Our Fleet Test Drive: BMW i3 - 12th report
Date:
21 December 2015
|
Author: Guy Bird
|
Why we're running it: | To see if this EV cuts in beyond the theory | Equipment: | 6 airbags, stability and cornering brake control, hill-start assist, auto aircon, electric windows, leather-covered multi-function steering wheel, satnav, Bluetooth hands-free facility with USB, 50:50 split-fold rear seats, rear park distance control, 19in streamline star alloys, halogen headlights | Options: | Lodge trim (£1500), 19in turbine alloys (£680), Harmon Kardon hi-fi (£640), DC rapid charge prep (£560), silver metallic paint (£530), Enhanced Bluetooth with USB (£350), internet (£95) | Media Package - BMW Professional (£960), Park assist package inc. colour reversing cam (£790), Winter package inc. heated | front seats (£260), Online Entertainment (£190) |
|
One of the definite high points of electric vehicle use in a big city - where parking spots are precious and usually pricey - is the free parking that plugging into a street-based charging point affords.
Various EV app maps can tell you whether the charge point is truly free (and not sneakily tucked inside a pay-and-display car park like far too many of London's charging spaces) and indicate usage status before you leave, and then the i3's satnav or app will keep you updated on the move.
After that, you just need to beat any other would-be EV driver to the charging punch and park, worry-free.
BMW i3 Range Extender
|
Mileage 2074 |
Official combined consumption |
186.1mpg |
Our average consumption 1554mpg |
Forecast/actual CPM 59.4p/56.8p |
P11D price |
£35,575* |
Model price range |
£30,925-35,575* |
Residual value 39.1% |
Depreciation cost £21,675 |
Fuel £1670 |
Service, maintenance and repair £1722 |
Vehicle Excise Duty £0 |
National Insurance £1031 |
CO2 (tax) |
13g/km/5% |
BIK 20/40% per month |
£28/£57 |
|
Verdict
|
|
- Serene drive
- Great interior
|
|
- Learning new driving and refuelling skills
|
Subscribe