The BMW i3 – Electric Car
I was financially compensated for this post.
You may remember that I was lucky enough to be invited by BMW to get to know their brand. Well one of the models I found really interesting was the BMW i3. A fully Electric car which also comes with a ranger extender, giving that extra peace of mind that you are not going to get stuck anywhere! With the introduction of new vehicles tax rates for cars registered after 1st April 2017, and inner city emissions it is now even more-so a vehicle to think about.
About the BMW i3
The Look and Environmentally friendliness of BMW i3
The BMW 13 is really compact, making it perfect for inner-city driving and parking. The whole car is made of carbon fibre (which is produced at the BMW SGL Moses Lake plant in Washington State, which is completely powered by hydro-generated electricity), apart from the outside which is composite plastic – making it a very light car. The interior materials used are a mix of naturally treated leather, wood and wool as well as other renewable raw resources. It is therefore not surprising that it was the winner of WhatCar? UK Car of the year 2014 and Green Car of the Year.
The colour is Protonic Blue with Frozen Grey metallic highlight and interior trims available as separate options including Loft, Lodge, Suite and Atelier world (which features Neutronic cloth in Aragats Grey with BMWi Blue highlights of the front seats and black leather steering wheel). Dark oak trim is a standard equipment in the Suite interior design. The luggage compartment is uncompromising at 260 litres, extended to 1,100 litres with the seats folded down. The rear doors open the opposite way because there’s no need for the pillar due to the structure being so stiff: This makes it easier to get in and out. Likewise in the front there’s no transmission tunnel – which means you can swing over from the driver’s side – meaning you can park closer to things.
How to start, reverse and stop the BMW i3
The BMW i3 does not need the key to start the car so you can just leave the key either in your pocket or put it in the cup holder. To start the car you need to put your foot on the brake then press the start/stop button. Then it will illuminate blue on the dash and it will say ready (it is very quiet). If it is orange it means that the ignition is on but the engine isn’t ready to go – probably because you haven’t put your foot on the brake when pressing the start/stop button. When it is blue push the lever with your thumb forwards and it will go from P to D. Then you just take your foot off the throttle and accelerate away. If you then lift your foot gradually off the accelerator it comes to a nice gentle stop. To reverse just slide it back to R (past N for neutral). Push the park button to stop and then press the start/stop button and the blue will go off. There is also an electronic hand brake.
The Drive of the BMW i3
Easy to charge – you can even use a normal plug socket! Just like any fuel you can see on the dashboard how much charge is left – as well as having the range extender (which kicks in when the charging level of the lithium-ion battery drops to a certain level and extends the range by 81 miles in everyday conditions) The car itself is really responsive and does 0-62mph in just 7.3 seconds. It is automatic and really you only have to use the accelerator button as it slows right down when you lift your foot up and comes to a complete stop without even having to use the brake – if you plan ahead. In fact as you slow down it charges the battery. I found this particularly good for going around blind bends.
- Reduced CO2 emissions
- Output of 170hp
- Top speed of 93 miles per hour
- DC Rapid charge available as standard
- Prices start from £27,830
- The most economical electrically powered car of its size and output class.
- Comes with an 8-year or 100,000 mile warranty on the battery.
- Every 6-8 weeks the BMW i3 will promote you to use the Range Extender.
- It is a very quiet drive.
- Battery range of 195 miles in everyday driving conditions – and shouldn’t need replacing.
Prices start from £27,830 which includes £4,500 OLEV Government grant – correct as of May 2016.
I was invited to learn more about the BMW Brand. All opinions are honest and my own.
They now have an electric car? Wow. I’ve always wanted to drive a BMW.
This car is crazy! I would love to think that the US is going to be smart enough to start having more and more of these soon.
It won’t be long before all cars are in this range, I think! I love the colors of this one. I admit I’m always drawn to color and the look of the vehicle before I research exactly how the vehicle is 🙂
Oh cool! I had no idea that BMW was getting into the electric car game. I’m glad, though. They’re so much better for the environment.
