2015 BMW i3 BEV
The 2015 BMW i3 BEV is an all-electric hatchback. Its electric drivetrain produces 170 hp (127 kW), with a quoted range of 81 miles (130 km), and it has rear-wheel drive. 0–60 mph takes 7.2 seconds and top speed is 93 mph (150 km/h).
ABOUT THE 2015 BMW I3 BEV
The 2015 BMW i3 is the fully electric version of BMW’s compact I01 hatchback, here in its second US model year. Its rear-mounted motor produces 170 hp and 184 lb-ft and drives the rear wheels through a single-speed transmission. The 22 kWh lithium-ion battery gives an EPA-rated range of 81 miles (about 130 km).
The battery-only i3
Unlike the range-extender model, the pure-electric i3 has no petrol generator or fuel tank, which makes it lighter and slightly quicker. Mechanically the 2015 car is little changed from the 2014 launch model. The bigger update came for 2017, when a higher-capacity battery substantially increased range, so 2015 cars keep the original pack and are best suited to commuting and urban use.
Design and engineering
The i3’s carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic passenger cell sits on an aluminium “Drive Module” that holds the battery and motor, keeping weight down. Its tall, narrow tyres reduce rolling resistance, and its tight turning circle and strong regenerative braking allow near “one-pedal” driving in town. The interior uses recycled fibres and was available with open-pore eucalyptus wood trim, and there are seats for four.
Charging and ownership
Most owners charge at home using a Level 2 wallbox; DC fast charging was an extra-cost option, so check whether a used car has it. Inspect battery health and the tyres, which are expensive specialist sizes, and confirm any software updates have been carried out.
Rivals
In 2015 the i3 competed with the Nissan Leaf, Volkswagen e-Golf, Kia Soul EV and Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive.
Written by CarDetails.org. Last reviewed October 31, 2026.
SPECS
| Make | BMW | Model | i3 BEV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 2015 | Version / Trim | BMW 2015 i3 BEV |
| Body Style | Hatchback | Doors | 4 |
| Seats | 4 | Ext. Colour | Capparis White, Ionic Silver Metallic, Andesite Silver Metallic, Arravani Grey Metallic, Laurus Grey, Solar Orange Metallic, Protonic Blue Metallic |
| Steering | LHD / RHD | Manufactured In | Germany |
| Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) | Transmission | Automatic (A1) |
| Motor | Electric Motor | ||
| Power | 170 hp / 127 kW | Torque | 250 Nm / 184 lb-ft |
| 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) | 7.2 sec | Top Speed | 93 mph (150 km/h) |
| Range / Economy | 27.0 MPGe combined | ||
| Electric Range | 81 miles (130 km) | Max Charge Rate | — |
| Wheelbase | 2,570 mm | Kerb Weight | 1,195 kg (2,635 lb) |
HOW IT COMPARES WITH OTHER 2015 HATCHBACKS
Compared with other 2015 hatchbacks in our database, its 170 hp is 14% less than the average 2015 hatchback (198 hp), and it reaches 60 mph 0.9 seconds quicker than average, and it is 14% lighter than the typical hatchback.
| 2015 BMW i3 BEV | Average 2015 hatchbacks | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 170 hp | 198 hp (16 cars) | -14% |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 274 Nm (16 cars) | -9% |
| 0–60 mph | 7.2 s | 8.1 s (16 cars) | -11% |
| Top speed | 93 mph | 121 mph (16 cars) | -23% |
| Kerb weight | 1,195 kg | 1,383 kg (17 cars) | -14% |
Averages are calculated from all cars of the same model year and body type in the CarDetails.org database that have the figure listed. For 0–60 mph, a negative difference means quicker.
CLOSEST RIVALS
Other 2015 hatchbacks with similar power to the 2015 BMW i3 BEV.
| Car | Power | 0–60 mph | Kerb weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 BMW i3 BEV | 170 hp | 7.2 s | 1,195 kg |
| 2015 Nissan Juke | 188 hp | 9.0 s | 1,285 kg |
| 2015 Hyundai Veloster | 201 hp | 9.0 s | 1,246 kg |
| 2015 Toyota Prius | 134 hp | 10.8 s | 1,380 kg |
| 2015 Honda Fit | 130 hp | 10.5 s | 1,103 kg |