Summary
The BMW i3 was a small urban electric car, and was BMW’s first fully electric vehicle when it was launched back in 2013. It received a substantial mid-life update in 2017.
The i3 was one of the pioneers of the electric car movement, and there is still nothing really directly comparable to it on the market. It boasted clever construction methods and lightweight body panels, developed to offset the significant weight of its batteries. Even eight years after it was launched, it was still a more innovative and futuristic vehicle than most other cars on the market – at any price.
However, those eight years saw EV technology evolve rapidly, and newer rivals were able to combine more space and better battery range in more conventionally designed vehicles at lower prices. As an indication of how rapid this evolution has been, the i3 received much praise and many awards in its early years but by the time it ended production in 2022 its review scores had fallen to very low levels.
As a used car, however, and when compared with other cars of a similar age and/or price, the i3 is still highly regarded and has proved to be very reliable. Its very low running costs are also attractive.
No longer on sale, BMW is not expected to replace the i3 with a direct successor and is likely to shift towards electric versions of its regular model range.
As of February 2026, the BMW i3 holds a Used Car Expert Rating of A, with a score of 70%. It scores top marks for its low running costs, while its reliability record is good and media review scores are still solid when viewed over the model’s whole life. However, its safety score is low due to its age, meaning it doesn’t offer many of the latest accident avoidance systems now fitted as standard to new cars.
Key specifications
Body style: Small five-door hatch
Motor: electric, battery-powered
Price when new: From £33,805 on-road
Launched: Autumn 2013
Last updated: Autumn 2018
Discontinued: Summer 2022
Image gallery
Media reviews
Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Featured reviews
“The BMW i3 is innovative, stylish and good to drive – delivering a premium small electric car with plenty of road presence.”
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
Read full review
Auto Express
“The BMW i3 is a small electric car with a funky interior and a decent range between charges. Sadly, it’s expensive and other small electric cars are more comfortable.”
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
Read full review
Carwow
More reviews
Auto Express
Model reviewed: 120Ah
Score: 8 / 10
“More range can only be a good thing when it comes to EVs, and the BMW i3 is still relatively affordable for a premium electric car. New owners will benefit from more flexibility, but they’ll also be dogged by the same flaws – namely the poor ride and the lack of standard safety and connectivity tech.”
Read review
Model reviewed: i3s range extender
Score: 7 / 10
“It’s impressive for BMW to give the i3 more performance without cutting the range at the same time, and to sharpen the way it drives. However, the standard car is hardly a slouch and is pretty good to drive, so we struggle to see how the BMW i3s is worth the considerable extra money.”
Read review
Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“An early electric pioneer, the BMW i3 remains a distinctive and stylish offering despite new rivals appearing in the EV market. An improved battery pack and increased range meaning the earlier range-extender version is now redundant, and the i3 is now a pure electric vehicle.”
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Business Car
Model reviewed: 94Ah
Score: 9 / 10
“Putting the engineering brilliance of Tesla to one side, the BMW i3 is arguably the best electric car currently on the market, and these latest updates find solutions to almost all the obstacles stopping fleets from investing in the technology.”
Read review
Car
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“It is still a £25k city car with only four seats and a tiny boot, but the BMW i3 range is far more appealing than any EV we’ve driven.”
Read review
Model reviewed: i3 S range extender
Score: 8 / 10
“If you want the fastest, most fun BMW i3, this is it – but its greatest strengths (an attractive, innovative interior, show-stopping exterior styling and enough space for everyday most driving scenarios around town with the capacity for longer trips possible) are shared with the regular i3.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 94Ah
Score: 8 / 10
“The appeal of the BMW i3 is only strengthened with its new battery pack fitted. It retains the eye-catching design, spacious interior and engaging driving experience we’ve praised previously, but now you can enjoy it for longer between charges.”
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Car Keys
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“While there are certain areas where the i3 might be showing its age, that can’t detract from the brilliance of this BMW. Given it was years ahead of the competition in many respects, it continues to build a strong case for itself in the electric hatchback market.”
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.8 / 10
“The BMW i3 is great fun and nippy around town but it’s expensive and those striking looks won’t appeal to everyone.”
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Company Car Today
Model reviewed: i3s range extender
“The new BMW i3s is the sportiest of mainstream plug-in vehicles and goes and handles very nicely, though it’s far from cheap. The looks are still divisive and the ride quality suffers due to that sportiness.”
Read review
Model reviewed: i3s (pure electric version)
“The BMW i3s’s zippy performance and fine handling impress, but it’s a shame the range doesn’t let you enjoy it for longer.”
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Daily Mail
Model reviewed: i3S
“Priced at £37,000, the BMW i3S is unquestionably a premium product considering its modest size, though it’s hard to argue that it is one of the best low-emissions models on the market to date.”
