I drove the 2014 22 kwh i3 for 3 years and just traded it for the 2023 mini SE. I was hoping that used i3 120ah prices would come down because I love the car, but even used i3’s with the larger batteries are more expensive than a new mini SE. I’d rather have a new SE with the updated drivetrain and tech and full warranty (and same range). Plus there are more tire options for the SE, the i3 only has 1 tire option here in the states, they are expensive and only last 20k miles or so.
Mini all the way for me ! I've had one for four months and it's so much fun to drive. No regrets. I drove both in an afternoon so know them both. Horses for courses of course, but I'm not keen on the interior and the higher driving position. Exterior design is good though. But my heart is with the Mini, such an exhilarating drive and nicely specced in black and the instrument display is superb.
Neither cars are his. He said he has a Golf GTD. The car dealership/owners probably don't want to have to sanitise them every time someone test drives them
@Badger K Hi Badger K No it won’t. The guidelines don’t require face masks to be worn outdoors in the uk at present in these circumstances. And I think it’s demonetise though demonise is quite apt 😂
@Badger K hi badger. I didn’t know that thanks. None of the other RUclips channels I subscribe to seem to be wearing them. I’ll ring Thomas and ask him
Well, whatever the reason is, the mask keep slipping off of Thomas' nose while he is talking and is quite distracting. While I might have enjoyed the video, but the face mask situation in combination with the wind noise made it such that I can only pay attention to the face mask slowly slipping off of his nose and wait to see how long it takes for him to pull it back up that I was not able to pay attention to anything else..... Suggestion for future videos, if face mask is required, please find one that fits your face that will not move while you talk. If the face mask need to be adjusted every couple of minutes while you talk - it is not going to work.... Otherwise, keep up the good work and hope to see more of your videos in the future....
@Badger K wtf? no choice in wearing mask or no choice in wearing that _particular_ mask that kept slipping? not criticising wearing mask, but wearing one that kept slipping.
Nice review. I used to have a 1st gen i3 and really liked it. I have now bought a Honda E and like that even more as the ride is much better. I think if you were to buy an urban ev it has to be rear wheel drive as that is what gives you the fun factor in these small cars.with a ridiculously low turning circle.
Big call saying car and driver faked the times at at drag strip :) They also claimed 14.8 second quarter, and even stated the MINI was one of those rare cars to hit the limiter before the end (otherwise it would be quicker). RWD has an advantage for high power cars, the MINI isn't powerful enough for weight transfer to have much of an effect. The MINI GP with its 300HP is approaching the limit. I actually like both cars too, and have driven both. The MINI and i3s are very different cars. The MINI is a hot hatch which is moderatley comfortable, the i3s is a comfortable car which is moderately hot. They are complementary, not competing in my opinion. Anyone who gets either will love it.
The choice depends on what you want. The mini is more a drivers car - fun to drive, and more capable performance wise than the i3s. The i3s on the other hand is more spacious (inside) and more of a (fashion) statement. It is quirky, and unique. Value for money is probably where the biggest difference is as the i3s is quite a bit more. New, the mini is a lot more car for the price, but if price isn't an issue (oh to have that problem...) then it depends on your personality. Me, I'd have the mini :)
I would argue that the I3s is actually better performance wise. It accelerates quicker, and due to its carbon fibre structure, is light for an electric car.
@@GeneralGreek Actually, the MINI is faster. The I3s has been measured at 6.6 0-60mph. The MINI was measured by car and driver at 6.1s 0-60. The official MINI figure of 6.9 is overly conservative.
@@js-hl5hv I don't care about fake 0-60 figures. I have nothing against th mini, in fact I like it... But, since its FWD, it cannot put down the power/torque and just loses traction. The I3S is faster in real world. Just like my 2018 mustang claimed 0-60 in 4.9 seconds when it was more like 5.9 seconds.
@@GeneralGreek The Mini doesn't lose traction. Have you driven one? The I3 is light, for sure, but sits higher and has those dinky thin tyres. The Mini centre of gravity is really low and it corners like a demon.
Mini for handling i3 for the tlgp. Mini made me nervous when leaving a roundabout with the torque steer. Yes the i3s is more expensive but name me another carbon fibre reinforced tub car under 100K? The i3 is also capable of carrying a washing machine with the back seats down. No its not a family car especially with a pushchair.
