Photo: Auto Motor und Sport
Even before the i3 was launched, other electric vehicles have been around, playing in the EV city-car segment freely. However, none of them were premium, like the BMW promised. Now, that it’s here, the guys from Auto Motor und Sport put it to the test against 2 other European rivals, to see if the premium tag lives up to the expectation.
The rivals were the Renault Zoe and the Volkswagen E-Up, two of the ones that will, most likely, be amongst the top sellers in the segment, next to the Leaf from Nissan.
Looking over the specs, you’ll find that the i3 alone has the same amount of power as the other two combined: 170 HP. The Renault brags with 88 HP whilst the VW has 82 HP. On the weight factor, the i3 is a little over the Up but miles in front of the Renault being almost 200 kg (450 lbs) lighter, thanks to the CFRP.
However, those things don’t really make the difference for the average EV buyer. When someone decides to go for such a car, they usually have the money to afford even an i3 and buy it because they really care about the planet. That’s where the Bimmer wins, hands down.
Its whole manufacturing process uses renewable energy and renewable materials for the cabin, like recycled PETs and eucalyptus wood on the dash and naturally tanned leather. With such amenities inside, the car really feels like a good place to be, when stuck in traffic.
Since we’re talking traffic, we should also mention that all that power really comes in handy when trying to overtake someone in heavy, congested roads, the i3 being no slouch, whatsoever. On the other hand, imagine the other two... Heavier and with less power... Not much can be expected.
On top of all those other advantages, the i3 also has the most space inside, comfortably sitting 4 adults, thanks to its rear suicide doors, recuperates the most energy (with its amazing braking recovery that is actually so powerful it will allow you to drive with only one pedal) and has the badge you need on the bonnet.
However, all these goodies cost and the i3 might be more than you expect, even though it starts at EUR34,950 in Europe. Get in a few optional features and you’ll easily go beyond EUR40,000 (USD54,650) but, as we mentioned earlier, people interested in this sort of car can usually afford it.
Via: Auto Motor und Sport
Looking over the specs, you’ll find that the i3 alone has the same amount of power as the other two combined: 170 HP. The Renault brags with 88 HP whilst the VW has 82 HP. On the weight factor, the i3 is a little over the Up but miles in front of the Renault being almost 200 kg (450 lbs) lighter, thanks to the CFRP.
However, those things don’t really make the difference for the average EV buyer. When someone decides to go for such a car, they usually have the money to afford even an i3 and buy it because they really care about the planet. That’s where the Bimmer wins, hands down.
Its whole manufacturing process uses renewable energy and renewable materials for the cabin, like recycled PETs and eucalyptus wood on the dash and naturally tanned leather. With such amenities inside, the car really feels like a good place to be, when stuck in traffic.
Since we’re talking traffic, we should also mention that all that power really comes in handy when trying to overtake someone in heavy, congested roads, the i3 being no slouch, whatsoever. On the other hand, imagine the other two... Heavier and with less power... Not much can be expected.
On top of all those other advantages, the i3 also has the most space inside, comfortably sitting 4 adults, thanks to its rear suicide doors, recuperates the most energy (with its amazing braking recovery that is actually so powerful it will allow you to drive with only one pedal) and has the badge you need on the bonnet.
However, all these goodies cost and the i3 might be more than you expect, even though it starts at EUR34,950 in Europe. Get in a few optional features and you’ll easily go beyond EUR40,000 (USD54,650) but, as we mentioned earlier, people interested in this sort of car can usually afford it.
Via: Auto Motor und Sport
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