Let's be real here. The i3 and new i3s (more power and range, stiffer suspension, fully loaded) is technically what you'd call a city car. Could you drive it for long distances? Yes but with lots of stops. The people I've spoken to who drive an i3, love the driving experience, looks, and reliability. It is a BMW after all. Most of those folks used the i3 for around town motoring or the daily commute. Charging is easy at home or at the numerous metro charging stations.
The i3 and i3s aren't cheap although like many cars, you can occasionally find base cars. But this IS a BMW. so why get a base car? The car comes standard with lots of tech and features, but the options list is quite long, like $50k+ long, so shop wisely. The standard motor produces 170 hp and will hit 60 mph in under 8 seconds. The new i3s adds about 20 horsepower to the mix along with a "sport suspension" and most of the goodies. For specifics check out the press release and specifications table.
State and federal rebates may apply to reduce the sting a bit. Additional pics and the press release from last year announcing the updates and new i3s after the read more jump. This is one of my fav EVs and you won't see them coming and going like you will with Teslas (I live in the LA area remember). The i3 should be around for a little over a year (they still sell a few thousand every year) until BMW's i4 sedan and iX4 crossover are ready. Enjoy! Update - BMW has had to increase production of their little EV due to demand. Cool.
Press release and pics courtesy of BMW.
