BMW i3 BEV 60 Ah

Overview

The 2017 BMW i3 BEV 60 Ah is a truly unique electric city slicker, one of the pioneers that brought futuristic design and carbon-fiber construction to the EV scene. This plucky little hatchback carved out a niche as a premium, eco-conscious urban runabout. With its distinctive looks and focus on sustainability, the 60 Ah version served as an intriguing entry into BMW's electric world. On the used market, you might snag one for around $4,500, making it a quirky and affordable EV option if the range fits your city-centric lifestyle.

What's New for 2017?

For the 2017 model year, the big buzz around the i3 was the introduction of a larger 94 Ah battery, boosting range significantly. This meant the 60 Ah model, like the one we're looking at, was in its final year as the more accessible entry point. It still packed all the i3's innovative charm and design, often benefiting from previously optional kit becoming more common. Think of it as the OG i3, offering a pure electric experience before the longer-range versions took center stage, perfect for those early EV adopters!

Design & Exterior

Rocking a look that still turns heads, the 2017 BMW i3 BEV 60 Ah is anything but boring! Its tall, narrow body, measuring 157.4 inches long, 69.9 inches wide, and 62.1 inches high, is crafted from lightweight carbon fiber reinforced plastic. Those funky coach-style rear doors are a signature touch, alongside its distinctive front end and floating roofline. Standard LED headlights brightened the path, and unique alloy wheels completed its avant-garde city car aesthetic. It’s a design that screams 'future' even today, making a bold statement wherever it zips.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the i3 BEV 60 Ah, and you're greeted by a refreshingly airy and sustainable cabin. Think open-pore eucalyptus wood, recycled materials, and a lounge-like vibe for its four seats. While rear access via coach doors is unique, space back there is cozy. Up front, BMW’s iDrive infotainment system manages tunes and nav, typically on a prominent display. For cargo, you get a practical 9.2 cubic feet in the boot, expanding to a useful 38.8 cubic feet with the rear seats down. No frunk here, but the interior is still a masterclass in modern design.

Performance & Driving Experience

Don't let its quirky looks fool you; this i3 BEV 60 Ah is a proper hoot to drive in the city! Its rear-wheel-drive setup, powered by a 125 kW (around 168 hp) Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor, delivers a zesty 184 lb-ft of torque instantly. That means a brisk 0-60 mph sprint in just 7 seconds – nippy! The ride can be a tad firm on its eco-tires, but its tight turning circle and responsive steering make it an urban champion. Plus, the strong regenerative braking allows for easy one-pedal driving. What a fun little go-kart!

Range, Battery & Charging

The 2017 i3 BEV 60 Ah packs an 18.8 kWh usable battery, giving you a Green Cars Compare estimated real-world range of 83 miles – perfect for city jaunts. It’s pretty efficient too, sipping juice at around 4.41 mi/kWh. At home, the standard 7.4 kW AC on-board charger can top it up in about 2.5 to 3 hours. Out and about? Hook it up to a DC fast charger via its CCS Type 1 port, and you can hit up to 50 kW, zapping it to 80% in around 30-40 minutes. Ideal for quick top-ups!

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

While specific NHTSA ratings for this trim might be elusive, the i3 generally performed well in IIHS crash tests, and Euro NCAP awarded it 4 stars. Standard kit usually included basics like rear parking sensors. For more advanced gear, BMW offered optional packages like Driving Assistant Plus, which could add adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with city collision mitigation, and pedestrian detection. These features helped make this futuristic city car a bit smarter and safer on busy urban streets, though lane keeping was less common.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

When new, BMW typically backed the i3 with a 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty. Critically for an EV, the high-voltage battery usually received an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty, guarding against significant degradation – a key peace-of-mind factor. BMW often threw in complimentary maintenance for the first 3 years or 36,000 miles too. As a used buy, checking battery health is paramount, but these early i3s have proven to be relatively solid electric companions, especially for those understanding their city-focused range and unique engineering.