BMW i3

2014 BMW i3

This is quite a bizarre treat for BMW though. Having managed to create some sort of a zero-emission vehicle for the posh people, not to mention that BMW is a luxury car brand like the others, the new BMW i3 is one heck of a posh compact for those who think that the Nissan Leaf and the Chevrolet Volt are so...(clears throat)...not their type.

It's the first of BMW's new BMW i sub-brand, which in their philosophy, represents visionary electric vehicles and mobility services, inspiring design and a new understanding of premium that is strongly defined by sustainability. The i3 is more than just a city car peddling its zero-emission smug for the masses, it's just another one of those eco cars that goes "smug alert" owners would go for. I said smug, get it? Smug! Desolation of the smug! Oops! I said it again!

Anyway, while eco cars like the Prius, the Insight, the Leaf, and the Volt, among many others continuing their desolation of the smug alert, would the BMW i3 be part of it or is it? First, let's start with the basics but best to hurry up or else I'm totally tripping balls over this one.

2014 BMW i3

At its normal form, the i3 is generated by an electric motor placed in the rear axle which generates 170PS of power and 250Nm of torque. Yes, I see what they did there, that's more than the Nissan Leaf got by about 61PS but 4Nm less. 0-100kph takes 7.2 seconds and top speed limited to 150kph.

What really amazes me is unlike any other electric compacts which runs on front wheels, the i3 runs on rear-wheels, meaning that in theory, you can really make a mess in your neighborhood without knowing it's you. It's like you're doing the whole "it's not me cubicle shoe trick" where people think you're taking a tinkle instead of pooping at the toilet which you just did. Because it's smaller than any other normal EVs but a bit bigger than the ridiculously boring Mitsubishi i-MiEV, I can only imagine a few idiots willing to risk their lives driving one of these at their nearest shopping center. Get it? Amazing!

The normal version looks great when you're looking for some high-voltage hijinks. No, not the whole Brainiac stuff about electricity but you know what I mean. However, if you're looking for some extended trips, BMW offers the i3 an optional range extender engine, meaning you're turning this from Leaf to Volt because the Volt is a PHEV unlike the Leaf which relies on electricity only. Anyway, the REx option uses the 647cc engine direct from one of BMW's mopeds, the C650 GT. Wait a minute, do you really need an i3 with the option of using a petrol engine from a moped?

For the i3 with the REx option, the petrol engine only kicks in when it's low-batt, serving this as a generator to produce electricity to extend the range by about 320km. It may not be qualified as a suitable car that takes you to a trip from your house in Muntinlupa to a park in Baguio but the optional moped engine is quite handy when you need it until it's time for a recharge.

The BMW i3 has the maximum total range when treated right is up to 200km while the one with the REx option, can last up to 340km. As for the batteries, a DC fast charging will take less than 30 minutes, about the same length as two 15-minute episodes of your favorite cartoon, while charging in AC takes about 3 to 6 hours, and it takes 6 to 8 hours when you charge it at your house via an ICCB outlet. Depending on your schedule, it might be best to plan your charging accordingly because if you left with an i3 with less than what you expect, this is like an embarrassing exit from your house to your school with your toast in your mouth.

2014 BMW i3 interior

I'm starting to think that the BMW i3 is becoming the city car that defies the conventions of what a zero-emission electric cars of today have. I think it's becoming more fun to drive not only because it's rear-wheel drive but maybe because of its zero emission that most idiots would do to drive one of these at the malls without causing too much smoke belchings and its compact sizing which makes it very unique. I do really wish to have one of these but because of its 34,950 Euro pricing, I'm afraid that this is too much to pay for this very enjoyable green car which sends Dr. Bunhead into questioning what in a world would he do for this.

2014 BMW i3

Available colors: Ionic Silver mit Akzent BMW i Blau, Arravanigrau mit Akzent BMW i, Blau, Solarorange mit Akzent Frozen Grey metallic, Laurusgrau mit Akzent BMW i Blau, Andesitsilber mit Akzent BMW i Blau, and Capparisweiß mit Akzent BMW i Blau.

Photo: BMW AG