Test drive of the BMW i3By Pierre Dybman

Pictures

Pictures

First impressionsThe dimensions feel a bit odd

It sits higher than you’d think, like a soft crossover It is smaller outside than you’d think (4m)The boot looks small(ish) The nose is short

The inside is original, and spartanMuch more place than you’d think, seats 4 easilyVery airyZen-like aesthetics

DrivingVery silent! Very quick to start, no latency, goes to 60 km/h

in 4/5 seconds, to 100 in 7 (7.7 with the extender)

Very easy to drive, just push the gas pedalSingle gear works well, good final speedTo brake, don’t! Just release the gas pedal, and

use the brake pedal only to fully stop. Very impressive, but obliges to anticipate

Good steering wheel

InsideSeats look anemic, but offer sufficient support Customization possible, but beware of some

options, expensive and not always niceWood looks good in the cabin, but cloth for the

seats may notSemi leather seats and leather on part of the

console work bestVery expensive options

PriceStarts at € 35 500, but add € 4400 for the small

bike engine that adds 150 KM to the 190 of the purely electric version

With reasonable options, good audio and a mandatory GPS, that looks very good on the console, you get close to € 50 000!

Some countries have excellent tax incentives for this type of vehicle, such as Norway, UK or France, which makes it a good choice

If this car cost € 10 000 less, it would be a no-brainer