BMW i3 184 hp: The Compact Urban EV That Doesn’t Compromise
Launched in 2018 with a starting price of $45,000 (€42,000), the BMW i3 184 hp reimagines what a premium city EV can be. Made in Germany and tailored for efficient, elegant commuting, this five-door electric hatchback blends sustainability with the unmistakable DNA of the BMW brand. It’s light, quick, and sophisticated—without shouting about it.
Performance and Speed: Sprightly and Smooth
The i3 184 hp may be compact, but it doesn’t shy away from zipping through cityscapes. With 184 horsepower (137 kW) and 270 Nm of torque, it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.9 seconds. Rear-wheel drive ensures it handles with trademark BMW precision—giving even short commutes a sporty edge.
- Power: 184 hp (137 kW)
- Torque: 270 Nm
- Acceleration: 0–100 km/h in 6.9 seconds
- Drive Type: Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
- Top Speed: 150 km/h (93 mph)
Battery and Range: Enough Juice for the Day and Beyond
Equipped with a 120 kWh battery, the i3 delivers a real-world range of up to 290 km (180 miles), more than sufficient for daily routines and occasional getaways. Its compact size and efficient battery make it an ideal choice for city dwellers prioritizing electric convenience and lower emissions.
- Battery Capacity: 120 kWh
- Range: 290 km (180 miles)
- Charging: Compatible with fast-charging infrastructure
Interior Experience: Sustainable, Smart, and Stylish
Step inside and you’re greeted by sustainable materials that don’t skimp on luxury. The cabin, crafted from recycled plastics, eucalyptus wood, and natural fibers, offers seating for four in eco-conscious comfort. The iDrive infotainment system and digital controls tie it all together with tech-savvy flair.
- Materials: Recycled and renewable composites
- Seats: 4-passenger configuration
- Tech: BMW iDrive system with touchscreen and controller
Exterior Design: Compact Elegance with an Edge
The i3 wears its uniqueness with pride—U-shaped LED lights, the classic ‘black belt’ bodyline, and futuristic color schemes like Melbourne Red and Imperial Blue. Its short overhangs, large windows, and upright profile boost visibility and space efficiency, all while reducing aerodynamic drag.
- Design: Hatchback with 5-door layout
- Lighting: LED headlamps with U-signature
- Wheels: Aerodynamically optimized alloy wheels
Driving Feel: Agile, Quiet, and BMW at Heart
Lightweight construction paired with RWD delivers sharp, nimble dynamics that make urban maneuvering a joy. It’s smooth, it’s quiet, and regenerative braking adds extra control to every corner. For tight parking, narrow lanes, and quick acceleration, the i3 feels right at home.
Ownership Value: Premium Without Excess
At $45,000 (€42,000), the BMW i3 184 hp isn’t cheap—but it brings premium design, German build quality, and a serious commitment to sustainability. It’s not for the drag strip or the family road trip. It’s for the savvy urbanite who wants elegance with an eco-conscious twist.
- Price: $45,000 (€42,000)
- Manufactured: Germany
- Sales Start: 2018
Conclusion
Pros and Cons of the BMW i3 184 hp
Pros:
- Unique design with sustainable materials
- Agile city handling and quiet ride
- Respectable 290 km (180 mi) range
- Premium interior and high build quality
- Rear-wheel-drive driving dynamics
Cons:
- Limited rear passenger space
- No AWD option
- Lower range compared to newer EVs
- Four-seat layout limits versatility
- Design may polarize traditional buyers
Final thoughts
The BMW i3 184 hp may be compact, but it packs character, class, and clean credentials into every drive. Built for the urban lifestyle with sustainability in its soul, it offers premium mobility in a form that’s bold, efficient, and unmistakably BMW.
Exterior and Interior photos
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Comparison of BMW i3 184 hp:
The BMW i3 184 hp may have bowed out of production, but its legacy as an urban electric pioneer still sparks debate. Priced at $45,000 (€41,500) when new, it aimed for premium city-car dominance. But even in its twilight years, it remains an interesting benchmark. How does it compare to similar compact EVs like the Mini Cooper SE, Fiat 500e, Honda e, and Renault Zoe R135? These hatchbacks all aim for urban agility, modest range, and fun-first personalities. Time to size up the i3's remaining relevance.
Range
The BMW i3 offers 290 km (180 miles) of range from its 120 kWh battery (a spec that's more generous in rating than capacity, as real-world capacity was closer to 42 kWh). Fiat 500e hits 320 km (199 miles), while the Renault Zoe R135 manages a respectable 395 km (245 miles). Mini Cooper SE trails with 235 km (146 miles), and the Honda e is more limited at just 220 km (137 miles). So, while the i3 isn’t top dog in range, it edges out the Mini and Honda—two of its most direct rivals in spirit and size.
Acceleration
The i3 184 hp jumps from 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 6.9 seconds. That's quicker than the Mini Cooper SE at 7.3 seconds and blows past the Honda e at 8.3 seconds. Fiat 500e trails at 9.0 seconds, while the Zoe R135 splits the pack with a 9.5-second time. The i3’s carbon-fiber construction and rear-wheel drive architecture give it an edge—it feels like a much quicker car in urban bursts than its numbers suggest.
Power
With 184 hp (137 kW) on tap, the BMW i3 reigns supreme here. The Mini Cooper SE delivers 181 hp (135 kW), nearly identical. The Honda e offers 152 hp (113 kW), while Fiat 500e runs with 117 hp (87 kW), and the Renault Zoe R135 peaks at 134 hp (100 kW). While the i3 doesn’t dominate the spec sheet outright, it feels taut and responsive thanks to its light chassis and balanced RWD layout—it's a BMW at heart.
Charging Time
The BMW i3 supports up to 50 kW DC fast charging, bringing the battery from 0 to 80% in around 36 minutes. Fiat 500e impresses with 85 kW, charging in 35 minutes. Mini SE caps out at 50 kW, and the Honda e matches that. Zoe R135 charges at 50 kW DC but excels with its 22 kW AC capability. The i3 holds its own here—not the quickest, but perfectly suitable for its range and class.
Price
At $45,000 (€41,500) when new, the BMW i3 priced itself as a premium experience. Today, Mini SE stickers at $30,000 (€27,800), Fiat 500e hovers around $34,000 (€31,500), Honda e retails near €39,000 (not sold in the U.S.), and the Zoe lands at about €35,000. The i3 was expensive, but it delivered a carbon-fiber chassis, unique design, and premium cabin that none of the others could match. Even now, it remains a standout for urban buyers who value innovation and character over sheer spec wars.
