2017 BMW i3 REx Review and Road Test | in 4K UHD!
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- Опубликовано: 16 авг 2017
- Some call it a hybrid, some call it an EV. Some have called it a REx, a BEVx, a landmark vehicle in EV production, and others simply call it ugly. Whatever you want to call the i3 it is one of BMW's most important new cars in California for a variety of reasons. It's also a vehicle with a novel answer to the issue of "range anxiety".
0-30 : 3.1 Seconds
0-60 : 7 Seconds
1/4 Mile : 15.6 Sec @ 84 MPH
60-0 Braking : 125 Feet
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There are 2 key differentiators between the i3 and other EVs: environmental impact (mass use of recycled and recyclable materials for chassis and interior, factory runs on 100% green energy) and efficiency by design (lightweight, aerodynamic, motor and battery efficiency, minimum front profile of tyres, etc.). The design is not compromised by the need to fit in with what people expect a fossil fuel car to look or function like because we don't need to do that any more.
Comprehensive report as always. I just picked up a certified pre-owned I3S with Rex and 42kwh batt pack. Love it! Drove 180 miles from the dealer in Chicago to Green Bay and had 53 miles left on the gas range after going 145 miles on e power. A great well made, and thought out EV used car value.
This was my first video from Alex. I felt like I was in a college course. The time he puts into these videos really pay off. I am much better educated about the i3 now.
Love this guy, he really gets into the details.
You are by FAR the best car reviewer on the planet! Keep up the good work. Alex
Thank You ! by far one of the most comprehensive and informative Reviews . Have recently decided to buy and am currently looking for a second hand i3 similar to the one reviewed.
Another awesome review Alex! Context is king and you deliver every time.
I've seen loads of videos on the i3 but this is definitively the best one..
This person ( and his team) does an exceptionally good job of relaying information. I just hope they get paid well for their efforts. Bravo!
I really enjoy your videos, Alex. Lots of detail, good balance and delivered in an interesting way. One thing I especially like is your recognition that a car may be well-suited for one driver but not for another, because of intended use or personal preferences. Too many auto journalists seem to strive for a thumbs up or thumbs down. A good example of this is the issue of range. I have a 2015 BEV and my wife has a 2016 REX. We both drive almost exclusively in town, charging the cars every few days. Why would we want to pay for more range, especially if it meant more weight?
This guy is probably one of the best reviewers I’ve come across
You are a great car reviewer, I love the additional information that you include oh, very valuable. This includes the legroom comparison charts that you had on this video. Overall, it sounds like the Kia Soul EV is a much better deal than this I 3.
Hey Alex, really enjoy your videos. Could you add timestamps to your info section that breaks up the video into sections like general, interior, exterior, etc? Just a suggestion
Fantastic review. I want this car.
and I was just about to ask what's under the hood because no one ever shows that either. Wow, great coverage of the car! Thanks so much for doing your job lol.
Outstanding and simply the best review of the i3.
Alex, nice review. My wife has a 2012 - X1 and loves the driving feel. We are looking at 2018 - i3 with depreciated value they come into the mix. Sounds like the i3 will be revamped for 2021. That sounds interesting for those looking to purchase new. Thank you!
That's a very good and interesting review, thank you
The i3, is really a 2nd car (battery only) , city car, no door dents with the polycarbonate body , narrow, fast, easy to park, plenty of comfortable room.
BMW have designed an excellent city car , but expensive.
Can't wait for your review of the Model 3, whenever that happens.
Did he get rid of the trunk comfort index? It was my favorite part.
excellent presentation!
Love ur reviews, especially this one! Likd n subd :-)
I'm going with the Volt. It makes the most sense..run it all Electric on short runs and have the choice of gas engine on long trips. I'm not a Chevy guy normally but the Volt seems like the smartest idea.
Excellent explanation
superb review!!! Thank you,
Thank you for your review of the 2017 BMW i3. I purchased this vehicle used and have loved it. Your observations on the ride, handling and cabin noise were quite accurate and set my expectations of the vehicle appropriately. This is a fantastic commuter car.
