120 Ah w/Range Extender 5dr hatchback (electric DD 170 hp 1AM)
120 Ah w/Range Extender 5dr hatchback (electric DD 170 hp 1AM)
120 Ah w/Range Extender 5dr hatchback (electric DD 170 hp 1AM)
120 Ah w/Range Extender 5dr hatchback (electric DD 170 hp 1AM)
120 Ah w/Range Extender 5dr hatchback (electric DD 170 hp 1AM)
120 Ah w/Range Extender 5dr hatchback (electric DD 170 hp 1AM)
120 Ah w/Range Extender 5dr hatchback (electric DD 170 hp 1AM)
120 Ah w/Range Extender 5dr hatchback (electric DD 170 hp 1AM)
Ever since it was first launched, the BMW i3 pioneered the brand into the electric car segment and allowed it to cater to a new class of environment-conscious buyers.
Ever since it was first launched, the BMW i3 pioneered the brand into the electric car segment and allowed it to cater to a new class of environment-conscious buyers. Bearing an MSRP of $45,445 for its base variant, the 2021 BMW i3, continues as a carryover model from last year with similar specifications with the exception of the standardized adaptive headlights.
Like it has always done, the 2021 BMW i3, sports a luxuriant yet minimalistic cabin that resonates with an ultra-modern and contemporary aura. It houses a motor and battery setup that propels the vehicle towards glory in the segment. While it does fall under the umbrella of BMW’s distinctively styled vehicles, the i3 suffers from its share of problems like its higher price tag. In its segment, the BMW i3 competes head-on with the likes of the Kia Niro EV and Chevrolet Bolt EV.
Like the 2020 model, the 2021 BMW i3 is offered in similar trim levels: i3, i3 S, i3 Range Extender, and i3 S Range Extender. With a price hike of $995 across its trim levels, the 2021 BMW i3 is priced at $45,445 for its base variant.
Besides its standard features, the BMW i3 is offered with a number of customization options that make the car exciting, quirky, and practical. Being a long-standing electric offering, the 2021 BMW i3 has been curated to meet the needs of the traditional buyers looking for a cost-effective and fuel-frugal vehicle.
Trim |
BMW i3 |
BMW i3 S |
BMW i3 Range Extender |
BMW i3 S Range Extender |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP (Expected) |
$45,445 |
$48,645 |
$49,295 |
$52,495 |
Key Features |
Rear Spoiler |
Adds or retains features of i3 |
Adds or retains features of i3 S |
Adds or retains features of i3 Range Extender |
|
Rearview Camera |
Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Roof |
Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Roof |
Slide through interior floor design |
|
Rear Parking Aid |
Multi-function Steering Wheel |
Slide through interior floor design |
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel Column |
|
Daytime Running Lights |
BMW Teleservice USB Connection |
Velour floor mats |
Rearview Camera and Rear Parking Aid |
|
Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel |
Rear Coach Doors |
Rear Coach Doors |
Electronic Interior Trunk |
|
Heated Front Seats |
Kenaf interior dash and door panels |
Heated Front Seats |
Heated Front Seats |
2021 BMW i3 Buying Advice
While all trims of the BMW i3 are adequately equipped and deliver decent performance levels, the BMW i3s is the best bet in the segment. Not only does it stay true to its authentic electric feeling, but the i3s also adds an extra oomph factor to the vehicle with its higher power and torque outputs. However, if you’re someone not looking for an all-electric BMW i3, the i3s Range Extender with the additional gasoline-powered units seem to be a viable choice.
As a carryover model from the previous year, the 2021 BMW i3 continues with a similar powertrain setup. While both trims of the electric hatchback make use of a 42KwH battery pack, the i3 and i3s have distinctive power and torque outputs. With the BMW i3, the engine is good for 168hp and 110lb.-ft, while the higher placed i3 S has similar torque, it produces 181hp of power.
