Exterior and Interior photos of BMW i3 170 hp
BMW i3 170 hp: Compact Luxury, Electrified
Launched in 2018, the BMW i3 170 hp entered the electric landscape priced at $45,000 (€42,000), merging Bavarian craftsmanship with a future-forward vision. This German-made hatchback offers a refreshing take on premium electric mobility, balancing efficiency, style, and spirited dynamics for today’s discerning drivers.
Performance and Speed: Nimble and Responsive
Powered by a 170 hp (127 kW) electric motor and rear-wheel drive, the i3 surges from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.3 seconds. Its nimble agility makes it ideal for tight urban environments, while its 150 km/h (93 mph) top speed ensures confident cruising beyond city streets.
- Power: 170 hp (127 kW)
- Acceleration: 0–100 km/h in 7.3 seconds
- Top Speed: 150 km/h (93 mph)
- Drive Type: RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive)
Battery and Range: Everyday Practicality in Every Charge
The i3 170 hp comes equipped with a 120 kWh battery, supporting a practical 290 km (180 miles) of driving range. It’s engineered for the daily demands of city life and weekend adventures alike. Quick-charging capabilities minimize downtime, helping you stay on the move with ease.
- Battery Capacity: 120 kWh
- Range: 290 km (180 miles)
- Charging: Supports standard and DC fast-charging
Interior Comfort: Eco-Friendly, Elegantly Executed
Inside, BMW’s commitment to sustainability shines. Recycled materials meet premium craftsmanship, creating an inviting, eco-conscious cabin. Plush seating, intuitive infotainment controls, and an airy layout define the i3’s modern interior ethos, delivering luxury without compromise.
- Seating: 4-passenger spacious layout
- Infotainment: High-resolution display with navigation
- Materials: Recycled and eco-friendly composites
Exterior Styling: Distinctly Bold, Utterly BMW
The i3’s standout design features a black belt visual motif, U-shaped LED lighting, and aerodynamic shaping to cut through the air effortlessly. Optional color combinations like Melbourne Red and Imperial Blue add a layer of personalized flair to this urban statement piece.
- Body Type: Hatchback, 5-door design
- Lighting: LED headlamps and taillights
- Wheels: Aerodynamic alloy options
Driving Experience: Agile Urban Warrior
Thanks to its compact footprint, tight turning radius, and instant electric torque, the BMW i3 170 hp excels in congested streets and narrow city lanes. Its RWD layout grants a playful, balanced handling experience, while regenerative braking recaptures energy with every stop.
Ownership and Value: Premium Feel, Practical Mindset
Starting at $45,000 (€42,000), the BMW i3 170 hp delivers a luxury EV experience that doesn't feel out of reach. It’s perfect for drivers looking to reduce their carbon footprint without sacrificing driving enjoyment or upscale refinement, wrapped in a compact, stylish package.
- Price: $45,000 (€42,000)
- Manufactured: Germany
- Sales Start: 2018
Conclusion
Pros and Cons of the BMW i3 170 hp
Pros:
- Distinctive futuristic design
- Agile city handling and quick acceleration
- Sustainable and premium cabin materials
- Practical 290 km (180 mi) range
- Fast-charging capabilities
Cons:
- Higher price than some rivals with longer range
- Four-seat configuration limits flexibility
- Compact size not ideal for larger families
- Limited AWD option
- Unique styling may not suit all tastes
Final thoughts
The BMW i3 170 hp masterfully combines luxury, efficiency, and eco-conscious engineering into a compact electric package perfect for urban explorers. It’s proof that downsizing doesn’t mean downgrading—especially when it wears a BMW badge.
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Comparison of
BMW i3 170 hp:
The BMW i3 170 hp was never designed to blend in—it was engineered to stand out. Priced at $45,000 (€41,500) back in 2018, this German hatchback targeted urban trendsetters seeking a greener, more stylish commute. But how does it stack up against other small EVs from the same era, like the Nissan Leaf e+, Hyundai IONIQ Electric, Renault Zoe R135, and Mini Cooper SE? Each aimed at the same electric urbanite dream, but with wildly different takes on performance, range, and design.
Range
The BMW i3 170 hp ekes out 290 km (180 miles) on a full charge from its 120 kWh battery (real-world usable capacity was about 42.2 kWh). Nissan Leaf e+ leads with 385 km (239 miles), while Hyundai IONIQ Electric offers a real-world 310 km (193 miles). Renault Zoe R135 stretches to 395 km (245 miles) WLTP, and the Mini Cooper SE trails with 235 km (146 miles). In urban use, the i3 still holds its own, thanks to its lightweight carbon-fiber frame and city-focused tuning.
Acceleration
The BMW i3 170 hp sprints from 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 7.3 seconds—a respectable figure for its class. Mini Cooper SE is snappier at 7.3 seconds as well, but the Leaf e+ takes around 6.9 seconds, and Hyundai IONIQ Electric lags with a more sedate 9.9 seconds. Renault Zoe needs about 9.5 seconds. BMW’s rear-wheel-drive layout and instant torque delivery make it feel nimbler than the numbers suggest—perfect for dodging traffic and grinning at green lights.
Power
Under the hood—or rather, tucked in the back—the BMW i3 170 hp churns out 170 hp (127 kW) and 250 Nm of torque. Mini Cooper SE delivers a punchy 181 hp (135 kW), Nissan Leaf e+ brings 215 hp (160 kW), Hyundai IONIQ packs a modest 134 hp (100 kW), and Renault Zoe R135 taps out at 134 hp (100 kW). The i3 stays lively, blending punchy midrange power with a featherweight body for quick, agile driving dynamics.
Charging Time
The BMW i3 supports DC fast charging up to 50 kW, recovering 80% charge in roughly 36 minutes. Nissan Leaf e+ also caps at 50 kW, but Hyundai IONIQ Electric edges ahead slightly with faster real-world recharge times at 100 kW stations. Renault Zoe charges at 50 kW DC and excels with 22 kW AC charging, while the Mini Cooper SE supports up to 50 kW DC. BMW’s system was among the best when it launched—now merely solid compared to newer competition.
Price
With an original sticker of $45,000 (€41,500), the BMW i3 170 hp targeted upscale buyers. Mini Cooper SE undercut it significantly at $30,000 (€27,800), Hyundai IONIQ Electric hovered around $34,000 (€31,500), Nissan Leaf e+ was closer to $38,000 (€35,200), and Renault Zoe floated near €35,000. BMW charged more—but offered carbon-fiber construction, a futuristic interior, and urban mobility design that simply didn’t exist elsewhere. Even today, the i3 feels like it came from a future that most EVs are still trying to reach.
