 safety rating results |url=https://www.euroncap.com/en/results/bmw/i3/8863 |website=Euro NCAP}}|adult_points=31 |adult_percent=86|child_points=40 |child_percent=81 |pedestrian_points=21 |pedestrian_percent=57 |safety_points=5 |safety_percent=55 }}

The BMW i3's overall ratings are lower than the other six best-selling plug-in electric vehicles, the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid, Renault Zoe, Nissan Leaf, Mitsubishi Outlander P-HEV, Chevrolet Volt and Opel Ampera, all of which were rated five stars.{{cite web|url=http://insideevs.com/bmw-i3-scores-only-4-stars-in-euro-ncap-crash-tests/|title=BMW i3 Scores Only 4 Stars in Euro NCAP Crash Tests (w/videos)|author=Eric Loveday|publisher=InsideEVs|date=27 November 2013|access-date=27 November 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131130005804/http://insideevs.com/bmw-i3-scores-only-4-stars-in-euro-ncap-crash-tests/ |archive-date= Nov 30, 2013 }}

BMW has implemented efficient manufacturing processes and is using recycled materials to lessen the i3's environmental impact.

BMW is manufacturing carbon strands that form the basis of the i3's carbon-fiber reinforced plastic bodywork at a new {{USD|100 million}} plant built in Moses Lake, Washington, using raw material shipped from Japan. This location was selected to take advantage of the abundant hydroelectric power available in this U.S. region because carbon-fiber production requires considerable energy and would otherwise emit much carbon dioxide. The carbon fiber is then shipped to Landshut, Germany, where the carbon-fiber reinforced plastic parts are fabricated, and the vehicle assembly line is located in Leipzig.{{cite news |first=Graham |last=Warwick |url=http://aviationweek.com/technology/automotive-industry-embraces-composites-can-aerospace-benefit |title=Automotive Industry Embraces Composites; Can Aerospace Benefit? |work=Aviation Week & Space Technology |date=17 April 2015|access-date=21 April 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.compositesworld.com/articles/bmw-leipzig-the-epicenter-of-i3-production- |title=BMW Leipzig: The epicenter of i3 production |first=Jeff |last=Sloan |work=compositesworld.com |date=31 May 2014 |access-date=18 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170428201032/http://www.compositesworld.com/articles/bmw-leipzig-the-epicenter-of-i3-production- |archive-date=28 April 2017 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.bmwgroup-plants.com/en/munich/production/bmw-i-composition.html |title=How a BMW i is created |work=bmwgroup-plants.com |access-date=18 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170626183638/http://www.bmwgroup-plants.com/en/munich/production/bmw-i-composition.html |archive-date=26 June 2017 }}{{cite AV media |date=14 March 2014 |title=Video: BMW i3 Factory Production Tour |url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pa5_tudyAF8 |access-date= 18 May 2017 |publisher=european auto source }}

File:20140315 xl Windkraftanlage-WKA-in-der-Naehe-der-neuen-Messe-Leipzig-6035.jpg

In November 2010, the Leipzig plant was retooled add electric vehicle assembly lines, with an investment totaling {{euro|400 million}} euros ({{USD|561 million}}) through 2013. The plant is located at BMW's complex that already produces variants of the 1 Series model.{{cite news|url= https://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/06/business/global/06bmw.html?_r=1&ref=automobiles |title=BMW Inaugurates a Factory for Electric Cars|work=The New York Times|author=Jack Ewings|date=5 November 2010|access-date=7 November 2010}} Four 2.5 MW Nordex wind turbines at Leipzig came online in 2013, supplying approximately {{frac|5}} of the factory's electricity needs.{{cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2013-02-18/bmw-adds-wind-power-to-sidestep-merkel-s-power-bill |title=BMW adds wind power to sidestep Merkel's power bill |date=February 18, 2013 |work=Bloomberg |url-access=subscription |access-date=31 January 2022}} A concept version of the BMW i3 Coupe reflecting the current status of ongoing development was presented at the March 2013 Geneva Motor Show.{{cite web|url=http://www.automotiveindustrydigest.com/2013/03/04/bmw-i3-concept-coupe-european-premiere/|title=BMW i3 concept coupe: European premiere|author=MototingPro|publisher=Automotive Industry Digest|date=4 March 2013|access-date=27 February 2013|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131215095818/http://www.automotiveindustrydigest.com/2013/03/04/bmw-i3-concept-coupe-european-premiere/|archive-date=15 December 2013}} The production vehicle was officially unveiled simultaneously in New York, London and Beijing on 29 July 2013.{{cite news|url= http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/07/29/bmw-unveils-i3-electric-car/?ref=automobiles&_r=1& |title=BMW Unveils i3 Electric Car|author=Benjamin Preston|work=The New York Times|date=29 July 2013|access-date=29 July 2013}} Series production for retail customers began on 18 September 2013, and the first vehicle off the production line was handed over to German marathon runner Jan Fitschen. The car was used as the lead vehicle at the 2013 Berlin Marathon on 29 September.{{cite web|url= http://insideevs.com/german-marathon-runner-gets-first-production-bmw-i3/ |title=German Marathon Runner Gets First Production BMW i3|author=Eric Loveday|publisher=InsideEVs |date=18 September 2013 |access-date=19 September 2013}}