@@jasonpage9925 I've never noticed any torque steer, and I have definitely floored it out of corners/roundabouts. I wonder if road surface has an effect? Mine has Good year eagle f1 tyres, I know some had Hankooks. Maybe with extra grip, there is no slippage hence no torque steer. I also haven't managed to squeal the tyres - the only slip/traction control I had was in torrential rain, flooring it at traffic lights (specifically to see what would happen).
you may get 30-40 miles more range in the i3S. I would go for the i3 because of that. 120 miles real world in the mini isn't enough. Will be nearer 100 in the winter.
The i3s does have a larger battery but both share the same motor of 184 hp, the mini has the i3 battery from 2017/18 model of 94 ah or 28 kWh’s usable. The extra cost of the i3 could have to do with the larger battery size and extra range it gives. I think this was not a Rex model. So it comes down to what you need from an EV & what your budget allows. I have a 2017 i3 Rex & a 2019 Kona 64 kWh and enjoy them both for their different characteristics in Canada. Thanks for sharing your video.
@@cadriver2570 Where do you get your information from? Inspection on an i3 is due every two years and the last one did cost me 75€ so not expensive at all (BTW I live in Germany, maybe actual cost differ from where you are).
@@cadriver2570 I did not have a single repair on my 2 i3's over the course of 150.000km overall. The statistics show very low issues with the i3 as well.
I just wish BMW would do a 2022 model with a different colour leather interior. I’ve owned an i3 since 2015 and now looking for a new car, if I get in a “normal” car now I just want to be back in the i3, with the space and visibility. If BMW updated the battery for 2022 to something like 56kWh and gave it a new interior design, I’d get another i3 in a heart beat. I just don’t want to spend all that cash and be getting into an new car that’s almost identical to my existing car.
@@samusaran7317 the used prices were very decent until the prices went up. The cars were well under $20k and now they are north of $20k. excellently built car and it drives like a BMW but the car's range is no longer competitive for the price. The later models get 171 miles per charge on battery and if the car has a REx the mileage is unlimited. Great city cars!!
I've picked the SE - I've just taken delivery of it just over a month ago. I disagree a bit about SE not feeling as special. The way it drives and its performance compared to other Minis alone makes it special. Sure, on the outside, the looks of it does not stand out from other, petro Minis, but why would that be necessary if only to "show off" to people that you are driving an electric Mini? Other than that, the difference in cost between the i3s and the SE is quite substantial that is an advantage to Mini for basically the same car. The i3s does feel quite a bit more spacious, though, whilst the Mini feels rather snug. I suppose the difference is like a spaced-out and relaxed vs a focused and engaging cabin. The i3s is probably easier to live with, but the SE probably more fun to drive....
@@mdilwarh, nah, around where I am, i3 / i3s are as common as petro Minis that neither i3 nor SE would probably give anyone that "special feeling" based on looks other than the i3 / i3s shouting to the world, I'm driving an EV. 😜
I’m in the i3s and have driven the SE; even the normally I3 is faster and more fun to drive than SE; wish the SE had the same power and tech as i3/i3s - its a BMW end of the day...
@@mdilwarh , I guess I would have to agree to disagree. I have likewise driven the i3. i3 feels to me like a comfy yet rough BMW -- perhaps like a less refined, raised up 2-series. Is the i3 faster? Probably. But in my opinion, the way SE handles is more fun to drive. SE has basically the same power and tech as i3s, but BMW/Mini has tuned the SE to limit power off the line -- which is fine by me, cuz drag racing other cars is not my idea of fun. 😊
The mini is great drive, but it is seriously compromised. It does not do 145 miles, 105 at best, average 95-100. Not sure what the battery will be like charging to 100% all the time either. I guess BMW do state charge rate as 80 really mile would be dreadful. ... Mini is expensive and has a poor battery compared to its competition... charge speed is low too at 50 KWh.... Mini need to increase charging speed to 125 KWh and increase the battery to at least 50 KWh
The BMW i3 is a beautiful car but fr the price is totally not worth it especially for its electric range, there are cheaper cars with more range in 2021 I sure hope that BMW upgrade the i3 with way more range and a slightly cheaper price range.
Its carbon fibre, its gonna be expensive. Also, the exterior panels are more expensive than steel and or aluminum to make. Its a city car for those that do primary city driving and that is why the range is low.. The new i4 should address your concerns.
