BMW i3 '15
- Performance Point
- PP 395.49
- Group
- Gr.X
- Max Power
- 166 BHP / - rpm
- Max Torque
- - kgfm / - rpm
- DriveTrain
- MR
- Aspiration
- EV (Electric Vehicle)
- Displacement
- - cc
- Manufacturer
- BMW
- Length
- 4,010 mm
- Width
- 1,775 mm
- Height
- 1,550 mm
- Weight
- 1,260 kg
BMW i3 '15: Pioneering Urban Electric Mobility
The BMW i3 '15 stands as a landmark in automotive history, encapsulating the German brand's futuristic vision for urban mobility. Launched in 2013 and improved through subsequent model years such as the 2015 variant, the i3 was BMW's first mass-produced electric vehicle and was engineered from the ground up as a dedicated EV, rather than a conversion of an existing model. Its distinctive, avant-garde styling, including the use of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) construction, underscored its commitment to lightweight efficiency and sustainability.
Performance-wise, the BMW i3 '15 featured a rear-mounted electric motor producing 170 horsepower (125 kW), delivering brisk acceleration and lively handling perfectly suited for city driving. It was offered in all-electric form as well as with an optional range extender—a small gasoline engine that maintained the battery's charge, alleviating range anxiety for early EV adopters. The interior showcased BMW's dedication to eco-friendly luxury, utilizing recycled materials, naturally tanned leather, and open-pore eucalyptus wood.
While the i3 '15 was not positioned as a racing car, it achieved significant success in sales and brand reputation, becoming a symbol of innovative, sustainable engineering. It garnered numerous accolades, including the 2014 and 2015 World Car of the Year Green Car award, and helped pave BMW’s road toward electrification, influencing the development of the company's expansive i and electrified lineups. Its success laid a foundation for the acceptance of electric vehicles in urban environments and demonstrated that green cars could be both premium and fun to drive.