Used 2020 BMW i3

Technology moves on, as it always will, leaving the 2020 BMW i3 looking less like the futuristic form of personal transportation it appeared to be at its launch only six years ago. Batteries in particular are pushing rivals’ ranges past the 200-mile mark, which only a range-extender (REX) version of the i3 might hope to hit.

Even so, the i3 still has its special construction and materials working in its favor. It’s based on a “tub” of aluminum that houses the electric motor, suspension parts and various other components. On top of that is a body that uses a lot of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) to form what might be classified as a subcompact hatchback. And a premium one at that.

As such, direct competitors are few. If buyers of electric vehicles (EV) are less interested in the premium aspect and more focused on range, the distance a battery-powered car can take them, then they could look at the Chevrolet Bolt EV, Kia Niro EV, or perhaps even the Hyundai Kona Electric subcompact-crossover SUV. For a premium experience, there’s the Tesla Model 3. For short trips and city errands, the 2020 i3 could work best as a second car.

The first part of the “one-pedal driving” aspect of the 2020 i3 is easy to grasp. Press the accelerator to speed up. Electric vehicles can apply almost all their thrust from standstill and there’s no interruption from gear changes.

The second part is deceptive. Easing off to slow down is logical enough, but there’s more to it. The brakes, known as regenerative braking, will kick in as soon as the driver lifts off and begin to capture energy, which is then stored in the battery.

If this sounds complicated, it’s not. It takes only a few minutes for it to become second nature and it’s a boon in the cut/thrust/stop/go of city driving. When a driver lifts off forcefully, the brake lights come on so drivers behind will know the i3 is decelerating.

The i3 sprints from standstill to 60 mph in just 7.2 seconds. The i3s achieves it in 6.8 seconds. In common with many BMWs, the i3 deploys rear-wheel drive, which is great for a sporty feel, but not so welcome in slippery conditions. Ride quality, on the other hand, is pleasantly supple.

Drivers who like a somewhat raised position should check out the 2020 i3. Outward vision is really good, making another strong argument for using the i3 as a city runabout.

BMW uses sustainable materials where possible. They’re all fashioned into a well-assembled environment of clean design. The tablet-like displays add a tech-y dimension.

Once occupants have negotiated the high step into the i3, they’ll find plenty of space and comfort for four. Luggage space behind the rear seats measures a generous 15.1 cubic feet, which expands to 36.9 when they’re folded. They also split 50/50 for some extra versatility.

Remember BMW? Maker of sporty cars, luxury cars and crossover SUVs? The i3 looks like none of those, which is kind of the point. It’s shorter than a Honda Fit with almost no overhangs at either end. But going taller enables a maximization of space and features within a minimal footprint. The squared-off ends make parking easy, while the skinny wheel/tire combination is sensible from aerodynamic and rolling-resistance perspectives.

At the top of this review, we mentioned the rear-hinged rear-passenger doors as a criticism of the 2020 i3. There’s no central pillar (aka the B-pillar), bringing the advantage of a wonderfully wide aperture when both sets of doors are opened. But those rear doors can’t be opened unless the counterpart up front is open, which isn’t always convenient.

ACC STOP & GO + ACTIVE DRIVING ASSISTANT
As part of the Technology and Driving Assistant Package, Active Cruise Control (ACC) features technology that keeps a safe distance from the vehicle ahead at speeds above 19 mph. In stop/go traffic, it edges forward, accelerates or brings the i3 to a full stop if necessary.

PARKING ASSISTANT
Once a suitable space has been located, this autonomous system is activated by the push of a button and parallel parks the BMW i3. Parking Assistant takes control of the steering, braking, acceleration and even gear selection. This system is optional in the i3, but unavailable with the i3s.

No traditional trim names like GL or SE for something so distinct as the 2020 BMW i3 and i3s. Instead, the hierarchy goes up from Deka World to Mega World, Giga World and then Tera World.

Deka World comes with a DC fast-charging connector (for an 80-percent recharge in 20 minutes), along with 19-inch alloy wheels, heated/power-folding side mirrors, self-dimming mirrors, front/rear parking sensors, acoustic pedestrian warning, rain-sensing wipers, 6.5-inch infotainment display, navigation, Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, satellite/HD radio, Bluetooth, USB port, and an impact sensor that disconnects the battery pack automatically.

The main option for a 2020 BMW i3 or i3s is the range-extending gasoline engine. Going for a higher trim level brings features that are optional lower in the order. Leather upholstery, for example is standard in Tera World.

The Technology and Driving Assistant package is $2,350 well spent, adding forward-collision mitigation with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control with a stop/go function, cornering lights and a few other useful items.

Additional extras include a power moonroof, Wi-Fi, wireless charging, and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system.

The 42 kilowatt/hours (kWh) lithium-ion battery, also measured as 120 ampere/hours (Ah), propels the BMW i3 to a maximum range of 153 miles. The electric motor develops 170 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, driving the rear wheels through a single-speed transmission. There’s no option for all-wheel drive.

The sportier i3s variant has a more muscular motor generating 181 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque; range is still 153 miles. In pure electric form, both the 2020 i3 and i3s average out at the equivalent of 113 miles per gallon (MPGe), according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The range extender is a 647-cc 2-cylinder gasoline engine and comes with a 2.4-gallon fuel tank. The REX-equipped i3 or i3s can cover 200 miles on a full charge and with a full tank. Battery recharging takes five hours at 240 volts, or more than 20 hours on a standard 110-volt outlet. Average fuel consumption works out to 109 MPGe.

Hybrid-synchronous electric motor (i3)
42-kWh lithium-ion battery
170 horsepower
184 lb-ft of torque
EPA city/highway/combined fuel economy: 124 MPGe/102 MPGe/113 MPGe
Range with full charge: 153 miles
Range with full charge + range extender: 200 miles

Hybrid-synchronous electric motor (i3s)
42-kWh lithium-ion battery
181 horsepower
199 lb-ft of torque
EPA city/highway/combined fuel economy: 124 MPGe/102 MPGe/113 MPGe
Range with full charge: 153 miles
Range with full charge + range extender: 200 miles