The problem is they are well overpriced sorry normal working folk can't afford them and until prices come down ev's will remain a tiny proportion of vehicles on the road bought by well off folks
Huh? Are u serious? A damn Toyota Corolla cost over $25k fully loaded. The new Mini e, cost $19k after tax incentives.. The Kandi EV cost less than $10k after incentives. A brand new Chevy Bolt LT is $19k after the Chevy rebate. Also, there are many mint condition used EVs on the market for less than $14k.. So, why can't you afford one? How about you stop going out socially and spending money? Stop going to Starbucks. Park your ice car and buy a bus pass. Stop buying the latest iPhone. Learn to save.. You can always lease an EV for $200 a month. Rent an EV for a couple of days and find out if its for you..
@@mamadouaziza2536 Also chevy volt is not available in UK and they don't rent ev's I don't have an iPhone neither do I go out very often UK is way different to USA and much more expensive
Totally correct observation @@stevewalsh-balshaw1727 These kinds of cars are for the Brompton Bicycle Brigade, who will use them to purchase freshly baked soughdough bread on a Sunday morning.
I drove the 2014 22 kwh i3 for 3 years and just traded it for the 2023 mini SE. I was hoping that used i3 120ah prices would come down because I love the car, but even used i3’s with the larger batteries are more expensive than a new mini SE. I’d rather have a new SE with the updated drivetrain and tech and full warranty (and same range). Plus there are more tire options for the SE, the i3 only has 1 tire option here in the states, they are expensive and only last 20k miles or so.
Mini all the way for me ! I've had one for four months and it's so much fun to drive. No regrets. I drove both in an afternoon so know them both. Horses for courses of course, but I'm not keen on the interior and the higher driving position. Exterior design is good though. But my heart is with the Mini, such an exhilarating drive and nicely specced in black and the instrument display is superb.
Just bought the I3s and love it.
Looking like a crazy person wearing a mask by yourself inside your car.... lol Guess you don't want to get yourself sick haha.. Great video! Cheers !
Neither cars are his. He said he has a Golf GTD.
The car dealership/owners probably don't want to have to sanitise them every time someone test drives them
@@TwistyThreeFifty 🐑
Get a pre-owned i3.
Why are you wearing a mask outside by yourself Thomas?
@Badger K Hi Badger K No it won’t. The guidelines don’t require face masks to be worn outdoors in the uk at present in these circumstances. And I think it’s demonetise though demonise is quite apt 😂
@Badger K hi badger. I didn’t know that thanks. None of the other RUclips channels I subscribe to seem to be wearing them. I’ll ring Thomas and ask him
@Badger K hi. Me again. Spoke to Thomas. Nothing to do with RUclips demonetising anything. It was the company supplying the cars that insisted
Well, whatever the reason is, the mask keep slipping off of Thomas' nose while he is talking and is quite distracting. While I might have enjoyed the video, but the face mask situation in combination with the wind noise made it such that I can only pay attention to the face mask slowly slipping off of his nose and wait to see how long it takes for him to pull it back up that I was not able to pay attention to anything else..... Suggestion for future videos, if face mask is required, please find one that fits your face that will not move while you talk. If the face mask need to be adjusted every couple of minutes while you talk - it is not going to work.... Otherwise, keep up the good work and hope to see more of your videos in the future....
@Badger K wtf? no choice in wearing mask or no choice in wearing that _particular_ mask that kept slipping? not criticising wearing mask, but wearing one that kept slipping.
Just bought the Mini EV and have had it for a week. Fantastic fun car for running errands!
The i3 has a frunk for the cables
Nice review.
I used to have a 1st gen i3 and really liked it.
I have now bought a Honda E and like that even more as the ride is much better.
I think if you were to buy an urban ev it has to be rear wheel drive as that is what gives you the fun factor in these small cars.with a ridiculously low turning circle.
Big call saying car and driver faked the times at at drag strip :) They also claimed 14.8 second quarter, and even stated the MINI was one of those rare cars to hit the limiter before the end (otherwise it would be quicker). RWD has an advantage for high power cars, the MINI isn't powerful enough for weight transfer to have much of an effect. The MINI GP with its 300HP is approaching the limit.
I actually like both cars too, and have driven both. The MINI and i3s are very different cars. The MINI is a hot hatch which is moderatley comfortable, the i3s is a comfortable car which is moderately hot. They are complementary, not competing in my opinion. Anyone who gets either will love it.
