2026 BMW i3 Redesign, Interior, Engine
2026 BMW i3 Redesign, Interior, Engine – Driving an electric vehicle would be pointless if it could pass as a regular car. But it will never come to pass because to the 2026 BMW i3’s oversized and eccentric appearance. The posh but odd interior, with its plenty of front seats and little legroom in the back, also helps to counteract the strange look. 2026 BMW i3 Redesign
A 153-mile range is possible with the all-electric, rear-drive powertrain that is standard on the boxy BMW. On the other hand, a gas-powered engine is a possibility if you prefer more range with fewer maintenance. Compared to the Chevy Bolt EV, the 2026 i3 has a far lesser range and a more expensive price tag, but its appearance is more attractive than the Tesla Model 3.
2026 BMW i3 Redesign and Update Plan
Exterior and Interior
With its tiny city car proportions, the 2026 i3 is great for zipping through traffic and squeezing into tight parking spaces, but it’s not great for those riding in the back. Even while the cabin has an open, spacious design and is well furnished with interesting recyclable materials, passengers in the back will be less than pleased with their experience. With a unique twist, the i3 offers all the practicality of a standard small hatchback. 2026 BMW i3 Redesign
The back doors open in the opposite direction as the front doors because they are hinged at the back. The lack of a pillar between the front and back doors makes for plenty of room to enter (and store) freight in the back. With the back seats folded down and secured by an inside strap, we were able to put fourteen of our carry-on bags inside.
2026 BMW i3 Specs
The 2026 i3 is far more understated than its competitors, which are known for their large touchscreens and excess of data. With every i3 vehicle, BMW equips its iDrive 6 infotainment system. Apple CarPlay connection is standard but Android Auto isn’t provided. One USB charger is located in the front center console, but there isn’t one in the back, therefore there aren’t any power points throughout the vehicle. 2026 BMW i3 Redesign
Engine and Performance
The i3 pulls strongly, smoothly, and linearly thanks to its one-speed direct-drive gearbox. It’s a reasonably quick ride, too. A 2017 i3 reached 60 mph in 6.6 seconds during our testing. The standard i3 and the more sporty i3s both have quick acceleration and a lively ride quality when navigating city streets. The i3’s quiet cabin and high-end heritage are reflected in its comfortable ride.
Until the gas-powered engine of the optional range-extended model starts up, there is complete silence—no buzzing, no harmful vibrations, and no sound. The i3’s suspension deals with cracks, bumps, and expansion strips in the pavement with easily, to the point where it feels too separated from the road. While the light and numb steering is less than ideal, the i3’s compact dimensions and relatively low weight make weaving through traffic entertaining. 2026 BMW i3 Redesign
2026 BMW i3 Fuel Economy
The Bolt EV has a 60.0-kWh battery and an EPA rating of 259 miles, whereas the i3’s 42.2-kWh battery pack is inadequate at 153 miles. Similarly, the maximum range for the Model 3 with its largest battery is 322 miles. However, the i3 is the only model to have a range-extending generator that runs on gasoline and activates when the battery’s charge drops below 5%. On our highway fuel-economy route, the 2019 i3s that we tested managed 102 MPGe, which is in line with its EPA rating. A 2019 i3 with the gas-powered range extender likewise finished our real-world circuit; however, it fell six miles short of the 100 MPGe that the EPA had predicted.
2026 BMW i3 Safety Features
Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS have designated the 2026 i3 as a Top Safety Pick based on criteria related to crash testing. There is a plethora of optional driver assistance features available on the i3. Some important safety elements are:
- Automatic emergency braking is an option
- Available forward-collision warning
- Available adaptive cruise control
2026 BMW i3 Price and Release Date
The base price of a 2026 BMW i3 ranges from $45,445 to $52,495 (not including optional features). For drivers who aren’t comfortable relying only on electricity, the 2026 i3 comes with a gas-powered range extender, setting it apart from other electric cars (even hybrids). Even with the fossil fuel backup, we still wouldn’t drive our i3 very far. Rather, we would continue to utilize the electric-only model for our daily commute, both in and out of town, and for shorter trips on the highway.
We recommend the most cheap variant, even if the i3s is supposedly more enjoyable to drive. Giga World is the one we’d go with even if there aren’t many customization possibilities beyond exterior and interior color schemes. It has GPS, heated front seats, Apple CarPlay, and distinctive brown leather and gray fabric interior.