BMW i3s BEV 120 Ah

Overview

The BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah was a true trailblazer, a quirky premium electric hatchback that dared to be different right until its production curtain call in 2022. Its unique carbon-fibre construction, sustainable interior materials, and rear-wheel-drive setup made it a standout city slicker. Even now, it’s a sought-after eco-warrior on the used market, with this final 120 Ah version, offering the best battery, typically found around 19,903 €. It carved its own niche, proving that electric mobility could be both responsible and ridiculously cool.

What's New for 2022?

For 2022, the BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah wasn't about revolutionary changes, but rather bowing out gracefully as the ultimate version of this iconic EV. This final model year solidified the 120 Ah battery pack, introduced a few years prior, as the standard, offering its best-ever range and performance. Essentially, 2022 models represent the most refined iteration of a car that was ahead of its time from day one. It was more a fond farewell tour for this ground-breaking electric pioneer than a year of fresh gizmos.

Design & Exterior

Rocking a design that still looks futuristic, the 2022 BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah is anything but a wallflower! Its tall, narrow stance and signature coach doors (that's suicide doors to you and me!) make it instantly recognisable. Built around a lightweight carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) passenger cell – proper F1 tech, that! Key dimensions are a city-friendly 4006 mm in length, 1791 mm wide (mirrors tucked in!), and 1590 mm tall. It’s a design statement that shouts 'eco-chic' from every angle.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Jump inside the i3 BEV 120 Ah and you’re greeted by an airy, minimalist cabin crafted with some seriously cool sustainable materials like kenaf and open-pore eucalyptus wood. It comfortably seats four, though rear access via those coach doors is a bit quirky. For your bits and bobs, there's 260 litres of boot space, expanding to a useful 1100 litres with the rear seats flopped down. Tech-wise, expect BMW's iDrive system, typically with a 10.25-inch screen and Apple CarPlay to keep you connected on your urban adventures.

Performance & Driving Experience

Don't let its eco-credentials fool you; this i3 BEV 120 Ah is a proper little rocket in the city! With its 135 kW Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) zapping 270 Nm of torque to the rear wheels, it’ll whisk you from 0-100 km/h in a nippy 6.9 seconds. That rear-wheel-drive layout means it’s surprisingly fun to thread through traffic, and its tight turning circle is a godsend for parking. Strong regenerative braking allows for proper one-pedal driving once you get the hang of it, making commutes super smooth.

Range, Battery & Charging

The heart of this i3 is its 37.9 kWh (usable) battery, giving you a Green Cars Compare calculated 'real-world' range of around 244 km – plenty for most daily duties. It sips energy at a rate of 6.44 km/kWh, which is pretty decent! To juice it up, the standard 11 kW on-board AC charger will take it from empty to full in about 3.5-4 hours using its CCS Type 2 port. For quicker top-ups, it supports DC fast charging at up to 50 kW, getting you significant range in under an hour.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

When it comes to safety, the BMW i3 scored a respectable 4 stars in Euro NCAP tests. While not class-leading by 2022, it packed a decent array of safety kit. You'd typically find essentials like multiple airbags, stability control, and parking sensors as standard. Many 120 Ah models were also specced with optional driver assistance packages, potentially including features like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with city braking, and traffic jam assist, making your urban jaunts that little bit safer and more relaxed.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

For peace of mind, BMW typically offered a 3-year/unlimited kilometre vehicle warranty in Europe for the i3. Crucially, the high-voltage battery in the BEV 120 Ah was usually covered for 8 years or 160,000 km, with a guarantee against excessive degradation, ensuring its longevity. Electric motors mean fewer moving parts, so maintenance is generally simpler and less frequent than a combustion car. Overall, the later i3 models, like this 120Ah version, are known for being pretty robust and reliable electric companions.