Best All-Electric Car: 2014 BMW i3
The front of the BMW i3
If there was a dominant buzzword at this years auto show, it was undoubtedly “all-electric”. The EV car had a tremendous presence on the show floor thanks to many companies playing catch-up to the revolution started by the uber-popular Tesla S. While many of these manufacturers seemed to be just adding the “plug-in” or “EV” tag to their existing models, one car stood out among the rest as a true innovation: the BMW i3.
BMW is taking a very different road than most other EV manufacturers when it comes to the i3, the first in its upcoming “i” of electric cars. Instead of trying to solve all the problems EV cars can bring (longevity, price, charging), the German automobile company is aiming to conquer the most obvious: the daily commute. BMW is betting on the fact that most people drive less than 32 miles roundtrip on their commute, making the 80-100 mile range of the i3 seem like a luxury. They have coined the term, “locally emission-free car” to describe the i3 in its most simplistic form. But as I found out, there is nothing simplistic about the futuristic i3, save for the cup holders. Actually, even those look amazing.
The body of the i3 makes extensive use of carbon-fiber and other composite materials to keep the weight down, which I’m told allows the car to go from 0-60 in 7-8 seconds. The LifeDrive frame (read: separated compartments, more room) sits on top of large 19-inch wheels, and is styled by the distinct ‘black belt’ which runs from the hood over the roof to the rear of the vehicle and gives the vehicle body a particularly light visual appearance. I was not allowed inside the car, but from my perspective the cabin looked as spacious as the reps proclaimed it to be. The next-generation paneling and accents are made from naturally tanned leather, wood paneling from responsible sources and textile materials with recycled resources.
The charging port of the i3
Technology is ever-present in the i3 as well. The instrument cluster has been replaced with a LCD, and just to its right sits the iNavigation screen. Using what BMW calls “connected drive”, the iNavigation takes into account all relevant factors for routing: battery charge level, driving style, traffic situation and topographical condition of the route, and shows the most efficient route based on these factors. The i3 also has a companion app for iOS and Android called iRemote, which gives you detailed information on current status of the vehicle at any time.
Finally, there is an optional upgrade for those drivers not ready to take the plunge into an all-electric vehicle but still desire the modern design and allure of the i3. The futuristic hatchback can be equipped with an optional range-extending gasoline engine that serves as a backup generator should an i3’s owner require it. Be prepared to pay an extra $3800 for this feature should your “range anxiety” flare up while on the test drive.
The future of EV vehicles looked bleak until the Tesla S made its impressive debut, and brought an allure to the all-electric platform. With the i3, BMW has taken the first step in the right direction to bring some of that hype and allure back to the original “ultimate driving machine”. Perhaps, with the right marketing and guidance, the i3 will one day become the “ultimate all-electric vehicle”.
- EPA Econ City/Hwy: 125 (mpge)
- 0-60 mph: 7.2 sec
- Warranty: 4 yrs/50,000 miles
- Base Price: $42,275
- Runners Up: 2014 Ford Focus Electric, 2014 Nissan Leaf
Runners Up: 2014 Ford Focus Electric, 2014 Nissan Leaf