Read review
Discover EV
Model reviewed: i3S
Score: 6 / 10
“At the time of launch, the BMW i3 proved that electric cars could be funky and fast, and played a major role in bringing them to the forefront of people’s attention. The problem it has now though is that it’s barely changed in the last eight years but the industry is moving fairly rapidly.”
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Driving Electric
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“The BMW i3 was one of the first electric cars to make everyday drivers sit up and take notice, with its cool style, good handling and practical range.”
Read review
Electrifying.com
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.5 / 10
“BMW’s first electric car, the quirky i3, has been around since 2013. But even now it feels like a car from the future.”
Read review
Eurekar
Model reviewed: i3 range extender
“The BMW i3 handles well with beautifully responsive steering. Wind and road noise are largely absent. The only drawback is the harsh suspension. The car literally clatters over lesser road surfaces, making it uncomfortable at times.”
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Evo
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The BMW i3 is a genuinely impressive take on the electric city car.”
Read review
Green Car Guide
Model reviewed: i3 S
Score: 10 / 10
“If you’re looking for an EV in this class that will also offer a rewarding driving experience for the duration of ownership, then the BMW i3s doesn’t really have any competition at this time – and that’s why BMW believes it can charge a premium for the i3s.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 94Ah range extender
Score: 10 / 10
“The BMW i3 looks great, it’s rewarding to drive, and it’s an electric car with a solution to range anxiety.”
Read review
Heycar
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“If any car could convince you that EVs are a good idea, the BMW i3 is it. It has sufficient charm and appeal to make you want one regardless of the engine under the bonnet, yet delivers all the big EV plus points too.”
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Honest John
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 10 / 10
“What the BMW i3 manages to achieve is impressive, ticking all the boxes you expect from an electric car – acceptable range, zero emissions and an environmental mindset thanks to its recycled material content.”
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Motoring Research
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The BMW i3 remains one of the most stylish and image-friendly EVs, with driving dynamics that are almost unheard of in the sector.”
Read review
Motors
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The BMW i3 can’t be called cheap. It costs considerably more than many of its rivals including the Nissan Leaf, Hyundai Ioniq Electric and Volkswagen e-Golf. Opt for a second hand one, however, and the i3 makes for a used car bargain.”
Read review
Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.6 / 10
“Small electric car is aging gracefully, remaining modern in many ways”
Read review
The Sun
Model reviewed: i3S
“The key words here are responsible, renewable or recycled resources. Add rather expensive to that list and that’s the BMW i3. It’s a statement car — a very cool, feel-good statement car — but it starts at £30k.”
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The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“A high watermark for premium electric motoring.”
Read review
The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 94Ah
Score: 8 / 10
“The BMW i3 is one of the most advanced battery vehicles on sale, designed with elan and with all BMW’s handling prowess, if not its ride quality. Still needs more range (and bigger rear seats) and this battery-swap business is plain confusing, but this is as good at it gets if you drive with a battery.”
Read review
Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The BMW i3 remains the best premium small EV out there. Just be prepared to pay proper money.”
Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
No safety rating
The BMW i3 was awarded a four-star Euro NCAP safety rating back in 2013, however this rating expired in 2020 and is no longer valid. This is normal practice, as Euro NCAP reviews its ratings on most cars annually with most ratings expiring after about six or seven years.
However, if you are comparing a used i3 to vehicles of similar age, whose ratings will have probably also expired, its safety rating score is still useful.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
Model tested: i3 4×2
Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: February 2019
Read the full Green NCAP review
Energy Efficiency Index: 8.5 / 10
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
| Battery range | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| EV models | 182 miles | C |
| Electrical efficiency | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| EV models | 5.7 m/KWh | A |
| Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| All models | 25 | B |
The BMW i3 is a very affordable car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
Electrical efficiency (the EV equivalent of fuel consumption for a petrol or diesel car) is very good, which helps to provide a decent range for an urban car despite a small battery. Insurance premiums should also be competitive.
We don’t have servicing or maintenance cost information due to the model’s age – by now, servicing costs will vary significantly from car to car depending on age, condition and mileage.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 90
Average repair cost: £663.79
Last updated: April 2025
Reliability score
All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims
As of January 2025, the BMW i3 has a middling reliability score of 70%, according to exclusive extended warranty data provided by our partners at MotorEasy.
The most commonly reported problems with the i3 relate to the car’s electrical and suspension systems – the electrical issues are more expensive, with an average repair cost of more than £800. Powertrain problems (electric motor and the range-extending petrol engine on some versions) are more expensive, with an average bill of about £1,400.
If you’re looking at a used BMW i3, make sure any extended warranty cover you purchase covers all of the potential problem areas above.
Warranty rating
New car warranty information for the BMW i3
| Overall rating | B | 76% |
| New car warranty duration | 3 years |
| New car warranty mileage | Unlimited miles |
| Battery warranty duration | 8 years |
| Battery warranty mileage | 100,000 miles |
BMW’s standard new car warranty offering is worse than average, and worse than rival brands in a similar price bracket as the i3.
