2019 BMW i3s with Range Extender
The 2019 BMW i3s with Range Extender is a plug-in hybrid hatchback. It has a 0.6-litre two-cylinder engine producing 181 hp (135 kW), with a single-speed transmission and rear-wheel drive. 0–60 mph takes 6.9 seconds and top speed is 100 mph (161 km/h).
ABOUT THE 2019 BMW I3S WITH RANGE EXTENDER
The 2019 BMW i3s with Range Extender is the performance-oriented i3, a rear-wheel-drive electric hatchback with four seats and a small petrol generator on board. The electric motor is rated at 181 hp and 199 lb-ft (270 Nm), and the 647 cc two-cylinder range extender charges the battery on the move rather than driving the wheels. This entry covers the single-speed direct-drive version built in Leipzig, Germany.
A bigger battery for 2019
The key change for 2019 was the move to a 120Ah battery with a gross capacity of 42.2 kWh, up from the 94Ah (about 33 kWh) pack of 2018. The battery fits in the same space under the floor, so the gain in electric range came without any loss of cabin or boot room. Styling and equipment carried over largely from the 2018 facelift.
Driving and practicality
Instant torque gives the i3s lively acceleration away from traffic lights, and the strong regenerative braking allows near one-pedal driving. The sport suspension and wider track make it feel more planted than the regular i3. Rear-hinged back doors make it easy to fit child seats, although the rear bench has room for only two.
Buying one today
Check the battery’s state of health, the charging port and the condition of the range-extender engine, which should be serviced regularly. Narrow, i3-specific tyres can be hard to source quickly. As a used buy, the larger 120Ah battery makes the 2019 car a more usable everyday option than earlier i3s.
Rivals
By 2019 it faced the Hyundai Kona Electric, Kia Niro EV, Chevrolet Bolt EV and the longer-range Nissan Leaf Plus.
Written by CarDetails.org. Last reviewed October 31, 2026.
SPECS
| Make | BMW | Model | i3s with Range Extender |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 2019 | Version / Trim | BMW 2019 i3s 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 | 181 hp / 135 kW | Torque | 270 Nm / 199 lb-ft |
| 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) | 6.9 sec | Top Speed | 100 mph (161 km/h) |
| Range / Economy | 30 mpg city / 31 mpg hwy | ||
| Electric Range | 126 miles (203 km) | Max Charge Rate | — |
| 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 181 hp is close to the average for a 2019 hatchback (174 hp), and it reaches 60 mph 1.7 seconds quicker than average, and it is 12% lighter than the typical hatchback.
| 2019 BMW i3s with Range Extender | Average 2019 hatchbacks | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 181 hp | 174 hp (16 cars) | +4% |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 213 Nm (16 cars) | +27% |
| 0–60 mph | 6.9 s | 8.6 s (15 cars) | -20% |
| Top speed | 100 mph | 117 mph (15 cars) | -15% |
| Kerb weight | 1,195 kg | 1,357 kg (16 cars) | -12% |
| Engine size | 647 cc | 1,890 cc (15 cars) | -66% |
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 i3s with Range Extender.
| Car | Power | 0–60 mph | Kerb weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 BMW i3s with Range Extender | 181 hp | 6.9 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 |