Error parsing XSLT file: \xslt\FacebookOpenGraph.xslt Our Fleet Test Drive: BMW i3 - 6th report
Cookies on Businesscar

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings, we will assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on the Business Car website. However, if you would like to, you can change your cookies at any time

BusinessCar magazine website email Awards mobile

The start point for the best source of fleet information

Our Fleet Test Drive: BMW i3 - 6th report

Date: 08 September 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)

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

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


  • Eco groundbreaking design and engineering
  • Learning new driving and refuelling skills

Share


Subscribe