The duration is three years, with no limit on mileage. Due to the age of the model, that means that almost all i3s will now be out of their factory warranty. However, it’s worth noting that the battery components have an additional eight-year/100,000-mile warranty, so most cars will still be covered by that as of September 2025.
Warranty on a used BMW i3
- If you are buying an ‘Approved Used’ BMW i3 from an official BMW dealership, you will get a minimum 12-month/unlimited mileage warranty included.
- If you are buying a used BMW i3 from an independent dealership, any warranty offered will vary and will probably be managed by a third-party warranty company.
- If you are buying a used BMW i3 from a private seller, there are no warranty protections beyond any remaining portion of the original new car warranty.
If you’re looking to buy a used car that is approaching the end of its warranty period, a used car warranty is usually a worthwhile investment. Check out The Car Expert’s guide to the best used car warranty providers, which will probably be cheaper than a warranty sold by a dealer.
Recalls
Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the BMW i3
Date: June 2024
Recall number: R/2022/355
Model types: All
Build dates: 11/2022 to 05/2023
Number of vehicles affected: 26
Defect: Certain vehicles may have been equipped with an open roof anti-pinch system which does not operate according to specification.
Remedy: If required the two motors will be replaced.
Date: November 2022
Recall number: R/2022/322
Model types: All
Build dates: 11/2018 to 07/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 18
Defect: During supplier’s production process of the battery cells, a manufacturing defect occurred with the winding of cell-internal films for the high-voltage battery.
Remedy: The defective cell module will be replaced.
Date: March 2022
Recall number: R/2022/089
Model types: All
Build dates: 01/2022 to 02/2022
Number of vehicles affected: 2,018
Defect: The micro gas generator within the front seatbelt’s retractor may have been damaged and may not act according to the specification in the event of an accident.
Remedy: The front seatbelts will be checked and replaced if they are found to have been damaged.
Date: December 2021
Recall number: R/2021/442
Model types: All
Build dates: 10/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 38
Defect: The material quality of seat and seatbelt screws may not be according to specification.
Remedy: The screws will be replaced in specific locations on the seat belts or rear seats.
Date: April 2021
Recall number: R/2021/158
Model types: All
Build dates: 02/2021 to 03/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 82
Defect: The control ring of the recliner of the backrest in the second seat row may break due to insufficient material performance.
Remedy: The seat frames of the second seat row will be replaced.
Date: June 2020
Recall number: R/2020/162
Model types: All
Build dates: 03/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 189
Defect: The airbag control unit may have been equipped with a defective sensor for the rollover detection.
Remedy: The airbag control unit (ACSM4i) will be replaced on the affected vehicles.
Date: April 2020
Recall number: R/2019/289
Model types: All
Build dates: 01/2019 to 03/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 120
Defect: The electric motor electronics (EME) printed circuit board was not manufactured according to specifications.
Remedy: The electric motor electronics (EME) of vehicles affected will be replaced.
Date: December 2015
Recall number: R/2015/244
Model types: All
Build dates: 10/2015 to 11/2015
Number of vehicles affected: 41
Defect: The engine current sensors have not been calibrated correctly, which could lead to an increased recuperation torque during vehicle deceleration. An increased recuperation torque during deceleration could lead to a vehicle oversteer condition. This could lead to skidding on slippery roads.
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and calibrate sensors for measuring the engine current.
As of September 2024 (our most recent data point), there have been seven DVSA vehicle safety recalls on the BMW i3 to address different issues.
Not all vehicles are affected by recalls. You can check to see if your car is included in any of the above recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local BMW dealer.
If your car is affected by a recall, the vehicle must be repaired and you should not be charged for any work required. If you are buying a used i3, you should insist that any outstanding recall work is completed before you take delivery of the vehicle.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the BMW i3 has received
2022
- Carbuyer Awards – Best Used Small Electric Car
- Top Gear Electric Awards – Lifetome Achievement Award
2021
- Carbuyer Awards – Best Used Small Electric Car
2017
- World Car Awards – World Urban Car
- Auto Express Awards – Best Electric Car
2014
- UK Car of the Year
- World Car Awards – Best Green Car + Best Car Design
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the BMW i3, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Current models: Abarth 500e | BYD Dolphin | BYD Dolphin Surf | Citroën ë-C3 | Dacia Spring | Fiat 500e | Hyundai Inster | Nissan Micra | Peugeot e-208 | Renault 5 E-Tech | Vauxhall Corsa Electric
Discontinued models: Honda e | Kia Soul EV | Mini Electric | Renault Zoe | SEAT Mii Electric | Smart EQ Forfour | Smart EQ Fortwo | Volkswagen e-Up
The rapidly expanding electric car market is changing almost monthly. Of the cars listed above, few are genuinely similar to the BMW i3 in terms of size and specification, but all are trying to fill a similar role for urban driving.
More information
More news, reviews and information about the BMW i3 at The Car Expert
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