BMW i3 vs. Chevrolet Bolt EV
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the BMW i3 and Chevrolet Bolt EV contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the BMW i3 and the Chevrolet Bolt EV.
When we compare 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.
Pricing: A used 2021 BMW i3 ranges from $20,729 to $28,593 while a used 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV is priced between $14,549 to $22,986.
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.
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 6 out of 26 Best Electric Cars and the Chevrolet Bolt EV being ranked 3 out of 26.
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: The Chevrolet Bolt EV has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$44,450
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
$47,447
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
$37,990 - $59,900
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$36,500
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Electric Compact Cars)
$33,805
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Electric Compact Cars)
$31,670 - $36,500
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$24,808
Price Range:
$20,729 - $28,593
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
$30,521
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
$24,808 - $36,884
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
44
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
25,452
# Good or Great Deals:
25
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$18,372
Price Range:
$14,549 - $22,986
Category Avg Price:
(Electric Compact Cars)
$19,205
Category Avg Price Range:
(Electric Compact Cars)
$18,372 - $20,483
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
176
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
27,060
# Good or Great Deals:
41
BMW i3 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
6.8 / 10
Reliability:
7.2 / 10
Retained Value:
6.4 / 10
Safety:
Not available
Chevrolet Bolt EV Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.0 / 10
Reliability:
7.1 / 10
Retained Value:
6.9 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for BMW i3
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
7.4
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Chevrolet Bolt EV
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
11.3
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Electric Compact Cars)
8.4
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Electric Compact Cars)
5.5 - 11.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.5
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
3.5
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
1.7 - 566.7
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.4
Typical Category Recalls:
(Electric Compact Cars)
3.4
Category Range for Recalls:
(Electric Compact Cars)
1.5 - 3.6
BMW i3 Rankings
Ranking
3 out of / 15Ranking
3 out of / 15Ranking
4 out of / 26Ranking
6 out of / 26Ranking
6 out of / 15Ranking
7 out of / 15Ranking
10 out of / 26Ranking
10 out of / 26Ranking
10 out of / 15Ranking
10 out of / 15Ranking
13 out of / 15Ranking
13 out of / 15Ranking
15 out of / 15Ranking
16 out of / 26Ranking
17 out of / 26Ranking
18 out of / 26Ranking
21 out of / 26Chevrolet Bolt EV Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
2 out of / 26Ranking
2 out of / 26Ranking
2 out of / 26Ranking
3 out of / 26Ranking
4 out of / 26Ranking
5 out of / 26Ranking
7 out of / 26Ranking
8 out of / 26Ranking
13 out of / 26Ranking
17 out of / 26Summary 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
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
168 hp
Torque:
184 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.057 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
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
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
Standard
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
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 Features
Backup camera:
Standard
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:
80.3 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
Exterior Colors
Black
Fluid Black w/ BMW i Frozen Blue Accent
Blue
Imperial Blue Metallic w/ Frozen Grey Accent
Gold
Galvanic Gold Metallic w/ Frozen Grey Metallic Highlight
Gray
Mineral Grey Metallic w/ BMW i Frozen Blue Accent
Silver
Cashmere Silver Metallic w/ BMW i Blue Highlight
White
Capparis White w/ BMW i Frozen Blue Accent
Orange
Not available
Red
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Mosaic Black Metallic
Blue
Kinetic Blue Metallic / Oasis Blue
Gold
Not available
Gray
Nightfall Gray Metallic / Slate Gray Metallic
Silver
Not available
White
Summit White
Orange
Cayenne Orange Metallic
Red
Cajun Red Tintcoat
Interior Colors
Brown
Tera Dark Truffle
Gray
Deka Dark / Giga Brown w/ Carum Spice Grey Wool Cloth / Mega Carum Spice Grey w/ Brown Cloth Highlight
Interior Colors
Brown
Not available
Gray
Dark Galvanized/Sky Cool Gray
