This is the new BMW i3, and it’s one of the most important new BMW models revealed this century. It’s the first electric 3 Series to be launched in Europe, and it uses an all-new collection of parts.
Under the skin it’s pretty much identical to the BMW iX3 SUV, which means it has a 108kWh battery that provides a whopping 560 miles of range. That’s more than any electric car on sale today, and the clever panoramic infotainment system at the base of the windscreen is unique to BMW as well.
The i3 will go on sale later this year, and we reckon it’ll cost around £55,000. You can read our story on the car for all the details, but here we’re going to run through the top five alternatives to the BMW i3 which you could consider if you want a new EV right away.
The top five BMW i3 alternatives are:
Tesla Model 3
Mercedes CLA Electric
BYD Seal
Volkswagen ID7
BMW iX3
1. Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 is one of the most popular electric cars in the world, and it provides stiff competition to the BMW i3. For just under £38,000 you get a spacious, well-equipped saloon with 332 miles of range, which may be way short of the BMW’s 560-mile figure, but it’s still plenty for most people’s commutes.
If you do need to go further then the Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive model will do 466 miles on a charge, and still costs less than £45,000. We much prefer the i3’s interior though, because it looks a lot more interesting than the Tesla’s.
2. Mercedes CLA Electric
There was a brief period where the Mercedes CLA Electric was the longest-range electric car you could buy. It’ll do an impressive 481 miles on a charge, but then the BMW iX3 came along with 500 miles of range and the i3 is now here with 560 miles.
But 481 miles is still hugely impressive and the CLA Electric is also comfortable to drive and handsome to look at. Massive screens look pretty impressive as well, although the cliff-face dashboard design is pretty uninspiring.
3. BYD Seal
The BYD Seal is an interesting option if you’re after an electric saloon. This Chinese EV looks smart, if a little Tesla-like from the front, and you can get a 530hp version if you want some straight-line thrills.
It handles nicely as well, managing to be comfortable enough and fun through the corners. It’s just a shame that the touchscreen is fiddly to use on the move, and at just under £46,000 it’s priced too close to a Tesla Model 3 which offers over 100 miles more range.
4. Volkswagen ID7
It may be a bigger car than the BMW i3, but with prices starting from just over £50,000 the Volkswagen ID7 sits in a similar price bracket. We lived with an ID7 for six months, and we were hugely impressed with the cavernous interior and comfy suspension.
The button-free dashboard is a faff through, and it’s not the most fun car to drive through the corners. But if you’re after a relaxed cruiser with decent range, up to 434 miles of it, then the ID7 is a great option. There’s also an estate version if you need an even more practical boot.
5. BMW iX3
If you’re excited for the i3, but want an electric BMW right now, you could check out the new BMW iX3. It may not have the same slinky saloon styling, but this SUV still stands out with its bold, head-turning front end.
It also shares most of its tech with the i3, meaning you can experience the panoramic iDrive setup, which is a display projected along the entire width of the windscreen. That looks awesome, and it’s fantastic to drive as well. Chuck in the fact it has up to 500 miles of range and you’re onto a winner.
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