BMW i3s BEV 120 Ah

Overview

The 2022 BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah was the final curtain call for BMW's quirky, carbon-fiber-clad EV pioneer. Discontinued in 2022, this distinctive hatchback carved a niche with its sustainable ethos and futuristic design. It’s a proper head-turner, known for its innovative CFRP construction and surprisingly zippy rear-wheel-drive character, making it a unique choice on the used market. If you're hunting for one, expect to see prices around $16,200 used in the US, as new ones are no longer rolling off the line. It’s a slice of EV history you can actually drive!

What's New for 2022?

For its farewell tour in 2022, the i3 BEV 120 Ah didn’t rock the boat with massive changes. It largely carried over the spec from its 2021 iteration, which already boasted the upgraded 120 Ah battery pack (introduced in 2019) for that much-needed extra range. Think of it as a victory lap, solidifying its position as a distinctive, eco-conscious city slicker. The focus was on its established strengths: unique design, sustainable materials, and that agile driving feel, rather than a slew of new gadgets for its final model year in the US market.

Design & Exterior

The BMW i3's design is anything but boring, and the 2022 BEV 120 Ah kept that funky, futuristic vibe alive! Its tall, narrow profile, measuring 157.7 inches long, 70.5 inches wide (no mirrors), and 62.6 inches high, is instantly recognizable. You get those cool coach doors, a lightweight carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) passenger cell, and distinctive U-shaped LED headlights. It's a design that shouts "I'm different!" and still looks like it teleported from the future. The BEV 120 Ah trim typically featured aerodynamically optimized wheels, unique to its efficient character.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the i3 BEV 120 Ah, and you're greeted by a properly airy and avant-garde cabin, thanks to sustainable materials like kenaf fiber and available open-pore eucalyptus wood. It's a strict four-seater, with rear access via those trick coach doors. For your stuff, there's 9.2 cubic feet of trunk space, expanding to a decent 38.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. No frunk here, though! Tech-wise, BMW's iDrive infotainment system with a crisp screen was standard, including Apple CarPlay for seamless iPhone integration. Android Auto, however, remained a no-show.

Performance & Driving Experience

Don't let its quirky looks fool you; the i3 BEV 120 Ah is a nippy little thing! Its rear-mounted PMSM electric motor delivers a lively 135 kW (that's about 181 hp!) and a solid 199 lb-ft of torque, zipping you from 0-60 mph in a brisk 6.8 seconds. Being rear-wheel drive, it offers that classic BMW engagement, making it super agile and fun for darting through city traffic. The ride can be a tad firm on rougher US roads, but its strong regenerative braking allows for excellent one-pedal driving capability.

Range, Battery & Charging

Powering the 2022 i3 BEV 120 Ah is a 37.9 kWh usable battery pack, delivering Green Cars Compare's calculated 'real-world' range estimate of around 152 miles – decent for city duties. It sips juice at an efficient 4.01 mi/kWh. For charging, it rocks a US-standard CCS Type 1 port. At home on its standard 11 kW AC on-board charger, you’ll top it up in about 4-5 hours. Out and about, DC fast charging maxes out at 50 kW, meaning you can zap from 10-80% in roughly 30-35 minutes.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

While final US NHTSA ratings are not listed for this specific outgoing model year, the i3 generally performed well in IIHS tests over its lifespan, and Euro NCAP awarded it 4 stars. For driver aids, the 2022 i3 BEV 120 Ah typically came with standard features like forward collision warning and city collision mitigation. The optional Active Driving Assistant package bundled desirable tech like adaptive cruise control with stop & go, speed limit information, and automatic high beams, providing an extra layer of confidence on the road.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

As a discontinued model, original new BMW warranties won't apply to future purchases unless it's a Certified Pre-Owned unit with remaining coverage. BMW's standard new vehicle warranty was typically 4 years/50,000 miles, with the high-voltage battery covered for 8 years/100,000 miles. BMW also offered complimentary maintenance for 3 years/36,000 miles. The later i3 models like the BEV 120 Ah are considered relatively reliable, benefiting from years of powertrain refinement and requiring less maintenance than conventional gasoline cars. Always check a used vehicle's specific history.