While there are two engine options to choose from, the BMW i3 is available with a standard transmission setup. The i3 comes equipped with a single-speed direct transmission, that shifts effortlessly through higher speeds allowing for supple and comfortable ride quality. As standard, all trims of the BMW i3 are RWD variants and transfer power to the rear wheels of the vehicle.
The 2021 BMW i3 can sprint from 0-60mph in 7.2 seconds. While its quarter-mile timings are not yet known, the i3 records a top speed of 93 MPH. The i3’s performance may seem decent for a car of its size and for the class it falls in, but the Kia Niro EV and Chevrolet Bolt EV remain almost half a second quicker.
Model |
BMW i3 |
Kia Niro EV |
Chevrolet Bolt EV |
---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$45,445 |
$39,090 |
$37,495 |
Engine |
Electric |
Electric |
Electric |
Drivetrain |
RWD |
RWD |
RWD |
Transmission |
1-speed direct drive |
1-speed direct drive |
1-speed direct drive |
Power |
168hp |
201hp |
200hp |
Torque |
110lb.-ft |
291lb.-ft |
266lb.-ft |
0-60 MPH (seconds) |
7.2 seconds |
6.7 seconds |
6.5 seconds |
Quarter mile (mph) |
N/A |
14.8 seconds |
14.8 seconds |
Top Speed (MPH) |
93 MPH |
104 MPH |
93 MPH |
The 2021 BMW i3 despite its slower acceleration maintains excitement and quirkiness in its ride quality. Apart from its agility, the i3 is curated to provide a thrilling experience by virtue of its adaptive suspension system. Additionally, the ride quality of the BMW i3 is enhanced by the quick response timings through the transmission and its efficient working in tandem with the engine.
Being an all-electric offering, the 2021 BMW i3 upholds a high level of fuel efficiency. It vaunts of economical fuel figures as its strongest suit. It offers 129 miles in the city, 106 miles on the highway, leading to a combined efficiency of 118 miles. While the distance covered with the BMW i3 is claimed to be 153 miles with the i3 and i3 S trims, the Range Extender models are rated at 126 miles. All trims of the 2021 BMW i3 are expected to be fully charged in under 6 hours.
Model |
BMW i3 |
Kia Niro EV |
Chevrolet Bolt EV |
---|---|---|---|
MPGE (city) |
124 |
123 |
128 |
MPGE (Highway) |
102 |
102 |
110 |
MPGE (Combined) |
113 |
112 |
119 |
Range (miles) |
153 miles |
239 miles |
259 miles |
In the segment, the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV is the most fuel-efficient hatchback in the segment and averages 119 miles per gallon of fuel. On the other hand, the 2021 Kia Niro EV remains a notch below the BMW i3 and manages 112 MPG. In terms of range, both competitors of the BMW i3 can cover considerably higher distances in a single recharge.
The similarities between the outgoing model and the 2021 BMW i3 extend to its interior design as well. In its fit and finish, the 2021 i3 continues with an upmarket and commodious cabin that can seat five passengers. While there are no complaints about the way the cabin has been structured, the constrained space for rear-seat occupants seems to be the only obstacle in an otherwise affable cabin.
In its build, not only is the 2021 BMW i3 sturdy, but it also is hi-tech and clutter-free. As soon as one step insides the cabin of the BMW i3, an air of futuristic and ultra-modern aura with the wooden accents and leather-wrapped steering wheel engulfs him. Its envisioned minimalistic take on plush cabins is its biggest takeaway.
The BMW i3 sports a 6.5-inch display screen that is centrally placed.It makes use of BMW’s Navigation system with iDrive Controller. It is also equipped with HD Radio and Sirius XM Satellite Radio. As an optional offering, BMW makes available the Harman Kardon Premium Sound System at the buyer’s disposal.
