When the BMW i3 first hit the scene back in 2014, it was the hottest new EV on the market. It was far more premium than the Nissan Leaf, significantly cheaper than the Tesla Model S and funkier looking than both. So it was a pretty big deal back in the day…which was just four years ago. Now, though, there a few new competitors and they’re all pretty impressive. So does the i3 still stack up just four years later?
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In this new comparison test from Auto Express, we take a look at how the BMW i3 compares to the new Nissan Lead, the Volkswagen e-Golf and the cutely named Renault ZOE. Now, this is not exactly an apples-to-apples comparison, as these are all pretty different cars. However, it’s a good example of how well the i3 compares to more modern competitors and how well its aged.
Auto Express placed the Renault ZOE in fourth place. It’s by far the smallest of the four, being an electric super-mini. So it lacks any sort of cargo space but it is very easy to drive and park in cramped European cities. It’s also by far and away the cheapest car of the bunch, at under £18,000 ($25,356 USD) and it has the furthest range, of 250 miles on the EU Cycle. But its old chassis, aging technology and brittle ride make it the worst car of the bunch to drive. Its batteries and electric motor have been updated recently but it’s not enough to keep the ZOE competitive, no matter how adorable it and its name are.
In third place comes the BMW i3, which is a long fall from the top, where it used to reside. Although, most of the reason for its fall has to do with its price. While the BMW i3 is more premium than any of its other competition in this test, it’s also by far the most expensive, costing over £32,000 ($45,078 USD) for the i3S. There’s a cheaper, normal model that’s probably the better buy. But the other two cars in this test offer similar ranges, performance and technology all for quite a bit less money. It also has the lowest range of the bunch, with 174 miles on the EU cycle.
Second place goes to the Volkswagen e-Golf. Being based on the MkVII VW Golf, it’s a great driving little car. It even gets Volkswagen’s XDS front-differential, which is very clever and helps wring some fun out of the electric Golf, even if it isn’t as fun to drive as the i3. It has a slightly further range than the i3, with 186 miles, which isn’t significantly better but it’s also cheaper. Plus, it just looks and drive like a Golf, which is a good thing.
That leaves the Nissan Leaf in first place. It has more range than the VW and BMW while also being cheaper than both. It’s quiet and comfortable to drive and is loaded with cabin tech. For the money, range and technology, AE feels that the Nissan Leaf is the best EV of these four.
[Source: Auto Express]
Out of this group it’s the Leaf I would avoid, they’ve gone with air cooled batteries again, and it’s caused rapid charging issues. The other three are my favorite compact electric cars, though I’ve yet to drive the Zoe.
Early study of the new Leaf battery is showing worse than expected range loss, so Nissan clearly needs to hire an expert in batteries and battery management and fix this issues as soon as possible. Because, they do have a Best Value car overall, if they fix the battery.
And I’m especially concerned with One Company giving batteries a bad reputation that affects the whole industry.
I had a Leaf mk.1 before the i3, then i3s. It was a good solid car – sure some things to improve, but good value for money. I am worried about their latest rapidgate and truly hope they get it resolved as we need confidence in the industry (and frankly the i3 is at the higher end of the market)
And the Leaf still only has a single phase charger instead of a three phase charger. This means it will AC charge at 3.7kW instead of 11kW. The listed charge power of 7kW is only available at 32A which no house and virtually no public charge point has.
It may depend on country, in the UK 7KW (240V/32A) is pretty standard for public charge points and home charge units. We don’t have many 11kW units though
We really should ask for Accurate Title’s.
Auto Express picked a new “winner” based on Best-Value, not Best Car.
Of the 4 in this group, clearly the i3 is the Best Car, if you drive them.
It’s light weight body, yields impressive performance or efficiency, you choose.
It clearly has the most sophisticated suspension, and the best ride, caused by the suspension and the tall tires that ride better over bumps and potholes.
And it’s got the most torque, for the most fun.
The REX model gives BMW the Best Solution for Current electric infrastructure.
The Leaf could win on Best New Looks.
The VW could win on Most Like it’s ICE counterpart.
The Zoe could win on Best Price.
But, the i3 wins as Best Drivers Car in this group.
“Title’s” is possessive rather than plural “titles” which would be correct. “Best Driver’s Car” is correct vs. “Best Drivers Car.” Thanks.
I do love the i3, but you know, most people do not have infinite money…
‘best’ is always a subjective time as it depends on your needs. I agree it’s the best for me – rex, performance, style, fun, but then I could afford it. If I had to recommend best value (which actually is what many people want) I’d concur it’s pretty much the leaf.
“It’s also by far and away the cheapest car of the bunch, at under £18,000 ($25,356 USD)”
As AutoExpress writes, this is “excl. battery lease”. So not a valid comparison at all.