I like your reviews, very specific.
Alex, when do you plan to cover the Chevy Bolt EV? I'm leaning towards the Bolt EV and would love to hear your detailed analysis.
Great video, I think that if this car was tweaked just a little it would be perfect. Like sit it a little lower and a little wider (so the wind doesn't affect it that much It's also not very aero-dynamic, looks like they are losing quiet a few miles on that.
Excellent review
Great review as always Alex. Having owned a loaded i3 w/ Range Extender for the last two years, I agree with your summary that the car is essentially in a class by itself. A perfectly fun, quick, maneuverable and efficient backroads commuter car.
Great review. Strangely, I don't think you ever reviewed the Tesla Model S. Planning on reviewing the Model 3?
Great video with lots of detailed data, thanks! I will disagree on one topic, the comparison to the Chevy Volt is valid if you consider they both have 30KWH batteries and can extend the range without the anxiety by putting in gasoline. Yes, you can split hairs on how the gas is used to extend the range, but not the fact that when the battery is low you have no worries.
Couldn't help noticing that not one of your comparisons included the Ioniq?
I was expecting a demo of the range extender in use.. noise level, acceleration et cetera :-/
Me too.
Please review the Lexus LC 500 hybrid
My next car! Its so dope!!!
same
Oh, my gawd! If BMW matched the battery of the Chevy Bolt it's over. They wouldn't be able to sell these fast enough. This car so soooo capable especially in ice and snow of the north. I would get the all electric model though.
Big batteries are expensive, an i3 with a similar battery as the Bolt would likely cost almost $10,000 more than current i3.
Snow-capable due to RWD/narrow tires?
@@zolikoff 10k more yes... But imagine prices in the used market place🔥🔥😁
120aH battery would be the standard mode with larger battery capacities available lol!
Nice review as always. My only problem is they use recycled items to make it which costs nothing, then sells for two arms and a leg and a few toes from the other foot.
Recycling costs more than new lol
Thank you for this video. So that I understand this correctly, if the battery goes down to 6% or so, gas kicks in and it can drive additional approx. 30 miles at 20% of the full horse power. If you keep on adding gas as the battery is below 6%, you can drive for 30 miles or so again and again without charging the battery with a charger at 20% of the horse power? My worry is that if I go to work and have unexpected detour visiting a client, etc. and I have no access or time to charge in the meantime, as long as I have a gas station close by I can keep driving at lower horse power?
those are not fog lamps. they're high beams
Used prices for these don't seem too bad. I'm somewhat tempted, though I can't have two cars. I take longer trips only occasionally.
Did anyone mention the "life" of the gas portion of the system? It's measured in hours, and not many of those either.
Alex, can you please clarify what you mean when you use the term Hybrid when referencing the Volt and the Volt has an electronic propulsion system to move the vehicle, how is it that the gas generator always running to move the car, your explanation doesn't make sense, otherwise your video as always are very well done.
Very high quality review, wow.
nice review, But i have only driven the BMW I3 once, and that accelerator thing you talking about to get use to. was for me very easy, in only 5minuts, also I think its work better than the traditional car "accelerator" do today in normal car.. I do have the new MINI F56, and the 2 cars feel like they supposed to, Go-cart fast and nimble in the corner. I do love that direct driving style that is exactly the opposit of a SOFA. With long wheelbase, and floppy suspensions. Like most big heavy V8 cars. so for me EV like the I3 is could maybe be a choice for next car, in about 7years time then my Mini is payed.. and need to be replaced
Not radar adaptive cruise control. No radar in this car, just a camera
Great review on the i3. I didn't hear any comments about crash safety. How well do these cars hold up to crashes compared to a regular gasoline powered car? Any other safety concerns to think about?
