The BMW i3 is a B-segment, high-roof hatchback with a lithium-ion battery pack and an optional petrol engine. Therefore, it is a low-emissions car. It is also BMW’s first mass-produced zero-emissions vehicle. Nonetheless, which cars are similar to the BMW i3?
Cars similar to the BMW i3 are the Chevrolet Bolt, Nissan Leaf, Kia Niro, Hyundai Kona Electric, and Tesla Model 3. Some of the common things about these cars are that they run on electricity, while others utilize both electricity and gas. Moreover, these cars are also compact, and affordable, and most of them carry up to five passengers.
Which cars are similar to the BMW i3?
Chevrolet Bolt EV
Chevrolet Bolt is considered by many people as the best non-Tesla all-electric car on the market. This all-electric hatchback is affordable, spacious, and fun to drive. It also has an excellent range compared to most of its competitors. On top of that, it has a nice starting price of $26,595, which many of its competitors can’t match.
The Chevrolet Bolt EV is powered by a single 200-hp motor that powers the front wheels and has an EPA estimated range of 259 miles on a single charge. This is exceptional for such an affordable and small car. Besides, it comes with DC fast-charge capability that takes only 30 minutes to charge up to 100 miles.
Surprisingly, the Bolt EV has enough cabin and cargo space, making it practical. If you want a more advanced car, you can opt for the 2LT trim, which goes for $29,795. The Bolt EV and BMW i3 are both compact and run on all-electric. However, the i3 can only cover up to 153 miles and it is costlier with a base price of $45,445.
Nissan Leaf
Nissan Leaf is another excellent car that’s similar to the BMW i3. Like the BMW i3, this car comes with a short range of 200 miles, which is slightly better than the i3, which has a range of 153 miles. It is also compact but more spacious with more cargo space.
Unfortunately, this car is not convenient to have in the city as the Nissan’s CHAdeMO charging connector is not compatible with all charging stations. So, unless you plan to set up a charging station at home, this car will inconvenience you. With that said, it is cheaper to maintain and cheap to buy. The base model goes for $28,895.
Kia Niro
The 2023 Kia Niro is among the best-looking subcompact EVs on the market. Its new design looks more appealing than the BMW i3, Chevy Bolt, and even Nissan Leaf. Unlike the other cars on this list, the Kia Niro runs on both gas and electric. So, it is a hybrid car. This makes it less efficient than the other cars.
Equipped with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers up to 139 hp and an electric motor, the Kia Niro has a base price of $26,000, making it the cheapest car on this list. Note that the 11.1-kWh battery pack that this car comes with provides about 33 miles of electric driving range per charge.
Hyundai Kona Electric
The Hyundai Kona Electric is another EV that competes with the BMW i3. While both cars are compact, the Kona EV is more spacious and stylish than the BMW i3. It also comes with a better range, which is 258 miles on a full charge, while the i3 can only manage up to 153 miles.
The Hyundai Kona EV also comes with a more spacious interior as it can host up to five people, while the i3 can only host up to four people. Additionally, Kona Electric has a fantastic EPA rating of 132MPGE in the city and 108 MPGE on the highway. The base price for the Hyundai Kona Electric is $33,550.
Tesla Model 3
Tesla still stands as the best all-electric brand on the market. Apart from having a nice range, the Tesla Model 3 is also more advanced with exceptional performance. It has an outstanding driving range of up to 358 miles. And if you want speed and performance, you can opt for the performance trim, which accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds with a top speed of 162 mph.
The BMW i3 and Tesla have a luxurious interiors with technologically advanced features. However, the Tesla Model 3 is more spacious and can accommodate up to five passengers. The Tesla Model 3 base model goes for $48,440.
FAQ
Is it worth buying the BMW i3?
The BMW i3 is worth buying if you desire a compact car with zero to low emissions. Additionally, this car is cheaper to maintain than normal gasoline-powered vehicles. And if you love driving around town, this car will make your work easy when it comes to maneuvering in traffic or parking.
How long will the BMW i3 battery last?
On average, the BMW i3’s battery will last between 3 and 5 years. However, this can change depending on the type of battery, weather conditions, and driving habits. But if you want your battery to last long, ensure to get a durable and reliable battery.
What are the main problems with the BMW i3?
Like all cars, the BMW i3 also faces several problems that users should be attentive to deal with in time. Failure to do so, the car may end up developing more serious issues. Common BMW i3 problems are issues with adaptive cruise control, electrical malfunctions, and battery problems.
Is it expensive to maintain the BMW i3?
When you compare it with other BMW models, the BMW i3 is cheaper to maintain. This is because it has fewer moving parts, meaning a few things can go wrong. Nevertheless, the user should expect to part with around $1,173 yearly for maintenance.
Summary
If you’re searching for a similar car to the BMW i3, there are several options to pick from but it will depend on your needs, preference, and budget. All the cars that we’ve highlighted are exceptional and very efficient in performance.
The Tesla Model 3 is the best electric car on the list, while the Chevrolet Bolt is the best overall. This is because it is cheaper to acquire and maintain. All in all, the BMW i3 is also a wonderful car but with a shorter range and high cost of maintenance.