{{As of|2014|02}}, BMW was producing an average of 70 cars a day, about half the planned production, with lower production due to a high defect rate in the carbon parts. A subsequent investment of about {{euro|100 million}} in the production of carbon parts was made to solve the supply problems. According to BMW, there were 11,000 orders at the time, including 1,200 from U.S. customers. As a result of the high demand and the slow production rate, delivery waiting time extended to September 2014.{{cite web|url= http://www.manager-magazin.de/unternehmen/autoindustrie/carbon-bmw-hat-nachschubprobleme-beim-bau-des-i3-a-954274.html |title=Elektromobil – Produktionsprobleme beim BMW i3 |language=de|trans-title=Electric car – Production problems with the BMW i3|author= Michael Freitag|publisher=Manager Magazine|date=19 February 2014 |access-date=18 March 2014}}{{cite news|url= http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/01/bmw-i3-orders-11000-globally-six-month-wait.html |title=2014 BMW i3 Orders already hit 11,000 Globally|author=Jason Siu|work=Auto Guide|date=31 January 2014 |access-date=18 March 2014}}

{{As of|2017|10}}, production of the BMW i3 was just over 120 cars per day. By late October 2017, the 100,000th BMW i3 had been built in the Leipzig plant.{{Cite web|url=https://insideevs.com/bmw-i3-100000-rolls-off-assembly-line/|title=Major Milestone: BMW i3 #100,000 Rolls Off Assembly Line|first=Mike |last=Kane |website=insideevs.com|language=en-US|date=28 October 2017|access-date=1 November 2017}} 700 storage batteries taken from used i3 vehicles were linked as the "Storage Farm" at Leipzig in 2017, allowing the automaker to offset the intermittent nature of wind power.{{cite news |url=https://europe.autonews.com/article/20171027/ANE/171029785/bmw-taps-wind-power-old-batteries-to-make-car-production-greener |title=BMW taps wind power, old batteries to make car production greener |author=Behrmann, Elisabeth |date=October 27, 2017 |work=Automotive News Europe |access-date=31 January 2022}} The 200,000th i3 rolled off the production line in the Leipzig plant on 15 October 2020.{{cite press release |url=https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0318827EN/first-of-its-kind-and-innovation-driver-for-sustainable-mobility:-200-000-bmw-i3-produced-to-date?language=en | title=First of its kind and innovation driver for sustainable mobility: 200 000 BMW i3 produced to date | publisher=BMW Group PressClub Global | location=Munich | date=2020-10-16 | access-date=2020-10-18}} Production ended in July 2022 with a total of 250,000 units. The last ten units manufactured were the special BMW i3s HomeRun Edition.{{cite web|url=https://insideevs.com/news/597217/bmw-i3-productiom-end-250000/ |title=BMW i3 Production Comes To An End: 250,000 Were Made | first=Mark | last=Kane | publisher=InsideEVs| date=2022-07-10 | access-date=2023-08-09}}

{{Bar chart

| float = right

| title = BMW i3 global annual sales

| bar_width = 15

| width_units = em

| label_type = Year

| label1 = 2013

| label2 = 2014

| label3 = 2015

| label4 = 2016

| label5 = 2017

| label6 = 2018

| label7 = 2019

| label8 = 2020

| label9 = 2021{{cite press release |url=https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0364013EN/electro-offensive-and-number-one-in-premium-segment:-bmw-group-posts-strong-sales-for-2021?language=en | title=Electro-offensive and number one in premium segment: BMW Group posts strong sales for 2021 | publisher=BMW Group Press Club Global | location=Munich | date=2022-01-12 | access-date=2022-01-28 |quote=With 28,216 vehicles sold, 5.4 percent more BMW i3 vehicles were sold than in the previous year.}}