There are a few reviews about crash safety on this car on RUclips
It does very well
Please review the 2021 model when it's out :)
Pretty sure the adaptive cruise is camera not radar based, and as such it's a bit iffy at night or in poor visibility /rain
Are you going to get your hands on the 2020 i3rex?
the efficiency of i3 EV road, is because it's super narrow tire and super light weight.
only 155 and 175 width tire and weigh less than 1200kg.
Alex, for your money which way would you go? Is it as easy to find DC charging stations for an i3 as with a Tesla.
I live in Upstate NY.
easy way for you to find out David Lips check out plugshare.com and for the record if you want to use it on the go there is an app for you to use on your cell phone green is ac which is level 1 or 2 charging orange is level 3 otherwise DC fast charging it works for all country's current charging infrastructure
Is the 2018 LCI noticeably more comfortable?
Simply by increasing the gas tank volume to 6 gallons - would greatly improve the practicality of the i3.
It's made this small to fit into various laws regarding what qualifies as an EV for tax credits and rebates and HOV lanes etc. If It went more gas miles than EV miles, then it would not qualify for various things.
A great technical solution to what most folks need. However the gas tank should be at least 5 gallons when you need to take a longer trip.
peterzpictstube The tank is small on purpose so that people don’t end up using it as a gas car.
Dictated by EPA.
easy solution; I just carry a 2.5 gallon spare fuel tank, but only when I plan an extended trip. The price per gallon of gas at $3.59 is actually cheaper than using a DC fast charger at $0.50 per kw. Slow home charging is still the most economic way to use this car at $0.13 per kw.
Why not store the charging cables in the Front Trunk rather than lose in the back?
That's what most people actually do from what I've seen in other owner videos on YT.
The i3 frunk is not weather-proof. It's fine for storing screen-wash or other stuff that can get wet and dusty, but I wouldn't put my charging cables there.
@@gunnar6674 German engineering flaw!
Did the 120Ah version ever get a review?
Not fog lights. Those are turn signals and high beams. Not carbon fiber, but carbon fiber re-enforced plastic.
Also, not even "the whole vehicle" (being made of "carbon fiber".) Not even close. The "skateboard" chassis that holds the battery pack and motors is Aluminum. Only the passenger compartment frame (or "life pod" as BMW calls it,) is made of carbon fiber composite. I'm not sure what the doors are made of, but they aren't carbon fiber, either.
"In an interesting twist", the range extender scooter engine is not made by BMW, but Kymco.
starshipexpress seriously?! Good fact!
So what? Kymco make millions f the things so know what they are doing.
@@TheSynecdoche I would think the point is that you are paying for a bmw, and not getting a full BMW.
I have heard this marketed as it having a bmw motorcycle engine as well, people expect that not the cheapest things out there.
Rarely see one in Toronto.
Does the 2019 Rex come with the 2.4 fuel take usable or is it still software limited at 1.9?
Ask your politicians. The limit of the fuel tank is due to some regulations in certain areas of the US market where the permitted fuel capacity is limited if it wants to be counted as electric vehicle and receive the complete advantages. I don’t know which area is in fact responsible for this stupid rule but you can check the web.
The i3 was way ahead of its time.
They need to make a larger I5 for families. Sure there are the 3 and 5 series E versions but those aren't full electric
Omg, thank you for explaining that this is not exactly a hybrid. For some reason, no one else is fully covering the small details of that. And somehow a lot of people got that the volt was an EV with a range extender. lol. But this is the true EV with range extender. and the name makes it pretty clear. Yet you still have people calling it a hybrid.
I own a Chevrolet volt ist gen. To make it very clear the engine does NOT run until the battery runs out. Daily driving within range it's an ev. Go cross country the range extender kicks in.
@@angiesmith8531 Yeeeeeeeuuuup. That about sums it up. 2011 Volt Owner here too. Drives like an i3 in Sport Mode & Low Trans gear too! (1 pedal driving w/Regen)
Just much less EV miles unless you compare it to a 2014-15 i3. Volt's advantage is the much longer extended range mode that 100% eliminates range anxiety.
i3 advantage... More EV range especially the larger battery models. With the newer 120 aH model ReX isn't needed anymore!