I think electric cars are so cool. I hope to own one someday.
That looks like a sweet ride. I had no idea that BMW was making electric cars. I’d love to try one out.
Love it! I absolutely LOVE the way the doors open!
Electric is the way to go for the environment. I look forward to the day I can get one.
I’ve often wondered about electric cars, they sound really interesting I would love to give one a try!
Wow that does look like a great car. I love that they used renewable resources for the various furnishings.
Oh wow that’s amazing! Looks great, BMWs are great cars!
Wow! That car is fantastic! I had no idea BMW had electric cars.
Wow, what an amazing looking vehicle. I’d love one!
This is such a cool car! I would love to try a test drive if ever.
We all know that BMW is a cool car, I love the features are cool too. I will look into this car.
I’ve never seen BMW’s electric car before. This sounds awesome and it has a lot of great features too. I like the spacious interior.
Ugh this is gorge! I love the doors they look so slick. I just need a wad of cash…and a drivers licence
I love the idea behind electric cars, I just can’t wait for them to have more places to charge them out of a major city. It’s great that the car is so quiet, did you find that took some getting used to?
The inside of this car is amazing. wow. I’d totally live in this. Electric cars are the future now I guess. must have been awesome to experience it.
What an amazing car. I would have love to test this out 🙂 Love how the doors open, I bet it was amazing inside 🙂
What a lovely looking car. I like the way the doors open.
This looks like an awesome ride. I love that the auto companies are making more electric cars. It won’t be long until there are a ton on the road.
Oh wow, this is my dream car, I’d love to be able to have an electric car. I really hope that cars in general will become better and better for the environment as time goes by.
Nat.x
What a beautiful BMW. I have always thought the electric cars were so cool. I would love to have this as my new ride. Gotta win the lotto first. 🙂
Sadly they don’t do an electric car big enough for us………yet
The BMW i3 is such a quirky car! My mummy had a smart four four which turned heads too for its unusual looks. Love that it’s electric x
I like that it’s a quiet ride. Makes me nervous when you can hear the motor and other noises going on while you drive. This has a unique look. Love me a fun BMW.
This BMW looks and sounds fabulous. I would love to try an electric car for the first time. Great car/
Look at that. You have two monitors! That looks beautiful, and expensive! 🙂
I’ve been really curious about cars not needing keys to start. I mean is it safe? Wouldn’t be it too easy for thieves to stole the car?
http://www.pengandpaper.com
I dreamed of buying a BMW car someday. This is is really nice, the look is so elegant and futuristic.
Wow! Electric one 🙂 I am in love <3 My dad in law's dream car
I wish they made an electric mini van. I would totally be all over that one. My husband is dying for an electric car since they have charging stations at his work.
Oh! I like the way the doors open. It looks like it would make getting in and out easier for those in the back
Crazy to hear they have an electric car. Guess it’s kind of the norm now! So cool though.
I can’t wait until I can afford to even think about buying an electric car. I do wonder if charging it runs up your electric bill, though.
I love a BMW!
I would love to try driving an electric car someday! This looks like a great car!
Omg just loving this!!!!! Hubby loves BMW’s so I will have to show this to him!
I love BMW.. My old car was BMW and my husband is thinking to purchase this electric car too!
I love BMW.. My old car was BMW and my husband is thinking to purchase this electric car too!
Looks like an amazing car! I totally wish to own one someday 🙂
xx, Kusum
That BMW is a pretty cool car. I do not know much about electric cars. I think I might like to own one someday.
That’s Ionic Silver and the devaluation of the pound now means they cost a wee bit more now.
With that kit more like £35k after grant.
Second hand ones with smaller battery (60Ah) are around 15k but only get 80 miles summer and about 40 miles in winter after 3 years.
Oh, that car is awesome! I read your article to know BMW has an electric car. maybe in the next 2 to 3 years, I’ll buy it