2019 BMW i3
The 2019 BMW i3 is an all-electric hatchback. Its electric drivetrain produces 170 hp (127 kW), with a quoted range of 153 miles (246 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 2019 BMW I3
The 2019 BMW i3 is a compact electric hatchback with four doors, the rear pair being rear-hinged coach-style doors. This entry covers the all-electric version without the range extender: its rear-mounted electric motor produces 170 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque and drives the rear wheels through a single-speed transmission.
A bigger battery for 2019
The 2019 model year brought the most significant update in the i3’s life: a new 120 Ah battery with a capacity of 42.2 kWh, up from 33 kWh. EPA-rated range rose to 153 miles (about 246 km), compared with 114 miles for the previous version. The sportier i3s, with more power and a wider track, and the range-extender models with a small petrol engine continued alongside the standard car.
Engineering and design
The i3 is built in Leipzig, Germany, around a passenger cell made from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic mounted on an aluminium chassis that houses the battery and drivetrain. This keeps weight low and allows a flat floor with no central pillar between the doors. The interior uses recycled and renewable materials and has an airy, lounge-like design.
Practicality
The i3 seats four, with a small boot behind the rear seats. The rear doors can only be opened after the front doors, which can be awkward in tight parking spaces. DC fast charging was available on US models, making the extra range more usable on longer trips.
Rivals
In 2019 the i3 competed with the Chevrolet Bolt EV, the Nissan Leaf, the Hyundai Kona Electric and the Volkswagen e-Golf.
Written by CarDetails.org. Last reviewed October 31, 2026.
SPECS
| Make | BMW | Model | i3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 2019 | Version / Trim | BMW 2019 i3 |
| 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) |
| Motor | Electric Motor | Battery | 42.2 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 | 29.7947 MPGe combined | ||
| Electric Range | 153 miles (246 km) | Max Charge Rate | 50 kW |
| Wheelbase | 2,570 mm | Kerb Weight | 1,195 kg (2,635 lb) |
HOW IT COMPARES WITH OTHER 2019 HATCHBACKS
Compared with other 2019 hatchbacks in our database, its 170 hp is close to the average for a 2019 hatchback (174 hp), and it reaches 60 mph 1.4 seconds quicker than average, and it is 12% lighter than the typical hatchback.
| 2019 BMW i3 | Average 2019 hatchbacks | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 170 hp | 174 hp (16 cars) | -2% |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 213 Nm (16 cars) | +18% |
| 0–60 mph | 7.2 s | 8.6 s (15 cars) | -16% |
| Top speed | 93 mph | 117 mph (15 cars) | -21% |
| Kerb weight | 1,195 kg | 1,357 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 2019 hatchbacks with similar power to the 2019 BMW i3.
| Car | Power | 0–60 mph | Kerb weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 BMW i3 | 170 hp | 7.2 s | 1,195 kg |
| 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback | 169 hp | 9.2 s | 1,280 kg |
| 2019 Subaru Impreza 5-Door | 152 hp | 8.5 s | 1,310 kg |
| 2019 Honda HR-V AWD | 141 hp | 9.5 s | 1,310 kg |