Model |
BMW i3 |
Kia Niro EV |
Chevrolet Bolt EV |
---|---|---|---|
Seating Capacity |
4 |
5 |
5 |
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) |
39.8/53.6/40.5 |
40.1/56/41.7 |
39.7/54.6/41.6 |
Second Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) |
37.2/49.2/31.9 |
37.7/55.1/36 |
37.9/52.8/36.5 |
Cargo capacity (with all rows upright) |
15.1 |
19.4 |
16.9 |
In terms of interior space, the BMW i3 has lower space on offer compared to its competitors because of its smaller proportions and dimensions. Even in terms of cargo capacity, the i3’s 15.1 cubic feet of trunk volume is at least 2 cubic feet lower than its competitors. In the segment, the BMW i3 is the only hatchback that can seat four passengers. The Kia Niro and Chevrolet Bolt can seat five passengers. Both competitors of the BMW i3 manage higher space both for the occupants and cargo.
Some interior features of the 2021 BMW i3 include:
Unlike every other aspect, the 2021 BMW i3 does receive one minor update on the outside with the introduction of the adaptive headlights as a standard offering. The 2021 i3 continues to look like a subcompact car with the dual-tone color schematics adding a tint of excitement to its design.
All things said the 2021 BMW i3 does bear an impressive and striking design. With a tad bit of resemblance to the BMW i8, the i3 carries forward its futuristic and ultra-modern design. The rear doors are hinged backward and open in opposite directions to the front doors, which though visually pleasing do affect the car’s practicality in the long run.
Model |
BMW i3 |
Kia Niro EV |
Chevrolet Bolt EV |
---|---|---|---|
Curb Weight (lbs) |
2972 |
3854 |
3563 |
Length (in.) |
158.3 |
172.2 |
164 |
Width (in.) |
69.9 |
71.1 |
69.5 |
Height (in.) |
62.9 |
61.8 |
62.8 |
Ground Clearance (in.) |
N/A |
6.3 |
N/A |
Wheelbase (in.) |
101.2 |
106.3 |
102.4 |
The 2021 BMW i3 the tallest car in the segment, yet it is the smallest in overall dimensions when compared to its direct competitors. While it is diminutively wider than the Chevrolet Bolt EV, it is at least 6 inches shorter in length and consequently, has a smaller wheelbase and less space for rear-seat occupants. Some of the exterior features of the BMW i3 include:
The 2021 BMW i3 receives high scores across the board in the crash-tests conducted by the IHS. While it has not been rated by the NHTSA, the BMW i3 comes equipped with a large number of active and passive safety features like its 2020 counterpart, which speaks volumes about the hatchback’s capabilities. Given the brand’s standards of safety and reliability, the 2021 i3 is undoubtedly dependable and reliable. Some of its safety specifications include:
The Kia Niro EV may be a better performer when it comes to acceleration and range that the car can cover, but it lacks the sophistication and plushness that the BMW i3 possesses.
Amongst the two, the i3 scores highly by virtue of its futuristic cabin and exterior design and a large number of standard features. However, the Kia Niro’s likability increases manifold because of its rather affordable price sticker and higher seating capacity and interior space.
The Chevrolet Bolt EV is better than the BMW i3 in almost every imaginable aspect. While it does lack a distinction in its design, the Bolt EV performs better by virtue of its powerful and fuel-conservative engine.
In addition, it sports higher space for the passengers and a larger trunk. The Chevrolet Bolt EV manages to deliver better performance than the BMW i3, even at a rather affordable price.
Like every other model year of the BMW i3, the 2021 iteration is a top-notch, premium, and multi-faceted. While it does cater to the environment-conscious segment of the market, the i3’s Range Extender trims allow it to capture the fence-sitters, skeptical about an all-electric vehicle. With its minimalistic and contemporary design, the 2021 BMW i3 will leave you grinning with its design and build quality. However, the only point of criticism of the i3 we expect is its slower acceleration and lower range coverage when compared to competitors. However, given its multi-purpose nature, the 2021 BMW i3 will make for a viable option in the segment.