Starting at $45,445
5.5/10
C/D RATING
Specs
Photos
BMW
5.5/10 C/D RATING
Specs
Photos
- Highs Perky acceleration, spry in-town handling, appropriately futuristic styling.
- Lows Short electric-only driving range, tight back-seat passenger space, no Android Auto.
- Verdict The i3 complements its electric powertrain with space-age styling and a contemporary interior, but it needs a longer driving range to be competitive.
Overview
Its styling is out of this world, but as an electric vehicle, the 2021 BMW i3 doesn't quite measure up. Rival EVs such as the Tesla Model 3, the Chevrolet Bolt EV, and the Hyundai Kona Electric offer larger batteries and longer driving ranges for similar prices. To make up for its stingy 153-mile driving range, the i3 can be ordered with an optional gasoline-powered engine to provide additional range—something buyers who aren't quite ready to let go of internal combustion may find comforting. The i3's cabin is far more premium than its rivals', though, especially with the optional curved-wood dashboard and leather-and-wool upholstery. As the EV movement gains momentum, the future of the i3 is in question, with BMW preparing more competitive models such as the upcoming i4 sedan and iX SUV. If the i3's design strikes a chord and its limited driving range suits your lifestyle, 2021 may be your last chance to park a new one in your driveway.
What's New for 2021?
BMW has made only one change on the i3 lineup for 2021: The previously optional adaptive LED headlamps are standard. BMW has announced that 2021 will be the i3's final year.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The price of the 2021 BMW i3 starts at $45,445 and goes up to $52,495 depending on the trim and options.
Unlike other electric cars on the market—not including hybrids—the 2021 i3 offers a gas-powered range extender for those who don't trust running on electricity alone. Still, we wouldn't take our i3 on any long road trips even with the fossil-fuel backup. Instead, we'd opt for the electric-only version and mostly use it around town as well as on short highway stints for our daily commute. The i3s is meant to be more fun to drive, but we'd stick with the most affordable model. While it has few options outside of exterior and interior colors, we would choose the Giga World package. In addition to unique brown leather and gray cloth upholstery, it includes Apple CarPlay compatibility, heated front seats, and navigation.
EV Motor, Power, and Performance
With its one-speed direct-drive transmission, the i3 pulls hard, smoothly, and in a linear fashion. It's a relatively quick ride, too. In our testing, a 2017 i3 went from zero to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds. Both the regular model and the sportier i3s accelerate immediately and feel zippy around town. The i3's ride is in line with its premium pedigree and serene interior. The experience is one of isolation, with no buzzing, untoward vibrations, or sound, at least until the optional range-extending model fires up its gas-powered engine. The i3's suspension dispenses with cracks, bumps, and expansion strips in the pavement with ease, to the point that it feels too isolated from the road. While the light and numb steering is less than ideal, the i3's diminutive size and relatively light weight make threading through traffic fun.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
Rated at 153 miles of all-electric driving range, the i3's 42.2-kWh battery pack pales in comparison with the Bolt EV's 60.0-kWh battery and its EPA rating of 259 miles. Likewise, the Model 3 can travel up to 353 miles with its biggest battery. Still, only the i3 has an optional gasoline-fueled range-extending generator that fires up when the battery falls to a 5 percent state of charge.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe
The all-electric i3s we tested achieved 102 MPGe on our highway fuel-economy route, which matched its EPA rating. We also completed our real-world circuit with a 2019 i3 with the gas-powered range extender; however, it missed its EPA-rated 100 MPGe by 6. For more information about the i3's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The 2021 i3 has the exterior dimensions of a subcompact city car, making it perfect for darting through traffic and shape-shifting into minuscule parking spots—but back-seat passengers suffer as a result of the small size. The interior is beautifully crafted with intriguing recycled materials, and the cabin has an open, airy appeal, but those who spend any time in the cramped rear seat will not be as happy as those riding up front. The i3 has the utility of a typical small hatchback—with a twist. The rear side doors are hinged at the back, so they open opposite the front doors. There is no pillar separating the front and rear doors, which creates a large, open space that facilitates entry (and cargo placement) in the back. The rear seats fold easily using a strap in the car, and with them lowered, we fit 14 carry-on suitcases inside.