| data_type = Units sold

| data_max = 40000

| data1 = 1477

| data2 = 16052

| data3 = 24057

| data4 = 25500

| data5 = 31482

| data6 = 34623

| data7 = 39501

| data8 = 26,770

| data9 = 28,216

}}

Production began on 18 September 2013.{{cite web|url=http://green.autoblog.com/2013/09/18/bmw-i3-production-starts/|title=BMW i3 starts production in Germany using local wind power, US carbon fiber|author=Sebastian Blanco|publisher=Autoblog Green|date=18 September 2013|access-date=19 September 2013}}{{cite web|url=https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/pressclub/p/gb/pressDetail.html?title=the-new-bmw-i3-press-pack&outputChannelId=8&id=T0154004EN_GB&left_menu_item=node__6728|title=The new BMW i3 – Press pack |author=BMW Group|publisher=BMW Group Press Club UK|date=6 November 2013|access-date=7 November 2013}} {{As of|2018|03}}, the BMW i3 was available in 74 countries.

The first i3 deliveries to retail customers in Europe took place at an official market launch ceremony held in Munich on 15 November 2013.{{cite web|url=https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/pressclub/p/us/pressDetail.html?title=bmw-i3-market-launch&outputChannelId=9&id=T0156045EN_US&left_menu_item=node__803|title=BMW i3 market launch|author=BMW Press Release|publisher=BMW Group USA|date=15 November 2013|access-date=16 November 2013}} The first delivery to a retail customer in the U.S. took place in May 2014.{{cite web|url=http://insideevs.com/bmw-announces-delivery-first-us-i3/|title=BMW Announces Delivery of First US i3|author=Eric Loveday|publisher=InsideEVs|date=2 May 2014|access-date=2 May 2014}} At its market launch, pricing in the United States started at {{USD|42,275}} before any government incentives, and the range extender option an additional {{USD|3,850}}. Prices in Germany started from {{euro|34,950}} ({{USD|46,400}}).{{cite web|url=http://www.greencarcongress.com/2013/07/i3-20130722.html|title=US MSRP for BMW i3 EV will be $41,350, before incentives|publisher=Green Car Congress |date=22 July 2013|access-date=29 July 2013}} Pricing in the UK started at {{GBP|30,680}} ({{USD|47,195}}) before the applicable government grant.{{cite web|url=http://insideevs.com/bmw-sets-lease-price-on-i3-at-565-in-the-uk-369-priced-from-25680/|title=BMW Sets Lease Price on i3 At $565 in the UK (£369) – Priced from £25,680|author=Jay Cole|publisher=InsideEVs|date=22 July 2013|access-date=29 July 2013}}

After its release BMW, like many other plug-in electric carmakers at the time, faced weak reception of its electric car lineup.{{cite news|last1=Boston|first1=William|title=BMW Loses Core Development Team of Its i3 and i8 Electric Vehicle Line|url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/bmw-loses-core-development-team-235400469.html|access-date=20 May 2016|work=The Wall Street Journal via Yahoo|date=19 April 2016}}{{cite web|last1=Kane|first1=Mark|title=BMW Sold 5,128 BMW i3/i8 In The First Quarter Of 2016|url=http://insideevs.com/bmw-sold-5128-bmw-i3i8-in-the-first-quarter-of-2016/|website=InsideEVs|access-date=20 May 2016}} BMW expected to sell at least 30,000 units a year from 2014.{{cite news|last1=Hamprecht|first1=Harald|title=BMW plans to sell at least 30,000 units a year of its i3|url=http://europe.autonews.com/article/20110226/ANE/110229885/bmw-plans-to-sell-at-least-30000-units-a-year-of-its-i3|access-date=20 May 2016|work=Autonews|date=26 February 2011}} Global sales passed the 10,000 unit mark in September 2014,{{cite web|url=http://www.hybridcars.com/bmw-increasing-i3-and-i8-availability-in-us/ |title=BMW Increasing i3 and i8 Availability in US |author=Jeff Cobb|publisher=HybridCars.com|date=3 October 2014|access-date=3 October 2014}} 25,000 units in May 2015,{{cite web|url=http://www.hybridcars.com/how-nissan-and-renault-are-dominating-the-electric-car-game/|title=How Nissan and Renault are Dominating the Electric Car Game|author=Jeff Cobb|publisher=HybridCars.com|date=11 June 2015|access-date=11 June 2015}} and the 50,000 unit milestone was achieved in July 2016.{{cite news| url=http://www.hybridcars.com/renault-zoe-and-bmw-i3-join-the-50000-sales-club/ | title=Renault Zoe and BMW i3 Join The 50,000 Sales Club | first=Jeff | last=Cobb| work=HybridCars.com| date=1 August 2016| access-date=1 August 2016}} Cumulative global sales attained the 150,000 unit mark by mid 2019.{{cite news | url=https://www.ft.com/content/b680db8a-d623-11e9-a0bd-ab8ec6435630 |title=BMW signals end of road for its i3 electric car | first=Peter | last=Campbell | work=Financial Times | date=2019-09-15 | access-date=2020-06-21}}

