BMW i3 vs. BMW M3
In comparing the BMW i3 to the BMW M3, the BMW i3 has the advantage in the area of interior volume. The BMW M3 has the advantage in the areas of overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the BMW i3 versus the BMW M3, the BMW M3 is a better car than the BMW i3.
BMW i3 versus BMW M3 Quality Rating
The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the BMW i3 is 6.5 out of 10 while the BMW M3's quality rating is 8.2 out of 10. This results in the BMW i3 being ranked 3 out of 11 Best Luxury Electric Cars and the BMW M3 being ranked 12 out of 39 Best Luxury Small Cars.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
For engine performance, the BMW i3’s base engine makes 168 horsepower, and the BMW M3 base engine makes 473 horsepower. The i3 is rated to deliver an average of 124 miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe), with a highway range of 153 miles. The M3 is rated to deliver an average of 19 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 359 miles. The i3 uses electricity, and the M3 uses premium unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison
The BMW i3, a electric compact car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more trunk space. The BMW M3, a compact car, has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
$27,575 - $37,991
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
70.9%
Pricing
New Asking Price:
$78,232 - $105,240
Used Asking Price:
-
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
41.1%
iSeeCars Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
6.5 / 10
Reliability:
7.2 / 10
Retained Value:
5.8 / 10
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.2 / 10
Reliability:
7.7 / 10
Retained Value:
8.8 / 10
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Rankings
Ranking
3 out of / 11Ranking
3 out of / 11Ranking
4 out of / 15Ranking
5 out of / 25Ranking
5 out of / 15Ranking
6 out of / 25iSeeCars Rankings
Ranking
10 out of / 39Ranking
12 out of / 39Summary Review
The BMW i3 is a compact electric car and was the first European EV to market in the US. BMW broke the mold when it created this fresh approach to motoring.
Summary Review
Not yet available
Pros and Cons
- Ultra-green construction with low carbon footprint
- Unique styling
- Vegan interior options
- Polarizing styling
- Limited space for its price point
- Poor reliability score
- Adaptive cruise control is not standard
- Rear-wheel drive only
Pros and Cons
Not yet available
Available Body Styles
Hatchback
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric, Plug-In Hybrid
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Trim Levels
Base, s
Trim Levels
Competition, Competition xDrive, Base
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
168 hp
Torque:
184 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.057 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
473 hp @ 6250 rpm
Torque:
406 foot-lbs @ 2650 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.123 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
Not Applicable
Engine Configuration:
Not Applicable
Number of Cylinders:
Not Applicable
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not applicable
MPGe:
124 / 102 / 113
Range (city/hwy):
153 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Electricity
Battery Size/Capacity :
42 kWh
Maximum Charging Rate:
7 hours (240V)
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway/Combined MPG):
16 / 23 / 19
MPGe:
Not applicable
Range (city/hwy):
250 / 359 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Battery Size/Capacity:
Not applicable
Maximum Charging Rate:
Not applicable
Standard/Optional Features
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Android Auto:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.8 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.5 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
53.6 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
31.9 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
49.2 inches
Cargo Space:
15.1 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
98.7 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.6 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.8 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.6 inches
Cargo Space:
13 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
95.0 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2972 lbs
Width:
80.3 inches
Height:
62.9 inches
Length:
158.3 inches
Wheelbase:
101.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.5 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3840 lbs
Width:
81.4 inches
Height:
56.4 inches
Length:
189.1 inches
Wheelbase:
112.5 inches
Ground Clearance:
4.7 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 5.0 inches
Wheel Type:
alloy
Tire Size:
155/70R19
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 9.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted alloy
Tire Size:
275/40R18
