BMW i3 BEV 94 Ah

Overview

The 2018 BMW i3 BEV 94 Ah is a characterful premium electric city car, known for its groundbreaking carbon-fibre construction and distinctive, futuristic styling. It carved a niche with its sustainable interior materials and zippy rear-wheel-drive performance. As a discontinued model, it’s now an intriguing used buy, with this particular 94 Ah version offering a more usable battery than its predecessors. European used prices hover around €14,900. It’s a funky, eco-conscious urban warrior that still turns heads and offers a uniquely BMW take on electric mobility.

What's New for 2018?

For 2018, the i3 range received a stylish nip-and-tuck, known as the Life Cycle Impulse (LCI). This refresh brought standard LED headlights across the board, subtly restyled front and rear bumpers, and fresh paint options, sharpening its already avant-garde looks. Inside, the infotainment got a boost with the updated iDrive 6.0 system, offering a more intuitive interface. Crucially, the 94 Ah battery, providing significantly more range than the original 60 Ah unit, became the mainstay for the pure electric BEV model, making it a much more practical proposition.

Design & Exterior

The i3’s design is pure sci-fi, even years on! Its tall, narrow body, measuring 4011 mm long, 1775 mm wide (excluding mirrors), and 1598 mm high, is crafted from lightweight Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP). Unique coach doors offer access to a surprisingly airy cabin. The 2018 BEV 94 Ah model benefits from standard LED headlights and tail lights, giving it a sharp, modern look. Its distinctive kidney grille (mostly closed off) and aero-optimised wheels scream "electric future." It’s a proper head-turner that stands out from the EV crowd.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the i3 BEV 94 Ah, and you’re greeted by an open, lounge-like cabin thanks to the flat floor and use of sustainable materials like kenaf fibres. It’s strictly a four-seater, but those inside get a decent view out. The 2018 models typically feature BMW’s iDrive 6.0 system on a floating central display. Cargo-wise, you get 260 litres in the boot, expanding to a useful 1100 litres with the rear seats folded flat. Unlike some EVs, this specific i3 version does not feature a frunk for additional storage.

Performance & Driving Experience

This funky EV is surprisingly quick off the line! The 2018 i3 BEV 94 Ah zips from 0 to 100 km/h in a brisk 7.3 seconds, thanks to its rear-mounted 125 kW Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) delivering a punchy 250 Nm of torque instantly to the rear wheels. It’s proper RWD fun! The ride is firm but well-damped for city driving, and its tight turning circle makes it a doddle to park. One-pedal driving is a joy with its strong regenerative braking. Top speed is electronically limited to 150 km/h.

Range, Battery & Charging

The i3 BEV 94 Ah packs a 27.2 kWh usable battery, delivering a Green Cars Compare calculated real-world range of approximately 199 km – ample for city duties and short commutes. Its energy efficiency is rated at a solid 7.32 km/kWh. For charging, it uses a CCS Type 2 port. Hooked up to a home wallbox, its standard 7.4 kW on-board AC charger can replenish the battery in around 4-5 hours. On the go, DC fast charging at up to 50 kW can significantly reduce charging times for longer trips.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

The BMW i3 achieved a 4-star rating from Euro NCAP for its safety performance. Standard safety equipment on the 2018 BEV 94 Ah typically includes multiple airbags, dynamic stability control, and tyre pressure monitoring. For enhanced safety, BMW offered optional packages such as 'Driving Assistant Plus', which often bundled features like adaptive cruise control with stop & go functionality, forward collision warning with city braking function, and pedestrian detection. It's best to verify the specific car's fitted options when considering a used model.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

When new in Europe, BMW generally provided a 3-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty for the vehicle itself, and an 8-year or 160,000 km warranty for the high-voltage battery, covering degradation below a certain threshold. For a 2018 used model, the remainder of this battery warranty might still apply. Electric vehicles like the i3 often benefit from lower routine maintenance costs compared to petrol or diesel cars due to fewer moving parts in the powertrain. However, any specialized repairs, particularly to the carbon-fibre structure, could be more costly.