2018 BMW i3 (94Ah) with Range Extender
The 2018 BMW i3 (94Ah) with Range Extender is a plug-in hybrid hatchback. It has a 0.6-litre two-cylinder engine producing 170 hp (127 kW), with a single-speed transmission and rear-wheel drive. 0–60 mph takes 7.2 seconds and top speed is 93 mph (150 km/h).
ABOUT THE 2018 BMW I3 (94AH) WITH RANGE EXTENDER
The 2018 BMW i3 (94Ah) with Range Extender is the facelifted version of BMW’s compact electric hatchback, fitted with a small petrol generator to extend its range. A rear-mounted electric motor produces 170 hp and 184 lb-ft and drives the rear wheels through a single-speed transmission, while a 647 cc two-cylinder petrol engine acts purely as a generator when the battery runs low.
What changed for 2018
The 2018 model year brought the i3’s first facelift, with revised bumpers, full-LED headlights and updated infotainment. It was also the year BMW added the sportier i3s alongside the standard car. The 94Ah battery, around 33 kWh, had been introduced for 2017 and gives an EPA-rated electric range of about 97 miles (156 km) for the range-extender model before the petrol engine starts.
Clever construction
The i3 was built in Leipzig around a passenger cell made from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic on an aluminium chassis, keeping weight low. Rear-hinged back doors open without a central pillar, and the cabin uses recycled and natural materials. It seats four, and the boot is small, with the range extender occupying space under the floor.
Buying one today
Owners commonly report that the tiny petrol engine needs regular use and servicing to stay healthy, and that the 12-volt battery can cause odd electrical faults. The narrow, tall tyres are a specific size and can be harder to find. Check the high-voltage battery’s state of health and the charging history.
Rivals
The i3 REx was unusual in 2018; the closest alternatives were the Chevrolet Volt and Bolt EV, Nissan Leaf, Hyundai Ioniq Electric and Volkswagen e-Golf.
Written by CarDetails.org. Last reviewed October 31, 2026.
SPECS
| Make | BMW | Model | i3 (94Ah) with Range Extender |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 2018 | Version / Trim | BMW 2018 i3 (94Ah) with Range Extender |
| Body Style | Hatchback | Doors | 4 |
| Seats | 4 | Ext. Colour | Capparis White, Fluid Black, Mineral Grey Metallic, Melbourne Red Metallic, Imperial Blue Metallic, Jucaro Beige Metallic |
| Steering | LHD / RHD | Manufactured In | Germany |
| Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) | Transmission | Automatic (A1) |
| Engine | 0.6L 2-cyl | Engine Size | 647 cc |
| 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 | 36 mpg city / 33 mpg hwy | ||
| Electric Range | 97 miles (156 km) | Max Charge Rate | — |
| Wheelbase | 2,570 mm | Kerb Weight | 1,195 kg (2,635 lb) |
HOW IT COMPARES WITH OTHER 2018 HATCHBACKS
Compared with other 2018 hatchbacks in our database, its 170 hp is 5% less than the average 2018 hatchback (179 hp), and it reaches 60 mph 1.4 seconds quicker than average, and it is 13% lighter than the typical hatchback.
| 2018 BMW i3 (94Ah) with Range Extender | Average 2018 hatchbacks | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 170 hp | 179 hp (14 cars) | -5% |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 219 Nm (14 cars) | +14% |
| 0–60 mph | 7.2 s | 8.6 s (12 cars) | -16% |
| Top speed | 93 mph | 111 mph (12 cars) | -16% |
| Kerb weight | 1,195 kg | 1,372 kg (14 cars) | -13% |
| Engine size | 647 cc | 1,869 cc (13 cars) | -65% |
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 2018 hatchbacks with similar power to the 2018 BMW i3 (94Ah) with Range Extender.
| Car | Power | 0–60 mph | Kerb weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 BMW i3 (94Ah) with Range Extender | 170 hp | 7.2 s | 1,195 kg |
| 2018 Subaru Impreza 5-Door | 152 hp | 8.5 s | 1,310 kg |
| 2018 Honda HR-V AWD | 141 hp | 9.5 s | 1,310 kg |