BMW i3 l01 22 kWh (170 Hp) Range Extender


Overall Rating

7.7 / 10
Safety 4.0 / 5
Engine 4.0 / 5
Value 3.5 / 5
Performance 4.0 / 5
Comfort 4.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

BMW i3:

The BMW i3 is an electric car that was manufactured by German marque BMW from 2013 to 2022. The i3 was BMW's first mass-produced zero emissions vehicle and was launched as part of BMW's electric vehicle BMW i sub-brand. It is a B-segment, high-roof hatchback with an electric powertrain. It uses rear-wheel drive via a single-speed transmission and an underfloor lithium-ion battery pack with an optional range-extending petrol engine.
Styled by Richard Kim, the i3 is a five-door with a passenger module of high strength, ultra-lightweight carbon fibre reinforced polymer adhered to an aluminium chassis, battery, drive system and powertrain. The body features two clamshell rear-hinged rear doors....(Read more on Wikipedia)

l01 Overview:

BMW i3 (l01). With 56 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1315 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 7.9 s). The top speed reaches 150 km/h. A compact car with a rear door that swings upward to provide access to the cargo area. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.

Safety Rating
Euro NCAP Year 2013
Adult Occupant 81%
Stars 4
Expert Note:
Achieved a respectable 4-star Euro NCAP rating, demonstrating good protection for adult and child occupants, though safety assist systems were less comprehensive than later models.

22 kWh (170 Hp) Range Extender Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Offers brisk acceleration for city driving thanks to the electric motor, with the small petrol engine acting as a generator to extend range, providing peace of mind for longer journeys.

Fuel Economy

Exceptional fuel economy (0.6 l/100 km combined) when the range extender is used, with primary propulsion being electric, resulting in very low running costs.

Best Use Case: City / Suburban with occasional highway trips where range anxiety is a concern.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Distinctive and modern design
  • • Agile handling and tight turning circle for urban environments
  • • Instant torque and smooth electric acceleration
  • • Sustainable interior materials and manufacturing process
  • • Low running costs (especially pure EV)
  • • Spacious and airy cabin feel

Cons:

  • • Limited electric range on early models (22 kWh)
  • • High initial purchase price
  • • Small fuel tank for Range Extender (9L)
  • • Polarizing exterior design may not appeal to all
  • • Small trunk space (260L)
  • • Rear-hinged doors can be inconvenient in tight spaces

Specifications:

General:
Brand:BMW
Model:i3
Generation:l01
Modification (Engine):22 kWh (170 Hp) Range Extender
Start of production:2013
End of production:2017
Powertrain Architecture:PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle)
Body type:Hatchback
Seats:4
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:38 Hp @ 5000 rpm.
Power per litre:58.7 Hp/l
Torque:56 Nm @ 4500 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:W20K06U0
Engine displacement:647
Number of cylinders:2
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Engine oil capacity:2.6 l
Engine layout:Rear, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:79 mm mm
Piston Stroke:66 mm mm
Compression ratio:10.6:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol / electricity
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined (NEDC):0.6 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:0.6 l/100 km
Emission standard:Euro 6
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:7.9 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:7.9 sec
Maximum speed:150 km/h, Electronically limited
Weight-to-power ratio:7.7 kg/Hp, 129.3 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:5.3 kg/Nm, 190.1 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:7.5 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1315
Max. weight:1730
Max load:415
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:1100 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:260 l
Fuel tank capacity:9 l
Size:
Length:3999 mm mm
Width:1775 mm mm
Height:1578 mm mm
Wheelbase:2570 mm mm
Front track:1571 mm
Rear (Back) track:1576 mm
Front overhang:707 mm
Rear overhang:722 mm
Ride height (ground clearance):140 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):9.86 m
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the generator only, with no mechanical connection to the drive. An electric motor drives the rear wheels.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Front brakesVentilated discs
Rear brakesVentilated discs
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringElectric Steering
Tires sizeFront wheel tires: 155/70 R19
Wheel rims sizeFront wheel rims: 5J x 19
Front suspensionIndependent type McPherson
Rear suspensionIndependent multi-link suspension
Electric:
Net (usable) battery capacity:18.8 kWh
Gross battery capacity:22 kWh
Battery technology:Lithium-ion (Li-Ion)
Battery location:Below the floor
System power:170 Hp
System torque:250 Nm
All-electric range:170 km
Electric motor power:170 Hp
Electric motor Torque:250 Nm @ 0 rpm.
Average Energy consumption:13.5 kWh/100 km
Electric motor location:Rear axle, Transverse
Electric motor type:Synchronous
Battery weight:230 kg
Electric motor model/code:IB1P23M0
Battery voltage:360 V
Average Energy consumption (NEDC):13.5 kWh/100 km
All-electric range (NEDC):170 km
Maximum revolutions of the electric motor:11400 rpm.
Recuperation output:50 kW

Fuel, speed, and comfort: How does the BMW i3 rank in your book?