Our Fleet Test Drive: BMW i3 - 6th report
Date:
08 September 2015
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Author: Guy Bird
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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) |
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In all the excitement surrounding getting enough electric juice to drive, we've rather neglected the i3 itself of late. Which is a shame, as the design is nothing short of a groundbreaking masterpiece.
Not everyone is convinced by the car's exterior - although I love it - but I've yet to meet a soul who isn't bowled over by the interior from the moment those cool 'coach' (née 'suicide') doors open.
From the exposed carbon fibre-reinforced plastic door sills, to the space created by the absence of B-pillars or a transmission tunnel, stepping into the i3's lounge-like cabin is a unique production car experience. In Lodge spec the stand-out feature is the strip of matt-finish eucalyptus wood that covers the dashboard and curves over the top-mounted glove box lid on the passenger side (pictured).
It looks like something from a boutique hotel shelving unit, not a car. Alongside light-coloured but textured wool fabric on the seats and door sections framed by coarse grain light-brown leather on the seat edging and door armrests, it's an awesome and truly original automotive interior that's well worth the £1500 extra. I never tire of sitting in it, and it's as comfy as anything too, front and back.
BMW i3 Range Extender
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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 |
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Verdict
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- Eco groundbreaking design and engineering
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- Learning new driving and refuelling skills
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