SytnerTV: BMW i3 Review

BMW i3 Models and Performance Specifications

At launch, the BMW i3 is available in two versions:

BMW i3 50

• Up to 566 miles WLTP claimed range

• 469 horsepower

• 0-62 mph in just over 4.5 seconds

• Standard xDrive all-wheel drive

BMW i3 40

• Over 400 miles of range

• Around 370 horsepower

• Lower price point than the i3 50

The standout figure is the i3 50's claimed 566-mile range, made possible by BMW's all-new battery system. According to Matt, this significantly advances what buyers can expect from an electric vehicle.

BMW describes the i3 as a completely new vehicle developed from the ground up, while still borrowing design influences from the latest generation BMW design language.

Charging Performance

Alongside its long range, the BMW i3 supports charging speeds of up to 400 kW.

BMW claims that on a compatible 400 kW charger, the car can gain:

• More than 200 miles of additional range in just 10 minutes

This charging capability is a major contributor to the vehicle's practicality for longer journeys.

How the BMW i3 Drives

Smooth and Refined from the Start

The first impression of the BMW i3 is just how refined it feels. From the moment you get behind the wheel, the car delivers a smooth and comfortable driving experience, with excellent composure over uneven and broken road surfaces. The cabin feels quiet and well insulated, helping create a relaxed atmosphere whether you're driving in town or covering longer distances. The steering is another highlight, offering a progressive and responsive feel that inspires confidence without becoming overly sharp or aggressive. Combined with the car's supple ride quality, it strikes an impressive balance between comfort and driver engagement.

Adjustable Regenerative Braking

The BMW i3 gives drivers full control over regenerative braking through the latest operating system. You can choose adaptive regeneration, manually adjust braking intensity, or enable full regeneration for easy one-pedal driving.

In adaptive mode, the system automatically adjusts regeneration levels using road conditions, navigation data, and onboard sensors. For those who prefer a more engaging EV driving experience, full regeneration allows the car to slow significantly when lifting off the accelerator, making one-pedal driving simple and intuitive.

Sport Mode Performance

Switching the car into Sport mode transforms the driving experience.

Changes include:

• Increased steering weight

• Sharper steering response

• More audible cabin sound

• Enhanced damper settings

• Faster throttle response

Despite the sportier setup, the ride remains comfortable and composed.

Matt compared the driving character to a lower-slung version of the latest BMW iX3, praising its balance between comfort and performance.

Instant Electric Performance

With xDrive fitted as standard on the i3 50, traction is plentiful.

Combined with immediate electric torque, acceleration feels strong and effortless whenever the accelerator is pressed.

Exterior Design of the BMW i3

A New BMW Design Direction

The BMW i3 introduces BMW's latest design language, the Neue Klasse design, first seen on the new BMW iX3. It's a noticeably different direction for the brand, combining familiar BMW styling cues with a more futuristic and aerodynamic appearance. The car featured in Matt's review is finished in M Le Castellet Blue, a new colour that complements the sharp lines and modern proportions particularly well.

Front-End Styling

At the front, the BMW i3 makes an immediate impression. The sculpted bonnet features strong character lines that flow into the BMW roundel, while the traditional kidney grilles have been reinterpreted within a darkened front panel.

Key highlights include:

• Illuminated Iconic Glow grille elements

• Slim new "snake eye" headlights

• A redesigned front splitter

• Distinctive sculpted bonnet design

Together, these elements give the i3 a bold presence, especially at night when the illuminated grille is activated.

Side Profile

From the side, the i3 adopts a cleaner and more streamlined shape while retaining classic BMW proportions. The higher shoulder line and smooth surfaces help improve its modern look, while features such as the 20-inch alloy wheels and flush door handles add to its premium feel.

A clever touch is BMW's cold-weather door handle technology. In freezing conditions, the handles can gently vibrate to help break any ice buildup, ensuring access to the vehicle when temperatures drop.

Rear Design and Practicality

The rear of the BMW i3 continues the futuristic styling theme. The LED light signature extends further into the tailgate, while a gloss black diffuser and centrally mounted reversing light create a clean, modern appearance. As a fully electric vehicle, there are no exhaust outlets, giving the rear a particularly uncluttered look.

Practicality hasn't been overlooked either. The i3 offers 420 litres of boot space, along with an additional 31-litre front storage compartment, which Matt points out is an ideal place to store charging cables and other small items.

BMW i3 Interior and Technology

Premium Cabin Quality

Step inside the BMW i3 and it's immediately clear that quality has been a major focus. Matt was particularly impressed by the fit and finish throughout the cabin, noting that everything feels solid, well-built and premium to the touch. The interior follows BMW's latest design philosophy, combining a clean, minimalist layout with a strong emphasis on technology. Comfortable seats and high-quality materials help create a cabin that feels both modern and refined.

Unique Steering Wheel Design

One of the first things you'll notice is the distinctive four-spoke steering wheel. While its shape may take some getting used to visually, Matt found it surprisingly comfortable in everyday use. The sculpted thumb rests sit naturally in your hands, while the ergonomic design and premium construction give it a high-quality feel behind the wheel.

Panoramic Vision Display

A standout feature of the new BMW i3 is the Panoramic Vision Display, which stretches across the dashboard and presents key driving information in a clean, modern format. The system supports customisable widgets and is seamlessly integrated into the dashboard design, helping keep the cabin uncluttered.

The car is also equipped with a head-up display, although Matt preferred relying on the Panoramic Vision Display alone, finding it more than capable of presenting the information he needed while driving.

BMW's New Operating System

The BMW i3 adopts BMW's latest operating system, with most vehicle functions accessed through the central touchscreen. Features such as climate controls, heated seats, the heated steering wheel and regenerative braking settings are all managed through the interface.

A thoughtful detail is that the display automatically angles towards the driver, whether the car is configured for left-hand or right-hand drive markets. According to Matt, the system is highly responsive, intuitive to use and quick to navigate.

Practical Technology Features

The technology-focused cabin also includes a wireless charging pad with an integrated MagSafe-compatible magnet, helping keep devices securely in place while charging. Combined with the driver-centric dashboard layout and premium finish throughout, the BMW i3 offers an interior that feels both practical and enjoyable to spend time in.

Verdict: Is the BMW i3 a Game Changer?

After spending time behind the wheel, Matt's verdict is clear: the new BMW i3 feels like a significant step forward for electric cars. What impressed him most wasn't just one standout feature, but how well everything works together. The combination of range, performance, comfort and technology creates a package that feels genuinely usable in everyday life.

Some of the highlights Matt picked out include:

• Up to 566 miles of claimed WLTP range

• Up to 469 horsepower in the i3 50

• Ultra-fast charging at up to 400 kW

• A smooth and comfortable ride

• Strong performance when you want it

• Premium fit and finish throughout the cabin

• Advanced technology that feels intuitive to use

For Matt, the biggest story is the range. It's the kind of figure that makes the BMW i3 a much more practical option for a wider range of drivers, while the fast-charging capability helps make longer journeys even easier.

Just as importantly, the i3 doesn't sacrifice the things people expect from a BMW. It's comfortable, refined and exceptionally well built, but when you switch into Sport mode and put your foot down, it still delivers the sort of performance that puts a smile on your face.

As Matt puts it, the BMW i3 is a genuine game changer. It's a car that pushes electric driving forward without compromising on quality, usability or driver enjoyment. And judging by his enthusiasm at the end of the review, he's already looking forward to getting behind the wheel of the upcoming Touring and high-performance versions.

For more information on the new BMW i3, please contact a member of our team.