BMW i3s BEV 94 Ah

Overview

The 2018 BMW i3 BEV 94 Ah is a truly unique premium compact EV, a real fashion statement for eco-conscious city slickers. Its standout carbon-fiber construction, funky coach doors, and sustainable interior made it a pioneer. Though discontinued new, this German-built hatch can be snagged on the US used market for around $11,500. It carved a niche with its futuristic design and BMW’s typically engaging driving dynamics, offering a distinctive alternative in the early EV scene. It’s all about that quirky charm and zero-emission urban mobility with a premium badge.

What's New for 2018?

For 2018, the i3 BEV 94 Ah got some neat tech refreshments. The biggest news inside was the upgraded iDrive 6.0 infotainment system, boasting a sharper, more user-friendly interface on its optional larger screen. Apple CarPlay also made its debut, though typically as an extra, finally bringing better smartphone integration. While the beefier 94 Ah battery carried over from 2017, subtle exterior styling tweaks, including new paint options and minor trim adjustments, helped keep this funky EV looking fresh on American roads alongside the then-new, sportier i3s variant.

Design & Exterior

The 2018 BMW i3 BEV 94 Ah is an absolute riot to look at, still futuristic today! Its tall, narrow profile measuring 157.7 inches long, 70.5 inches wide, and 62.6 inches high, is perfect for nipping through city gaps. The party trick? Those awesome rear-hinged coach doors, making access to the back surprisingly decent once you get the hang of ‘em. Built using an advanced Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) passenger cell, it’s lightweight yet super strong. Standard LED headlights and distinctive U-shaped DRLs complete its unique, tech-forward look.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the i3 94 Ah and you're greeted by an airy, lounge-like cabin brimming with sustainable chic – think open-pore eucalyptus wood and natural fibers. It’s a proper four-seater, though those coach doors mean front passengers unbuckle for rear entry. Cargo-wise, you get a practical 9.2 ft³ in the boot, expanding to a very usable 38.8 ft³ with the rear seats dropped. As per its specs, there's no frunk for extra bits. The 2018 model featured an updated iDrive system with an available 10.25-inch screen, and Apple CarPlay was on the options list.

Performance & Driving Experience

This little Bimmer is surprisingly nippy! The i3 BEV 94 Ah scoots from 0-60 mph in a snappy 6.8 seconds. Its rear-wheel drive setup, powered by a single 135 kW Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor, delivers 199 lb-ft of instant torque, making it a hoot to drive in town with a go-kart vibe. It’s super agile, with a tiny turning circle. One-pedal driving is brilliantly executed, allowing for significant regenerative braking. While fun, the ride on its skinny eco-tires can feel a tad firm over gnarlier city streets. Max speed is 99 mph.

Range, Battery & Charging

The i3 BEV 94 Ah features a 27.2 kWh usable battery, giving you a Green Cars Compare calculated real-world range of about 116 miles – plenty for daily city duties and short hops. It’s pretty efficient too, sipping juice at around 4.26 mi/kWh. For charging, its standard 7.4 kW on-board AC charger will fill it up in roughly 4.5 hours from empty. Out and about, the CCS Type 1 port allows for DC fast charging at up to 50 kW, zapping the battery to 80% in about 30-40 minutes.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

The 2018 i3’s innovative carbon fiber passenger cell provides excellent crash protection. While the provided data shows no NHTSA overall rating, the IIHS gave it "Good" scores in most crash tests. The European Euro NCAP rated it 4 stars. Standard safety included a rearview camera and stability control. For more advanced aids, the optional Driving Assistant package offered features like adaptive cruise control with stop & go, forward collision warning, and city collision mitigation, boosting confidence on busy US streets.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

New BMWs, including the i3, typically came with a 4-year/50,000-mile basic limited warranty in the US. Critically for an EV, the high-voltage battery was covered for a more generous 8 years or 100,000 miles against significant capacity loss. The electric powertrain often fell under a similar umbrella. Maintenance is generally low-stress with EVs – no oil changes here! While reliability is decent, like many early advanced EVs, some electronic gremlins weren't unheard of. Always good to check a used model’s history.