Since its inception, the i3 series has shown the world that BMW is committed to creating sustainable driving vehicles without compromising style or performance. The 2021 i3s has an electric motor that makes 181hp and 199 lb-ft of torque and is undoubtedly an affordable electric vehicle you can rely on for your day-to-day usage. This review delves into the various aspects of the 2021 BMW i3s, and we hope you'll find it helpful in your search for a reliable EV.
BMW's i3 series was first introduced in 2013. It was BMW's first submission into the electric vehicle arena, and it was a fairly good car. The i3 was designed to be an urban-friendly electric car, and it quickly gained attention due to its unique carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic body and sleek design. Over the years, BMW introduced several updates to the i3 lineup, focusing on improving battery capacity and performance metrics. The i3s is one such update, and it was introduced in 2017. It was a good deal for new entrants into the EV scene as it offered more power output and a sportier suspension setup than its predecessor.
The 2021 BMW i3s is powered by a rear-mounted electric motor that produces 181 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque. This setup allows the i3s to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds. Performance-wise, this makes it notably quicker than the standard i3 model. The vehicle's top speed is capped at 99 mph. Regarding power, the i3s offers an estimated range of approximately 153 miles on a full charge, which places it in a competitive position with rivals like the Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Bolt. The 42.2-kWh lithium-ion battery pack is doing a great job. It has various driving modes, like ECO PRO, ECO PRO+, and Comfort, that enhance its range and performance. While the range may not be as extensive as some newer, similarly sized EVs, the i3s make up for it with agile handling. The 2021 BMW i3s offers flexible charging solutions to accommodate various lifestyle needs. When using a standard 120-volt household outlet, the i3s can be fully charged in approximately 24 hours. If you want faster charging times, utilizing a 240-volt Level 2 charger significantly reduces the charging time to around 6 hours. The i3s also supports DC fast charging, which can replenish up to 80% of the battery in approximately 40 minutes.
Inside the 2021 BMW i3s, you'll encounter a modern and eco-friendly cabin. BMW used premium-quality recycled materials and renewable resources throughout the interior. The spacious cabin comfortably accommodates up to four passengers, with ample headroom and legroom. The seats are made from high-quality leather and cloth materials, and while they're not too firm, they offer support and comfort. Compared to competitors like the Tesla Model 3, the i3s' interior may not be the most top-notch interior you'll see in the EV segment. But it does have features like a 10.25-inch infotainment display with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth integration, which will get you started on your journeys. The i3s and the i3s Range Extender share several similarities due to their shared platform and design, although the Range Extender's additional equipment brings about subtle differences. The i3s Range Extender is fitted with a small gasoline engine, which serves to recharge the lithium-ion battery, necessitating additional controls and indicators within the cabin.
The i3s's eye-catching exterior is one we've seen since 2013, when the first generation i3 came out. For the 2021 i3s, BMW treats customers to a sports suspension and blacked-out wheel arches. Unique alloy wheels and exclusive exterior color choices like Flowing Blue Metallic are available. When placed alongside rivals like the Hyundai Kona Electric, the BMW i3s looks firmly planted. Regarding dimensions, the 2021 BMW i3s boasts an overall length of 158 inches, a width of 70 inches, and a height of 62 inches. This compact size enables drivers to navigate tight city streets and congested traffic. Although the i3s sits on a 101-inch wheelbase, it still provides a stable and comfortable ride. Ground clearance is at 5.5 inches, which gives the i3s a low center of gravity but ensures they are not suitable for driving on even minor dirt trails.
BMW equipped the 2021 i3s with various features. We'll start by discussing the iDrive 6.0 system, which powers the infotainment system. It's intuitive and easy to use; it's a user-friendly interface for adjusting vehicle settings and accessing multimedia. Driver-assist features such as adaptive cruise control, parking assist, and automatic emergency braking are also included. Concerning electronic powertrain technology, the 2021 BMW i3s benefits from a synchronous electric motor with a heat pump system that optimizes energy use by efficiently managing cabin temperature, an aspect often overlooked in electric vehicle design but crucial for preserving range.
When it was new, the 2021 BMW i3s had a starting MSRP of approximately $47,650. This price point, while higher than some competitors, reflected the premium features and performance enhancements exclusive to the i3s variant. For potential buyers seeking more budget-friendly options, used BMW i3 models hold a more accessible price range, typically between $20,000 and $35,000, depending on condition, mileage, and year.
Though its range may not match newer entrants in the EV space, the i3s offers a unique driving experience that caters to urban commuters. Its compact size and decent range will allow it to fit into your daily driving plans. And if you want more range, you can go for the i3s Range Extender. Platforms like Exotic Car Trader will help you find the suitable luxury and exotic cars you want. So, if you wish to purchase a used i3s or list a vehicle for sale, Exotic Car Trader simplifies the process of buying and selling cars online, and you can also list your current vehicle for sale.
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