The choice depends on what you want. The mini is more a drivers car - fun to drive, and more capable performance wise than the i3s. The i3s on the other hand is more spacious (inside) and more of a (fashion) statement. It is quirky, and unique. Value for money is probably where the biggest difference is as the i3s is quite a bit more. New, the mini is a lot more car for the price, but if price isn't an issue (oh to have that problem...) then it depends on your personality. Me, I'd have the mini :)
Well said.
I would argue that the I3s is actually better performance wise. It accelerates quicker, and due to its carbon fibre structure, is light for an electric car.
@@GeneralGreek Actually, the MINI is faster. The I3s has been measured at 6.6 0-60mph. The MINI was measured by car and driver at 6.1s 0-60. The official MINI figure of 6.9 is overly conservative.
@@js-hl5hv I don't care about fake 0-60 figures. I have nothing against th mini, in fact I like it... But, since its FWD, it cannot put down the power/torque and just loses traction. The I3S is faster in real world. Just like my 2018 mustang claimed 0-60 in 4.9 seconds when it was more like 5.9 seconds.
@@GeneralGreek The Mini doesn't lose traction. Have you driven one? The I3 is light, for sure, but sits higher and has those dinky thin tyres. The Mini centre of gravity is really low and it corners like a demon.
Mini, no doubt!
Mini for handling i3 for the tlgp. Mini made me nervous when leaving a roundabout with the torque steer. Yes the i3s is more expensive but name me another carbon fibre reinforced tub car under 100K? The i3 is also capable of carrying a washing machine with the back seats down. No its not a family car especially with a pushchair.
Totally agree torque steer was savage at times, meant I couldnt get the power down smoothly; BMW i3S would be my choice.
@@jasonpage9925 I've never noticed any torque steer, and I have definitely floored it out of corners/roundabouts. I wonder if road surface has an effect? Mine has Good year eagle f1 tyres, I know some had Hankooks. Maybe with extra grip, there is no slippage hence no torque steer. I also haven't managed to squeal the tyres - the only slip/traction control I had was in torrential rain, flooring it at traffic lights (specifically to see what would happen).
you may get 30-40 miles more range in the i3S. I would go for the i3 because of that. 120 miles real world in the mini isn't enough. Will be nearer 100 in the winter.
The i3s does have a larger battery but both share the same motor of 184 hp, the mini has the i3 battery from 2017/18 model of 94 ah or 28 kWh’s usable. The extra cost of the i3 could have to do with the larger battery size and extra range it gives. I think this was not a Rex model.
So it comes down to what you need from an EV & what your budget allows.
I have a 2017 i3 Rex & a 2019 Kona 64 kWh and enjoy them both for their different characteristics in Canada.
Thanks for sharing your video.
On your drive on the track with mini it was not a 2 but top of range 3 pop up screen on dash only in top range
The range on the Mini is considerably less than on the IS3. 2 reasons: smaller battery and less efficient than the I3.
MINI has normal tires, and will have lower maintance costs. It's also a lot more fun to drive imho. I dig the i3 interior though.
The Mini is more expensive to maintain...
@@Xero285 most mini issues are engine and transmission related. The i3 has some pricey maintenance already so I'm not comparing it to an economy car.
@@cadriver2570 Where do you get your information from?
Inspection on an i3 is due every two years and the last one did cost me 75€ so not expensive at all (BTW I live in Germany, maybe actual cost differ from where you are).
@@Xero285 I've seen repair costs for basics like the HVAC system ($5000 USD). The MINI has 2 year maintenance as well.
@@cadriver2570 I did not have a single repair on my 2 i3's over the course of 150.000km overall. The statistics show very low issues with the i3 as well.
obviously bmw i3 .... rear wheel drive or 4 wheel drive is the only way for EVs due to the great instant torque,,,,
I just wish BMW would do a 2022 model with a different colour leather interior.
I’ve owned an i3 since 2015 and now looking for a new car, if I get in a “normal” car now I just want to be back in the i3, with the space and visibility.
If BMW updated the battery for 2022 to something like 56kWh and gave it a new interior design, I’d get another i3 in a heart beat.
I just don’t want to spend all that cash and be getting into an new car that’s almost identical to my existing car.
Lease it.. There will be no updates.
@@mamadouaziza2536 I got a new one i3S in blue in Jan 2021.
@@MatthewKennedyUK
Well lucky you!!! I wish I had one.
The price of the i3 car is a mockery to those who're trying go electric, Mini is the way to go
Its carbon fibre.. Its gonna be pricey. Buy used if you can't afford new. Duh.