File:Elbilfestival i Geiranger BMW i3 cropped.jpg per capita in the world]]

The i3 was the world's third best all-time selling all-electric car in 2016, after the Nissan Leaf and the Tesla Model S, with more than 65,000 units sold worldwide since its inception. The i3 also ranked third by sales among all-electric cars sold worldwide for three years in a row, from 2014 to 2016.{{cite news | url=http://www.hybridcars.com/tesla-model-s-is-worlds-best-selling-plug-in-car-for-second-year-in-a-row/ |title=Tesla Model S Is World's Best-Selling Plug-in Car For Second Year in a Row | first= Jeff | last=Cobb | work= HybridCars.com | date=26 January 2017 |access-date=26 January 2017}} See also detailed 2016 sales and cumulative global sales in the two graphs.{{cite press release |url=https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/pressDetail.html?title=statement-and-presentation-by-dr-norbert-reithofer-chairman-of-the-board-of-management-of-bmw-ag&outputChannelId=6&id=T0208743EN&left_menu_item=node__807|title=Statement and presentation by Dr. Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Annual Accounts Press Conference in Munich on 18 March 2015|publisher=BMW Group |location=Munich |date=18 March 2015|access-date=21 March 2015}}{{cite news|url=http://www.hybridcars.com/tesla-model-s-was-worlds-best-selling-plug-in-car-in-2015/|title=Tesla Model S Was World's Best-Selling Plug-in Car in 2015 |first=Jeff |last=Cobb |work=HybridCars.com |date=12 January 2016|access-date=23 January 2016}} The Tesla Model S was the top selling plug-in electric car in 2015 (50,366), followed by the Nissan Leaf (about 43,000), the Mitsubishi Outlander P-HEV (about 39,000), the BYD Qin (31,898) and the BMW i3 (24,057).{{cite web|url=http://www.hybridcars.com/2014s-top-10-global-best-selling-plug-in-cars/6/|title=2014's Top-10 Global Best-Selling Plug-in Cars|author=Jeff Cobb|publisher=HybridCars.com|date=10 February 2015|access-date=21 March 2015}} A total of 16,052 i3s were sold in 2014, with global cumulative sales since their introduction totaling 17,529 units through the end of 2014.

By the end of 2021, i3 sales since inception totaled over 220,000 units delivered worldwide.{{cite web|url=https://insideevs.com/news/563722/bmw-i3-production-ends-2022/ |title=BMW i3 Production Reportedly Coming To An End In July | first=Andrei | last=Nedela | publisher=InsideEVs| date=2022-01-28 | access-date=2022-01-28 |quote=The i3 has sold over 220,000 examples around the world by now}} {{As of|2021|12}}, Germany listed as the i3 top selling country market with 47,536 units sold, followed by the United States with 45,098 units. Norway is also a top market with 28,605 new units registered through January 2022.{{cite web| url=https://elbilstatistikk.no/ | title=Cumulative EV registrations by Make and Model |publisher=Elbil Statistikk | date=2022-01-28 | access-date=2022-01-28}} {{As of|2022|01|28}}, cumulative BMW i3 registrations totaled 30,175 cars, of which, 1,570 were used imports. The Norwegian market has the world's highest i3 penetration per capita.{{cite web|url=http://europe.autonews.com/article/20140606/ANE/140609922/bmw-sales-boss-robertson-says-born-electric-range-will-help-boost?CSAuthResp=1%3A173538926920681%3A423310%3A4129%3A24%3Aapproved%3A514421AC05C68CC04BA542231747A228|title=BMW sales boss bullish on 'born electric' range|author=Luca Ciferri|publisher=Automotive News Europe|date=6 June 2014|access-date=11 June 2014}} In November 2016, the BMW i3 topped new passenger car monthly sales in Norway.{{cite news |url=http://www.adressa.no/nyheter/sortrondelag/2016/12/02/BMW-med-elbil-sjokk-i-november-13876076.ece |title=BMW med elbil-sjokk i november | language=no |trans-title=BMW with electric vehicle shock in November | first=Ola | last=Hegvold | work=Adressa | date=2 December 2016| access-date=3 December 2016}} U.S. sales ended in July 2021.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/10/business/bmw-electric-car.html |title=BMW Has Fallen Behind in the Electric Vehicle Race. Can It Catch Up? |first=Jack |last=Ewing |work=New York Times |date=2021-08-10 |access-date=2021-08-10 |quote=BMW continues to produce the i3 and has sold about 210,000 since 2013 but ended sales in the United States in July.}} Global sales totaled 250,000 units by the end of 2022.

