Test electric city cars: BMW i3 is still ‘fancy chic’ after 8 years on the market

In Auto Review 9 we compare the BMW i3 with the Fiat 500e, the Renault Zoe and the Mini Electric. One of the main conclusions is that the BMW i3, despite its ‘crazy doors’, is quite spacious and practical. And chic too.

Test electric city cars: BMW i3 is still chic after 8 years on the market

Last week we wrote why not the Renault Zoe, but the Fiat 500e is the best ‘cheap’ electric car. With a base price of 39,995 euros you can’t possibly label the BMW i3 as cheap, but it is the same kind of car: an electric city car.

The BMW i3 came on the market in 2013. Since then, it has gotten twice the size of its battery. The current i3 has a net capacity of 37.9 kWh and a realistic range of 228 kilometers. It’s on par with the Fiat 500e (218km), getting further than the Mini Electric (161km), but not as far as the Renault Zoe (293km).

Test electric city cars: BMW i3 is still chic after 8 years on the market
Test electric city cars: BMW i3 is still chic after 8 years on the market

What makes the BMW i3 so chic?

The fact that we label the BMW i3 as ‘chic de fiddler’ has everything to do with the interior. The design of the dashboard is now eight years old, but it still looks modern. In addition, the operation is pleasant and the finish is good.

Compared to the other electric city cars, the cabin of the i3 is also surprisingly spacious. You have the most freedom of movement on the front seats of the BMW, thanks to the open floor between the foot trays.

Test electric city cars: BMW i3 is still chic after 8 years on the market
Test electric city cars: BMW i3 is still chic after 8 years on the market

The BMW i3 and its crazy doors

The Renault Zoe is the only test car with just five doors. Technically, the i3 has just as many doors, but those half, swinging open rear doors remain clumsy. Passengers can only get in or out if the front door is open. Now it is true that those stupid doors provide a wide entrance. We don’t dare to squeeze grandma into the back seat of the Fiat or the Mini, but we can do it with the BMW. And once in the back seat, the space is not that bad.

Test electric city cars: BMW i3 is still chic after 8 years on the market
Test electric city cars: BMW i3 is still chic after 8 years on the market

Narrow tires are a downside of the BMW i3

The BMW models may be known for their sporty driving behaviour, but the narrow tires of the i3 are not compatible with a sporty driving style. Something that is underlined by the early onset understeer. However, the rear-wheel drive i3 scores points with its good traction and direct steering. In the city he is swift as water.

Conclusion

Eight years after its debut, the BMW i3 is still able to compete with newcomers such as the Fiat 500e and the Mini Electric. The BMW does that with its spacious cabin, pleasant operation, good finish and decent range. It is the most expensive car in the test, but beautiful things are simply not cheap.

Do you want to read the entire test and are you curious about all measurement data, including the interior space of the Fiat 500e and the Mini Electric? It’s all in Auto Review 9/2021.

Test electric city cars: BMW i3 is still chic after 8 years on the market

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