BMW i3: EV that makes petrol feel second best

Real-world range

The BMW i3 50 xDrive achieves 402 miles in real-world driving conditions, compared to 566 miles official range.

“Five hundred and sixty-six miles.”

Price comparison

The i3 50 xDrive starts from £53,425, £13,000 cheaper than the petrol M350 xDrive (£66,785).

Charging speed

400kW chargers add 263 miles of range in ten minutes, with 10-80% charge time of 21 minutes.

Driving performance

The i3 delivers 463bhp and 645Nm torque, with 0-62mph in 4.7 seconds.

Handling

The i3 handles corners with fluid steering and a lower centre of gravity, matching the 3 Series driving experience.

Interior features

The i3 features a Panoramic Vision display with six customizable widgets for driving information.

Luggage space

The i3 has a 420-litre boot and 31-litre frunk, 30 litres less than the petrol 3 Series.

Seat comfort

The elevated seating position causes discomfort for taller drivers, with limited rear legroom.

Depreciation

The i3 50 xDrive retains 30% value after one year, compared to 44% for average EVs.

Motorway assistant

The optional Motorway Assistant costs £925 and requires subscription renewal after four years.

Price vs petrol

The i3 40 xDrive costs £3,000 more than the 320 petrol but offers 374bhp and 5.4 seconds 0-62mph.

Real-world range

The i3 50 xDrive achieves 402 miles in real-world driving conditions, with 3.7 miles per kilowatt-hour efficiency.

Charging at home

Home charging with a 7kW wallbox takes 15 hours and 15 minutes for a full charge.

Depreciation comparison

The i3 50 xDrive retains 30% value after one year, compared to 44% for average EVs.

Viewpoints

The i3 is the first EV without compromise, offering better range, performance, and value than petrol cars.