View Photos
Infotainment and Connectivity
While many electric and hybrid vehicles opt for massive screens with touch functionality and overabundant information, the 2021 i3 takes a much simpler approach. All i3 models come with BMW's iDrive 6 infotainment interface. Apple CarPlay integration is standard, but Android Auto compatibility isn't offered. The car also lacks power points, with only one USB port, which is in the front center console.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
While the i3 offers numerous driver-assistance technologies, none of them are standard. For more information about the i3's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Available automated emergency braking
- Available forward-collision warning
- Available adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The i3's hybrid-component warranty falls in line with those offered on other EVs, and the three years of complimentary scheduled maintenance are a huge plus and far better than what competitors offer.
- Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Hybrid components warranty covers 8 years or 100,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles
More Features and Specs
Shopping Tools
What's My Car Worth?
Car and Driver values are calculated from the same Black Book® data dealers use to appraise vehicles.
Get Estimate
Insurance Marketplace
See what you can save on car insurance.
Learn More
Auto Loans & Financing
Our finance experts answer any questions you may have about financing a vehicle.
Learn More
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
More From BMW
2026 BMW i8 M
Starting at
$160,000 est
EPA MPG
N/A
C/D SAYS: BMW's hybrid halo car is expected to get a second chance as the company prepares a hotter replacement in the form of the 2026 i8 M. Learn More
2026 BMW iX3
Starting at
$60,000 est
EPA Est. Range
N/A
C/D SAYS: Coming to a BMW showroom is the 2026 iX3, an electric sister ship to the next-generation gas-powered X3 SUV wearing the brand's future design language. Learn More
2024 BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe
7.5
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$39,395
EPA MPG
27–28 combined
C/D SAYS: The 2024 BMW 2-series Gran Coupe is an engaging sedan at an affordable price, but it falls short of the balance we expect from a modern BMW. Learn More
BMW 2-series Gran Coupe Model Years
- View 2024 2-series Gran Coupe DetailsStarting at $39,395 · 7.5/10
- View 2023 2-series Gran Coupe DetailsStarting at $38,795 · 7.5/10
- View 2022 2-series Gran Coupe DetailsStarting at $36,695 · 7.5/10
- View 2021 2-series Gran Coupe DetailsStarting at $36,695 · 8/10
- View 2020 2-series Gran Coupe DetailsStarting at $38,495 · 8/10
2025 BMW 4-Series
8
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$51,875
EPA MPG
25–28 combined
C/D SAYS: With two satisfying powertrains and European furnishings, the 2025 BMW 4-Series coupe and convertible blend luxury and performance in a fun, stylish package. Learn More
BMW 4-series Model Years
- View 2025 4-series DetailsStarting at $51,875 · 8/10
- View 2024 4-series DetailsStarting at $50,895 · 8/10
- View 2023 4-series DetailsStarting at $48,395 · 8/10
- View 2022 4-series DetailsStarting at $46,795 · 8/10
- View 2021 4-series DetailsStarting at $46,595 · 8.5/10
- View 2020 4-series DetailsStarting at $45,945 · 7.5/10
- View 2019 4-series DetailsStarting at $45,795 · 8/10
- View 2018 4-series DetailsStarting at N/A · 9/10
- View 2017 4-series DetailsStarting at $43,145 · 10/10
2025 BMW 8-Series Gran Coupe
8.5
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$91,975
EPA MPG
19–24 combined
C/D SAYS: The BMW 8-series Gran Coupe possesses a sleek, fashion-forward presence and stellar performance from its stellar turbocharged engines. Learn More
BMW 8-series Gran Coupe Model Years
- View 2025 8-series Gran Coupe DetailsStarting at $91,975 · 8.5/10
- View 2024 8-series Gran Coupe DetailsStarting at $91,795 · 8.5/10
- View 2023 8-series Gran Coupe DetailsStarting at $88,495 · 8.5/10
- View 2022 8-series Gran Coupe DetailsStarting at $85,995 · 8.5/10
- View 2021 8-series Gran Coupe DetailsStarting at $85,995 · 8.5/10
