BMW i3 vs. Chevrolet Bolt EV
In comparing the BMW i3's and the Chevrolet Bolt EV's specifications and ratings, the BMW i3 has the advantage in the area of reliability. The Chevrolet Bolt EV has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, resale value, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the BMW i3's and the Chevrolet Bolt EV's specifications and ratings, the Chevrolet Bolt EV is a better car than the BMW i3.
BMW i3 vs. Chevrolet Bolt EV Pricing
A used 2021 BMW i3 ranges from $21,799 to $30,059 while a used 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV is priced between $15,195 to $24,864.
BMW i3 vs. Chevrolet Bolt EV Resale/Retained Value
Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the BMW i3 loses 66.1 percent of its value and the Chevrolet Bolt EV loses 57.6 percent of its value. This means the Chevrolet Bolt EV retains 8.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the BMW i3.
BMW i3 vs. Chevrolet Bolt EV Quality Rating
The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the BMW i3 is 6.8 out of 10 while the Chevrolet Bolt EV's quality rating is 8.0 out of 10. This results in the BMW i3 being ranked 5 out of 12 Best Small Electric Cars and the Chevrolet Bolt EV being ranked 3 out of 12. Out of 27 Best Electric Cars, the BMW i3 is ranked 6 and the Chevrolet Bolt EV is ranked 4.
BMW i3 vs. Chevrolet Bolt EV Reliability Rating
iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the BMW i3 is 7.2 out of 10. For the Chevrolet Bolt EV the reliability rating is 7.1 out of 10. This gives the BMW i3 a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Chevrolet Bolt EV.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
For engine performance, the BMW i3’s base engine makes 168 horsepower, and the Chevrolet Bolt EV base engine makes 200 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 Bolt EV is rated to deliver an average of 127 miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe), with a highway range of 259 miles. This gives the Chevrolet Bolt EV the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the BMW i3. Both models use electricity. The charge time for the i3 is 7 hours (240V), while the charge time for the Bolt EV is 10 hours (240V).
Passenger Space Comparison
While both models are electric compact cars, the Chevrolet Bolt EV has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The BMW i3 has the advantage in the area of front head room.
Safety Ratings Comparison
The Chevrolet Bolt EV has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
21799 - 30059
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.661237
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
15195 - 24864
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.575788
BMW i3 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
6.786966 / 10
Reliability:
7.2 / 10
Retained Value:
6.373932 / 10
Safety:
Not available
Chevrolet Bolt EV Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.003336 / 10
Reliability:
7.1 / 10
Retained Value:
6.91001 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
BMW i3 Rankings
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18 out of / 27Summary 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
The Chevrolet Bolt is a compact four-door hatchback EV. Now heading into its fifth year of sales, the Bolt has just received a styling refresh, and an EUV version with added rear-seat legroom is joining the model line.
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
- IIHS Top Safety Pick
- Widely available both new and used
- Modern interior design
- Seat comfort is a recurring owner complaint
- Only available in front-wheel drive
- Common driver-assist technology not standard (through 2020 model year)
Available Body Styles
Hatchback
Available Body Styles
Hatchback
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric, Plug-In Hybrid
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric
BMW i3 Trim Levels
Base, s
Chevrolet Bolt EV Trim Levels
LT, Premier
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:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
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):
5 out of 5 Stars
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:
200 hp
Torque:
266 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.056 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD
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
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
MPGe:
127 / 108 / 118
Range (city/hwy):
259 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Electricity
Battery Size/Capacity:
66 kWh
Maximum Charging Rate:
10 hours (240V)
Standard/Optional Features
Apple Car Play:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Android Auto:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Apple Car Play:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Android Auto:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Safety Equipment
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Equipment
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
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:
39.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.6 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
54.6 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.9 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
52.8 inches
Cargo Space:
16.9 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
111.3 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:
3563 lbs
Width:
69.5 inches
Height:
62.8 inches
Length:
164 inches
Wheelbase:
102.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 5.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
155/70R19
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P215/50R17