This video reviews the BMW i3 electric hatchback, highlighting its unique, futuristic styling, sustainable interior materials, and carbon fiber chassis as positives. However, it heavily criticizes the car's high starting price (around $50,000) relative to its limited electric range (~97 miles, or ~150 with the optional range extender) and features, especially when compared to competitors like the Tesla Model 3 and Nissan Leaf which offer more range for less money. The reviewer details numerous "quirks and features," including fake kidney grilles, suicide rear doors, extremely narrow tires, and odd interior controls. While finding the driving experience (quick acceleration, decent handling, quiet ride) acceptable and the design cool, the video concludes the i3 is a poor value proposition when purchased new due to its price and rapid depreciation, but suggests it could be an interesting and affordable used car purchase.
BMW i3 Review: Quirky But Overpriced Electric Hatchback
0:00 Introduction & Specs: Introduces the BMW i3, noting its 170 hp, 97-mile electric range (or ~150 miles with the optional Range Extender gasoline engine).
0:20 Pricing Criticism: Highlights the high base price of around $50,000 (up to $62,000 optioned), deeming it excessive for the offering.
1:40 Poor Value vs. Competition: Compares the i3 unfavorably to the Tesla Model 3 (more range, cheaper) and Nissan Leaf (more range, significantly cheaper), emphasizing its poor value proposition.
2:04 Massive Depreciation: Points out the extreme depreciation, with used models available for under $20,000, making it one of the worst depreciating cars but a potentially good used buy.
2:25 Styling & Quirks: Despite the price, the reviewer likes the i3's cool, modern, funky styling and promises to explore its unique quirks.
3:12 Quirk: Fake Grilles: The iconic BMW kidney grilles are purely aesthetic and non-functional as there's no engine up front needing cooling.
3:38 Quirk: Front Trunk (Frunk): Features a small storage area under the hood, accessed via an interior button and a hood latch.
4:07 Quirk: "Electronau(gh)t" Edition: Details a special early edition with specific badging ("Hello Future") and features like fast charging.
5:00 Critique: Body Panel Fit: Notes noticeable panel gaps and cheaper-feeling materials, contrasting with common criticisms of Tesla panel gaps.
5:47 Quirk: Odd Trim Names: Trim levels have unusual names like "Mega World," "Giga World," and "Terra World."
6:16 Quirk: Narrow Tires: The i3 uses exceptionally narrow tires (155 width) presumably to maximize range, giving it a unique, almost bicycle-like appearance.
7:01 Quirk: Dual Turn Signals: Rear turn signals are integrated into the tailgate; secondary signals activate in the bumper when the tailgate is open to comply with regulations.
7:57 Quirk: Automatic Brake Lights: Due to strong regenerative braking (one-pedal driving), the brake lights illuminate automatically when lifting off the accelerator, even without pressing the brake pedal.
8:53 Quirk: Suicide Rear Doors: Features small, rear-hinged "coach" doors that can only be opened after the front doors, providing access to a compact rear seat.
9:40 Rear Seat Limitations: Back seat has limited legroom, fixed windows (cannot roll down), and can feel claustrophobic.
10:23 Interior: Sustainable Materials: The interior uses unique and sustainable materials like kenaf fibers, responsibly sourced eucalyptus wood, and wool blended with recycled plastics.
11:21 Feature: Carbon Fiber Chassis: Utilizes a carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) chassis for weight savings, a feature typically found on high-end supercars, making it the cheapest car with such construction.
12:24 Interior Quirks & Controls: Includes an unusual start-up sound, a unique but intuitive column-mounted gear selector, an "infuriating" wiper stalk design, a prominently placed forward collision warning OFF button, and slightly confusing door handles/storage trays.
15:03 Quirk: Afterthought Cupholder: A second front cupholder appears tacked onto the center console as an afterthought.
15:31 Critique: Lack of Features for Price: Despite the high price, the reviewed model lacks power seats, a sunroof, a power tailgate, and even a backup camera (on older models).
17:17 Driving: Acceleration: Offers quick off-the-line acceleration typical of EVs due to instant torque.
17:46 Driving: Quietness: The cabin is well-insulated, providing a quiet driving experience.
18:30 Driving: Handling & Ride: Steering is precise, but the ride can be firm and unsettled by bumps, lacking typical BMW sure-footedness. Handling is acceptable but not sporty.
19:15 Driving: Interior Space (Front): Front cabin feels spacious with ample headroom and legroom.
19:43 Driving Summary: The driving experience is deemed "okay"—quick enough, reasonably agile, quiet, but with a slightly rough ride. Its main appeal lies in its unique styling and character.
19:52 Value Conclusion: Reiterates that the i3 is severely overpriced new given its range and the competition, advising buyers to seek huge discounts or buy used.
20:58 Doug Score: The car receives a low Doug Score of 46/100 (Weekend: 21/50, Daily: 25/50), primarily dragged down by its poor Value (2/10) and limited Features (5/10) for a daily driver, and middling performance/fun scores for weekend use. It scores significantly lower than competitors like the Chevy Bolt and Tesla Model 3.