- View 2020 8-series Gran Coupe DetailsStarting at $85,895 · 8.5/10
2025 BMW iX
9.5
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$88,425
EPA Est. Range
288–324 miles
C/D SAYS: One of the best electric SUVs can be found in BMW's showroom right now in the 2025 iX, which offers up to 324 miles per charge and up to 610 horsepower. Learn More
BMW iX Model Years
- View 2025 iX DetailsStarting at $88,425 · 9.5/10
- View 2024 iX DetailsStarting at $88,095 · 9.5/10
- View 2023 iX DetailsStarting at $85,095 · 9.5/10
- View 2022 iX DetailsStarting at $84,195 · 9.5/10
2025 BMW M8
8.5
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$140,975
EPA MPG
17 combined
C/D SAYS: With prodigious power, rakish good looks, and explosive performance, the M8 carries the classic GT tradition into the modern era. Learn More
BMW M8 Model Years
- View 2025 M8 DetailsStarting at $140,975 · 8.5/10
- View 2024 M8 DetailsStarting at $140,795 · 8.5/10
- View 2023 M8 DetailsStarting at $136,095 · 8.5/10
- View 2022 M8 DetailsStarting at $131,995 · 8.5/10
- View 2020 M8 DetailsStarting at $134,995 · 8.5/10
2024 BMW X3 M
8.5
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$76,495
EPA MPG
17 combined
C/D SAYS: The 2024 BMW X3 M's few faults pale in comparison to the raucous driving that enthusiasts will love, without losing its inherent practicality. Learn More
BMW X3 M Model Years
- View 2024 X3 M DetailsStarting at $76,495 · 8.5/10
- View 2023 X3 M DetailsStarting at $75,395 · 8.5/10
- View 2022 X3 M DetailsStarting at $71,095 · 8.5/10
- View 2021 X3 M DetailsStarting at $70,895 · 8.5/10
- View 2020 X3 M DetailsStarting at $70,895 · 8.5/10
2024 BMW X4
8
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$55,995
EPA MPG
23–24 combined
C/D SAYS: The X4 serves as a stylish alternative to the more practical X3 crossover, combining sporty performance with a sleek fastback design that eats into cargo room. Learn More
BMW X4 Model Years
- View 2024 X4 DetailsStarting at $55,995 · 8/10
- View 2023 X4 DetailsStarting at $55,195 · 8/10
- View 2022 X4 DetailsStarting at $52,795 · 8/10
- View 2021 X4 DetailsStarting at $52,595 · 8/10
- View 2020 X4 DetailsStarting at $52,095 · 8/10
- View 2019 X4 DetailsStarting at N/A · 7/10
- View 2018 X4 DetailsStarting at N/A · 7/10
- View 2017 X4 DetailsStarting at $46,545 · 7/10
2024 BMW X4 M
8
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$80,095
EPA MPG
17 combined
C/D SAYS: The 2024 BMW X4 M lives up to its coupe-like styling with performance and handling that are nearly as good as the vaunted M4 sports car. Learn More
BMW X4 M Model Years
- View 2024 X4 M DetailsStarting at $80,095 · 8/10
- View 2023 X4 M DetailsStarting at $78,895 · 8/10
- View 2022 X4 M DetailsStarting at $74,595 · 8/10
- View 2021 X4 M DetailsStarting at $74,395 · 8/10
- View 2020 X4 M DetailsStarting at $74,395 · 8/10
2025 BMW X7
9.5
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$84,675
EPA MPG
17–22 combined
C/D SAYS: With three eager powertrains, a luxurious interior, and unexpectedly agile handling, the X7 channels the traditional BMW spirit into a full-size SUV package. Learn More
BMW X7 Model Years
- View 2025 X7 DetailsStarting at $84,675 · 9.5/10
- View 2024 X7 DetailsStarting at $82,895 · 9.5/10
- View 2023 X7 DetailsStarting at $78,845 · 9.5/10
- View 2022 X7 DetailsStarting at $75,895 · 9.5/10
- View 2021 X7 DetailsStarting at $75,895 · 9.5/10
- View 2020 X7 DetailsStarting at $74,895 · 9.5/10
- View 2019 X7 DetailsStarting at N/A
2025 BMW Z4
9
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$55,225
EPA MPG
25–28 combined
C/D SAYS: As the fun-loving drop-top companion to the Toyota Supra, the 2025 BMW Z4 brings similar performance but with a sun-worshipping twist. Learn More
BMW Z4 Model Years
- View 2025 Z4 DetailsStarting at $55,225 · 9/10
- View 2024 Z4 DetailsStarting at $54,595 · 9/10
- View 2023 Z4 DetailsStarting at $53,795 · 9/10
- View 2022 Z4 DetailsStarting at $50,895 · 9/10
- View 2021 Z4 DetailsStarting at $50,695 · 9/10
- View 2020 Z4 DetailsStarting at $50,695 · 9/10
- View 2019 Z4 DetailsStarting at N/A · 8/10