BMW I3 car lease deals

Performance and features

The i3 is infused with BMW’s dynamic driving experience, making the most of the standard 19-inch wheels, specially tuned springs and short-travel suspension to navigate city traffic with confidence. The i3S’s 20-inch wheels bring a firmer ride, while the 40mm wider rear track and 10mm lower ride height help to enhance the handling without inhibiting visibility.

Unlike the majority of other electric cars, the i3’s electric motor sends its power to the rear wheels to ensure a composed ride, and offers 168bhp that propels the EV from 0-62mph in a very respectable 7.3 seconds. The athletic i3S is even faster as a result of an extra 13bhp, which cuts the 0-62mph time down to a rapid 6.9 seconds.

Charging is quick and convenient thanks to the expansive charger network across the UK, supported by BMW’s bespoke i Wallbox designed for home installation. An 80% charge takes less than five hours with a 7kW Type 2 wallbox, which can be cut down to a handy 42 minutes when using a fast CCS connector.

Interior technology

Comfort and class are abundant in the i3’s interior, with adjustable seats, steering wheel and a logically laid out dashboard. There’s a real upmarket feel to the cabin, thanks to exposed strips of carbon fibre, appealing wood trims and partial leather seats, and full LED headlights that are standard across the range. The i3’s BMW Professional infotainment system includes a 10.2-inch LED screen with sat nav, DAB radio and Bluetooth, with the option to pay for smartphone connectivity. While the majority of the console rings true to BMW’s classic styling, some instrumentation and trims are unique to the BMW i range, enhancing the futuristic feel of the all-electric city car.