# BMW i3: EV that makes petrol feel second best

> BMW i3 electric saloon delivers 402 miles range, 463bhp power, and 13k cheaper than petrol 3 Series.
- Title: BMW i3: EV that makes petrol feel second best · Dailymail
- Summary: BMW i3 electric saloon delivers 402 miles range, 463bhp power, and 13k cheaper than petrol 3 Series.
- Keywords: bmw i3, bmw 3 series, electric car, range anxiety, ev range, charging time, motorway assistant, panoramic vision display, adapative suspension, frunk, Dailymail
- Source: Dailymail — https://dailymail.com/money/cars/article-16280631/BMW-i3-review.html?ito=1490&ns_campaign=1490&ns_mchannel=rss
- Published: 2026-11-14T10:33:28+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: bmw i3, bmw 3 series, electric car, range anxiety, ev range, charging time, motorway assistant, panoramic vision display, adapative suspension, frunk, news, entertainment
## 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.
## Key takeaway

BMW i3 50 xDrive offers 402 miles real-world range, 463bhp, and £13k savings over petrol 3 Series M350 xDrive.