2021 BMW i3 Values & Cars for Sale | Kelley Blue Book

The BMW i3 isn’t as appealingly futuristic as it once was, and in today’s rapidly evolving world of EVs, it has fallen behind. For proof, look no further than its 153-mile range, which pales in comparison to that of other newer electric vehicles.

That stated, the BMW i3 is still a technically fascinating automobile, thanks to an aluminum lower chassis that houses the floorboard battery and rear-mounted motor while providing anchor points for the front and rear suspension. The hatchback upper chassis structure (what BMW calls a “life module”) is made of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) to protect i3 occupants while remaining lightweight. BMW says the structure is as strong as steel but half the weight.

While the idea of a small optional onboard gasoline generator being used to extend the range makes a lot of sense, the maximum range of the range-extended BMW i3 still comes up short when compared to most other EVs. While these aren’t exact competitors, rivals for the BMW i3 include the Chevrolet Bolt, Kia Niro EV, and perhaps even the Hyundai Kona Electric and Tesla Model 3.

BMW is in the middle of a big electric vehicle push but says improved battery technologies have made the advanced lightweight composite chassis of the i3 and sporty i8 unnecessary. What does this mean? Future BMW EVs will be much more conventional and perhaps a bit less technologically interesting.