Few cars in the Bavarian lineup are criticized as heavily as the BMW i3. It’s lack of range compared to other EVs, high price tag and sparse equipment list make it an easy target for most enthusiasts. However, as an actual car to drive in cities and around town, it’s rather excellent. Don’t just take my word for it. Take it from the former home of James May — Autocar — who gave the i3S the “City Slicker” award.
“Short overhangs, great forward visibility and a raised driving position make placing the i3s incredibly easy.” said Autocar Editor Tom Morgan. According to road tester Ricky Lane, the BMW i3 “goes like a whippet for gaps in traffic”. Not sure what that means but it sounds good.
We tend to agree. The BMW i3, as a city car, is superb. It’s tiny, has a super short wheelbase and virtually no overhangs, has a rear-wheel drive layout with a tight turning circle and sports enough electric torque to make it feel very zippy in traffic. Shooting gaps in dense traffic is almost unfair in the i3, especially the i3S. The funky cabin is also lovely to sit it, with an excellent greenhouse and plenty of space, making sitting in traffic that much better.
Sure, it has its issues. For longer trips, the BMW i3 is less than ideal, as its relatively low range diminishes rather quickly at highway speed. It’s also not the most powerful EV on the market, so anything outside of city traffic can show how underpowered it is. Also, if you fit it with the option REx range extender, you can hear it when it kicks on and it’s not very premium sounding.
Still, as a city car, something for urban business types to get around in (*ahem* Horatiu), the BMW i3 is excellent.
[Source: Autocar]
“goes like a whippet for gaps in traffic”
A Whippet is a breed of English dog, similar to a Greyhound but a bit smaller. Like Greyhounds, Whippets are very quick and were used to catch rabbits. The phrase “Goes like a whippet” generally describes something or someone very fast, hence the i3s mention.
Hmmm. Seems like AutoCar actually drove the i3, and Nico didn’t.
150 miles of range is actually a pretty large distance, most drivers will only have an issue if the drive to a vacation spot. Even then the REX is available, and the map has charger locations.
Then there’s the speed. Nico, you forgot instant torque, no waiting for the perfect RPM power band. While your V8 is spinning it’s torque converter and calculating how many gears to drop to pick up speed, the i3 has already jumped ahead.
Yes, it’s excellent in cities, but also very nice on country roads driving to cities.
And the i3s is stable on the highway above 75 mph now too.
But, back to the important point. AutoCar Actually Drove One.
It’s time for BMW owners to give it a try too.
One thing, aside from range increases, would be to improve the electric motor, a bit more power, and a lot more efficiency. BMW could bump this up to be the most efficient electric on the market.
There should be a set of buyers interested in fueling their EV from Solar and that would help.
Also, more efficiency means more range, without a battery upgrade.