BMW i3

Electriccity carGENERATION I01, 2018

170 hp, 359 km range, 7,3 s 0-100 : among the 2 city cars electric 2016–2020, the i3 ranks WLTP range, 0–100 km/h. Here is what the Caralogy simulations say.

Power
170 hp
250 Nm, dont 170 hp elec
0 → 100 km/h
7.3 s
VMax 150 km/h
Range
359 km
WLTP
DC charging
-

Full specifications

Manufacturer data. Consumption and range estimated from the WLTP cycle; performance simulated by the Caralogy physics engine.

Powertrain

Electric power
170 hp
Combined power
170 hp
Couple
250 Nm
Gearbox
Mono-rapport Automatique
Transmission
Propulsion

Battery and charging

Battery capacity
37.9 kWh
Range WLTP
359 km
Charge AC max
50 kW
EV cons. WLTP
13.1 kWh/100 km

Performance

0 → 100 km/h
7,3 s
VMax
150 km/h

Dimensions and environment

Length
4,011 mm
Wheelbase
2,570 mm
Width
1,775 mm
Height
1,598 mm
Boot
260 L
Kerb weight
1,270 kg
Cd
0.29
CO₂ WLTP
0 g/km

Caralogy Methodology

Performance (0-100, top speed) simulated by the Caralogy physics engine (SCx, Crr, real torque curves). Motorway consumption values estimated from the manufacturer WLTP cycle.

See full methodology

Manufacturer data · WLTP-estimated consumption · Caralogy-simulated performance

Among the 2 city cars electric, the i3 ranks in WLTP range. Caralogy simulates its real-world behaviour: motorway simulation, consumption simulation and performance simulation.

Tailored to this vehicle?

Caralogy Verdict
Suitable for

city car electric among the best in segment: 0–100 km/h (7.3 s).

Alternatives to consider

If the priority is WLTP range, the Renault Zoe R135 E-Tech Z.E.50 (1st with 395 km) takes the lead.

Real-world range: 359 km WLTP (WLTP range)

The i3 offers 359 km of WLTP range. The segment reference is the Renault Zoe R135 E-Tech Z.E.50 (395 km).

Where the i3 stands against city cars electric

Comparison across 2 city cars electric marketed between 2016–2020.
WLTP range2e / 2
359 km
Min 359 km · BMW i3Max 395 km · Renault Zoe R135 E-Tech Z.E.50
0–100 km/h1e / 2
7,3 s
Min 9,5 s · Renault Zoe R135 E-Tech Z.E.50Max 7,3 s · BMW i3

Direct rivals (same segment, same energy)

Cross-energy alternatives

Same needs, different powertrain.

The full BMW i3 I01 range

Generation I01 launched in 2013. Available versions sorted by energy.

Other versions of the I01

Popular duels involving the i3

Continue with the BMW i3

The same car, from other angles.

BMW i3: what you need to know

Well-argued answers to the most asked questions about this model, based on Caralogy data and simulations.

Where does the i3 rank in its segment?

Among the 2 city cars electric 2016–2020, the i3 ranks WLTP range (359 km, behind the Renault Zoe R135 E-Tech Z.E.50), 0–100 km/h (7.3 s, behind the BMW i3).

What is the WLTP range of the i3?

359 km WLTP announced - making it the WLTP range out of 2 models. The reference is the Renault Zoe R135 E-Tech Z.E.50 (395 km).

How much does the i3 cost to run?

Running costs depend on your profile (mileage, charging type, city/highway mix). Use the Caralogy consumption simulator for a personalised estimate.

Why not a Renault Zoe R135 E-Tech Z.E.50 instead?

The Renault Zoe R135 E-Tech Z.E.50 leads in WLTP range (395 km vs 359 km). The choice depends on your priorities: check the i3 vs Renault Zoe R135 E-Tech Z.E.50 duel for a detailed comparison.

How does Caralogy calculate its figures?

Caralogy does not reproduce manufacturer figures: we recalculate every number through physics simulation, starting from SCx, mass and the power curve. This is why our figures at 130 km/h differ from WLTP. Full methodology on the dedicated page.