The BMW i3 is one of the most compelling and fascinating electric cars available today. It’s a small, upright and narrow commuter car with a hip, luxury vibe. The pure electric version provides 153 miles on a single charge, which is less than competing models like the Tesla Model 3 and Chevrolet Bolt. But the i3 makes up for its modest range with great style and BMW’s impeccable quality.

In an offering that’s truly unique among EVs, the BMW i3 comes with a small, two-liter, range-extending engine and a 2.4 gallon gas tank. When the 42 kWh battery pack is nearly depleted, the engine turns on to extend the driving range to 200 miles.

The i3 uses ultra-lightweight carbon-fiber for the car’s main body structure. The combination of its lightweight structure and powerful electric motor makes the i3 a pleasure to drive. The quiet, 181-horsepower motor and small commuter hatch produce a very responsive ride maneuverable in city traffic. Not only does the i3 launch quickly from traffic lights, but it’s also easy to park in the tightest parking spots.

All told, the BMW i3 is a very capable and charismatic commuter EV.

The base-level BMW i3 features a 170 horsepower electric motor. Buyers who opt for the more expensive i3s trim get the stronger, 181-horsepower motor and a sport-tuned suspension. Both of the current models utilize a 42 kWh battery pack that provides 153 miles of range on a single charge.

The i3’s battery capacity has grown over the years. The 2014 i3 originally came with a 21.6 kWh battery offering only 81 miles of range. By 2016, the capacity grew to 33.2 kWh – increasing the EV range to 114 miles. And then, in 2019, BMW upgraded the battery to the current 42.2 kWh pack with the 153 miles offered today.

For some model years, BMW offered two different packs: one with a 60 amp-hour battery and the other with a 94 amp-hour pack. The EPA-estimated driving ranges were slightly affected.

Drivers wanting an extra level of assurance about range can opt for the BMW i3 with Range Extender. That boosts the total range to 200 miles. When the battery falls to nearly empty, the small engine turns on to add another 47 miles of range. When running on gas, the i3 is only moderately efficient at 31 miles per gallon.

For most local and regional driving, the 153 miles of all-electric range is more than ample for a single day. Drivers can charge at home via the i3’s onboard 7.7 kW charger. The JuiceBox^® 32 is a good match for this level of charging. A full charge via the JuiceBox 32 takes about 6 hours.