@@mamadouaziza2536 Even used its a crap deal
@@samusaran7317
the used prices were very decent until the prices went up. The cars were well under $20k and now they are north of $20k.
excellently built car and it drives like a BMW but the car's range is no longer competitive for the price. The later models get 171 miles per charge on battery and if the car has a REx the mileage is unlimited. Great city cars!!
Facemask is upside down. Else, nice comparison!
*Chin diaper
Just ordered a new BMW i3s .....🥳
I've picked the SE - I've just taken delivery of it just over a month ago. I disagree a bit about SE not feeling as special. The way it drives and its performance compared to other Minis alone makes it special. Sure, on the outside, the looks of it does not stand out from other, petro Minis, but why would that be necessary if only to "show off" to people that you are driving an electric Mini?
Other than that, the difference in cost between the i3s and the SE is quite substantial that is an advantage to Mini for basically the same car. The i3s does feel quite a bit more spacious, though, whilst the Mini feels rather snug. I suppose the difference is like a spaced-out and relaxed vs a focused and engaging cabin. The i3s is probably easier to live with, but the SE probably more fun to drive....
Until u see the i3s whizz past u 😝
@@mdilwarh, nah, around where I am, i3 / i3s are as common as petro Minis that neither i3 nor SE would probably give anyone that "special feeling" based on looks other than the i3 / i3s shouting to the world, I'm driving an EV. 😜
I’m in the i3s and have driven the SE; even the normally I3 is faster and more fun to drive than SE; wish the SE had the same power and tech as i3/i3s - its a BMW end of the day...
@@mdilwarh , I guess I would have to agree to disagree. I have likewise driven the i3. i3 feels to me like a comfy yet rough BMW -- perhaps like a less refined, raised up 2-series. Is the i3 faster? Probably. But in my opinion, the way SE handles is more fun to drive. SE has basically the same power and tech as i3s, but BMW/Mini has tuned the SE to limit power off the line -- which is fine by me, cuz drag racing other cars is not my idea of fun. 😊
cables fits in the frunk
Yes. The i3s is related to Rolls Royce. And the SE is related to i3s. So technically I will be driving a Rolls Royce relative soon
The mini is great drive, but it is seriously compromised. It does not do 145 miles, 105 at best, average 95-100.
Not sure what the battery will be like charging to 100% all the time either. I guess BMW do state charge rate as 80 really mile would be dreadful.
... Mini is expensive and has a poor battery compared to its competition... charge speed is low too at 50 KWh....
Mini need to increase charging speed to 125 KWh and increase the battery to at least 50 KWh
Take the phone out of the case ,then it fits
The BMW i3 is a beautiful car but fr the price is totally not worth it especially for its electric range, there are cheaper cars with more range in 2021 I sure hope that BMW upgrade the i3 with way more range and a slightly cheaper price range.
Its carbon fibre, its gonna be expensive. Also, the exterior panels are more expensive than steel and or aluminum to make.
Its a city car for those that do primary city driving and that is why the range is low.. The new i4 should address your concerns.
Both cars have limited range, range anxiety anyone
No one cares
you really need to consider another mask, for your sake.
*Chin diaper
The problem is they are well overpriced sorry normal working folk can't afford them and until prices come down ev's will remain a tiny proportion of vehicles on the road bought by well off folks
Huh? Are u serious? A damn Toyota Corolla cost over $25k fully loaded. The new Mini e, cost $19k after tax incentives.. The Kandi EV cost less than $10k after incentives. A brand new Chevy Bolt LT is $19k after the Chevy rebate.
Also, there are many mint condition used EVs on the market for less than $14k.. So, why can't you afford one? How about you stop going out socially and spending money? Stop going to Starbucks. Park your ice car and buy a bus pass. Stop buying the latest iPhone. Learn to save..
You can always lease an EV for $200 a month. Rent an EV for a couple of days and find out if its for you..
@@mamadouaziza2536 That might be the case un USA in the UK an electric mini is over £3k there are no ev's under £33k in Uk
Sorry mispell a ev mini is over £35k
@@mamadouaziza2536 Also chevy volt is not available in UK and they don't rent ev's I don't have an iPhone neither do I go out very often UK is way different to USA and much more expensive
Totally correct observation @@stevewalsh-balshaw1727
These kinds of cars are for the Brompton Bicycle Brigade, who will use them to purchase freshly baked soughdough bread on a Sunday morning.
great car. terrible mask. ;-)
*Chin diaper