BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah

Overview

The 2022 BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah was a distinctive, eco-conscious electric hatch, perfect for zipping around the city. This final-year model stood out with its futuristic carbon-fiber body and funky coach doors, offering a uniquely premium compact EV experience. Though discontinued, the i3 BEV 120 Ah, representing BMW's early leap into mainstream EVs, could be found on the used market for approximately $14,174. It’s a characterful choice for those wanting BMW innovation and a sustainable vibe in a compact, if somewhat uniquely styled, package.

What's New for 2022?

For its farewell tour in 2022, the BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah didn’t get a massive shake-up. It was pretty much a carryover from the 2021 model, meaning you got the same cool tech and quirky design that made it a standout. BMW focused on winding down production, so no major new features or drastic styling updates were rolled out for this electric city slicker. It was more about celebrating its innovative run than reinventing the wheel, or, in this case, the carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic chassis for its final year in the US market.

Design & Exterior

The 2022 i3 BEV 120 Ah looks like nothing else on the road, mate! Its tall, narrow design (157.9 inches long, 69.9 inches wide, 62.9 inches high) and those awesome rear-hinged coach doors scream futuristic city car. The front features BMW's signature kidney grille, but it's mostly closed off because, well, electric! Its carbon-fiber construction isn't just for show; it keeps the weight down. Distinctive U-shaped LED headlights and taillights complete its quirky, yet undeniably premium, look. It's a real head-turner, even after all these years.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the i3 BEV 120 Ah, and it's like a minimalist eco-lounge. BMW went big on sustainable materials like open-pore eucalyptus wood and recycled bits, giving it a unique, airy vibe for its 4 occupants. Up front, there's a slick floating 10.25-inch iDrive screen, usually with Apple CarPlay to keep you connected (Android Auto was generally not available). Cargo-wise, you get 9.2 cubic feet in the boot, expanding to a decent 38.8 cubic feet with the rear seats down. No frunk here, though – the electric gubbins take up that space.

Performance & Driving Experience

This i3 BEV 120 Ah is a proper little rocket for city streets! Its rear-wheel-drive setup, powered by a single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM), chucks out 135 kW (around 170 hp) and 184 lb-ft of instant torque. That means 0-60 mph in a nippy 7.2 seconds – perfect for darting through traffic. The handling is super agile with a tiny turning circle, and the one-pedal driving mode is brilliant, making stop-start journeys a breeze. The ride can be a tad firm, but it's a small price for such a fun, responsive drive.

Range, Battery & Charging

The i3 BEV 120 Ah packs a 37.9 kWh usable battery, giving you a Green Cars Compare calculated real-world range of 158 miles – plenty for daily duties. It’s pretty efficient too, sipping juice at around 4.17 mi/kWh. Charging at home via its standard 11 kW AC on-board charger using the CCS Type 1 port can top it up in roughly 4-5 hours. On the go, DC fast charging maxes out at 50 kW, zapping the battery from nearly empty to 80% in about 30-40 minutes. No fancy vehicle-to-load (V2L) here, though.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

While the 2022 i3 BEV 120 Ah didn't have a specific NHTSA rating for this final year, earlier models performed well in IIHS tests, and it scored 4 stars from Euro NCAP. Standard kit in the US usually included essentials like a rearview camera and parking sensors. For more advanced stuff, BMW offered packages like Active Driving Assistant, which could bundle in features such as forward collision warning with city collision mitigation and sometimes adaptive cruise control. So, decent protection was available for this urban EV.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

BMW typically backed the 2022 i3 BEV 120 Ah with a 4-year/50,000-mile basic new vehicle warranty and an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty for the high-voltage battery in the US market. Powertrain components were covered under the basic warranty. BMW's Ultimate Care program often included complimentary maintenance for the first 3 years or 36,000 miles, a nice perk. The 120 Ah models were generally considered reliable for their innovative tech, offering peace of mind for EV adopters who appreciated its unique approach.