{{Clear}}

The following table presents annual retail sales or registrations of the i3 top selling national markets through December 2021 for both variants of the BMW i3, except when noted.

The BMW i3 won the Geneva Auto Show Car Design of the Year award for 2013 in the production category; an iF Product Design Gold Award for "the incorporation of sustainability in all facets of the interieur and exterieur design";{{cite web|url=http://insideevs.com/video-bmw-i3-wins-gold-if-award-for-design/|title=Video: BMW i3 Wins Gold iF Award For Design|author=Electric Cars TV|publisher=InsideEVs|date=15 March 2014|access-date=18 March 2014}} the 2014 World Green Car of the Year; the 2014 World Car Design of the Year,{{cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimhenry/2014/04/17/bmwi3-drives-off-with-green-world-car-of-the-year-award-plus-a-surprise/|title=New York Auto Show: BMWi3 Is The 2014 World Green Car Of The Year|author=Jim Henry|work=Forbes|date=17 April 2014|access-date=17 April 2014}} UK Car of the Year 2014, UK Best Super-mini of 2014 and Green Car Journal{{'}}s 2015 Green Car of the Year Award.{{cite news|url=http://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/2014/11/20/green-car-year-bmw/70008216/|title=BMW i3 named 2015 Green Car of the Year|author=Alisa Priddle|work=Detroit Free Press|date=20 November 2014|access-date=21 November 2014}}

In Australia, the BMW i3 received the 2014 Wheels Car of the Year by Wheels Magazine.{{cite web|title = BMW i3 – Wheels Car of the Year 2014| date=21 January 2015 |url = http://www.wheelsmag.com.au/car-of-the-year/1501/bmw-i3-wheels-car-of-the-year-2014/|access-date = 15 June 2015}} In South Africa the i3 received "Design of the Year"{{Cite news|url=https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/bmw-i3---design-of-the-year/42135|title=BMW i3 – Design of the Year|date=25 January 2016|work=Cars.co.za|access-date=1 November 2017|language=en-US}} and "Game Changer of the Year"{{Cite news|url=https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/bmw-i3---game-changer-of-the-year/42139|title=BMW i3 – Game Changer of the Year|date=22 January 2016|work=Cars.co.za|access-date=1 November 2017|language=en-US}} in 2016 by the automotive website [http://cars.co.za cars.co.za].

At the 2017 New York International Auto Show the 94 Ah i3 was named the inaugural winner of the "World Urban Car of the Year".{{cite web|url=https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/united-kingdom/article/detail/T0269801EN_GB/the-bmw-i3-94ah-wins-2017-world-urban-car-award|title=The BMW i3 94Ah wins 2017 World Urban Car Award.|website=www.press.bmwgroup.com|access-date=1 April 2018}}

• Automatic parking
• Electric car use by country
• Government incentives for plug-in electric vehicles
• List of battery electric vehicles
• Personal Urban Mobility and Accessibility

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category multi|BMW i3|BMW i3 Concept}}

• [https://www.bmwusa.com/vehicles/bmwi/i3/ BMW i3 official website]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20130910103548/http://www.bmw.co.uk/en/new-vehicles/bmw-i/i3/2013/start.html BMW i3 UK website]
• [http://totalcarmagazine.com/newcars/2013/11/11/first_drive_bmw_i3_2013/ BMW i3 road test]
• [http://carsspyphotos.com/2013-bmw-i3-spied-in-sweden/ BMW i3 (Mega City)- first spy shots] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110310221059/http://carsspyphotos.com/2013-bmw-i3-spied-in-sweden/ |date=10 March 2011 }}
• [http://www.torquenews.com/2250/bmw-i3-rex-vs-chevrolet-volt-two-different-approaches-plug-hybrids BMW i3 REx vs. Chevrolet Volt: two different approaches to plug-in hybrids], Torque News, June 2014

; Video

• [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEUKrODv_Ds BMW i3. From the first idea to the final car], BMW, July 2014 (YouTube)

{{BMW cars: 2000s to 2010s}}

{{BMW vehicles}}

i3

Category:Subcompact cars

Category:Hatchbacks

Category:Police vehicles

Category:Production electric cars

Category:Electric city cars

Category:Euro NCAP small family cars

Category:Cars introduced in 2013

Category:Cars discontinued in 2022

Category:Hybrid electric vehicles