2016 BMW i3 BEV
The 2016 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 2016 BMW I3 BEV
The 2016 BMW i3 BEV is the pure-electric version of BMW’s compact city car (I01). Its rear-mounted electric motor produces 170 hp and 184 lb-ft (250 Nm), drives the rear wheels through a single-speed transmission, and is fed by a 22 kWh lithium-ion battery. The EPA rated its range at 81 miles (about 130 km).
Where 2016 sits
The i3 arrived in the US for 2014, and 2016 was the last year of the original 22 kWh battery. For 2017 BMW introduced a larger battery that pushed the EPA range to 114 miles. A range-extender version with a small petrol engine was offered alongside the BEV.
Clever construction
The i3 is built in Leipzig, Germany, around a passenger cell made of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic mounted on an aluminium chassis that carries the battery and motor. This keeps its weight low for an electric car. Rear-hinged rear doors open with the front doors to give access to the back seats, and the cabin seats four, using recycled and natural materials.
Buying one today
A key check is battery health: an 81-mile car that has lost capacity may be limited to short local trips. Confirm the charging equipment works on both AC and DC fast charging if fitted. The narrow, tall tyres are specific sizes that can be harder to find. Weak 12-volt batteries can also cause warning messages.
Rivals
Competitors included the Nissan Leaf, Volkswagen e-Golf and Mercedes-Benz B250e.
Written by CarDetails.org. Last reviewed October 31, 2026.
SPECS
| Make | BMW | Model | i3 BEV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 2016 | Version / Trim | BMW 2016 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 | Battery | 22 kWh |
| 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 2016 HATCHBACKS
Compared with other 2016 hatchbacks in our database, its 170 hp is 6% less than the average 2016 hatchback (180 hp), and it reaches 60 mph 0.8 seconds quicker than average, and it is 12% lighter than the typical hatchback.
| 2016 BMW i3 BEV | Average 2016 hatchbacks | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 170 hp | 180 hp (15 cars) | -6% |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 243 Nm (15 cars) | +3% |
| 0–60 mph | 7.2 s | 8.0 s (15 cars) | -10% |
| Top speed | 93 mph | 123 mph (15 cars) | -24% |
| Kerb weight | 1,195 kg | 1,358 kg (16 cars) | -12% |
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 2016 hatchbacks with similar power to the 2016 BMW i3 BEV.
| Car | Power | 0–60 mph | Kerb weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 BMW i3 BEV | 170 hp | 7.2 s | 1,195 kg |
| 2016 Nissan Juke | 188 hp | 9.0 s | 1,285 kg |
| 2016 Hyundai Veloster | 201 hp | 9.0 s | 1,246 kg |
| 2016 Honda Fit | 130 hp | 10.5 s | 1,103 kg |