Both cars have a Hold mode you can engage... 2011-2012 Volts need the Bluetooth dongle and MyHoldVolt App.
i3 needs to be coded then the ReX becomes MUCH more useful!!!
Both cars are awesome with fantastic build quality 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Pick your poison 👍
Well, it is a type of hybrid. It's just a series hybrid rather than a parallel hybrid, regardless of how the motors and engine are oriented it is still a type of hybrid. The series hybrid aspect is an important distinction compared to cars like the Volt and Prius Prime though.
I’d go for the vw e-golf
Did they really just stick an iPad and a Kindle Fire in this car's interior??
what about rain or snow conditions? I'm curious to know about how it handles there
In rain its alright, just don't expect any crazy grip performance. Snow though complete different story. The higher the speed the less grip you get, at least lesser than any other compact car. This due to the skinny tires. Don't get me wrong, it is safe to drive on snow if you drive normally, but it is not really enjoyable.
Snow tires on the 19" OEM wheels do do wonders for this car!
This one still? C'mon, review the Bolt EV already.
I own a 2012 Ecoboost crew cab and just paying it off now in June of 2018.. my next car will be an ev like this..
Did you buy it?
The only reason to get this over a Model 3 is the packaging, either because of the hatchback, or the smaller overall size, and/or if like me you just love BMWs and the way they do things.
Otherwise, it's no contest. The Tesla is a superior EV and car for the same or less money.
@@freakout247 Exactly, which is why I'm buying an i3 as soon as possible.
Apparently even the heavier long range version of the Telsa model 3 is more efficient than either version of the i3:
model 3 LR 126 mpge
i3 124 mpge
i3 rex 118 mpge
I don't know how they did it, but Tesla has dramatically improved efficiency.
The Model 3 is more aerodynamic than the i3 however the i3 is lighter. The Tesla is more efficient at highway speeds where drag has a bigger effect on efficiency than weight. For city driving I bet the i3 is more efficient. I'd take both if I could.
Different uses .
How is this More efficient than a model 3 310 Mile range car or the model s that has free supercharging?
It's more efficient in that it uses less energy per mile driven.
i3 --> 118MPGe
Model 3 --> 130 MPGe.
Model 3 about 10% more efficient than i3
How is i3 at least 20% more efficient?
i3 also comes with 155 tire which is the same size Geo Metro used.
I saw someone driving this, and it looked weird IRL, but that kidney grill did stand out
I can't think of one single reason I would buy this over other EV's
pedro fernandez go drive on then get back to us.
i did, that is why I am writing this.
Was at the dealership yesterday didn't get a chance to drive it but it's not pretty, not third seat not a fan of the idrive, and it's costly. But... that range extender is a major selling point the 200 me range 👍🏾 I currently have a 2017 Kia Soul EV. And have been looking at other ev options. And the Bolt is the only other thing close. But chevy is stealing the tax rebate I hear.
Darclover82 I also heard Santa is real...
Rob Kahla I don't get what you are trying to say
First thing I would do if I owned this EV is put some fatter wheels/tires on it, even though I'm sure it would slightly affect range. Those wagon wheels just seem unsafe to me in the rain.
This is the most complete review. Does the range extender need oil changes?
yes
Yes, probably as often as the brake fluid needs changing (every two years). If the gas engine is not used for about two months the car will fire it up for about 12 minutes to clear the cobwebs.
I'm not sure the statement about the Chevy Volt is entirely correct. From the head engineer on the project:
"- The Volt has three distinct motive forces in it: a large electric motor, a small electric motor/generator, and a 1.4 liter engine. Up to two of those three forces can be combined in select ways through the Volt's secret sauce drive unit-given the road demands and state of charge of the battery-to drive the vehicle.
"- Only the large electric motor is capable of moving the car forward on its own. The small electric motor/generator and the gas engine can only ever be combined with one of the other motive forces to drive the wheels.
"- Even when the gas engine is on and partially driving the wheels, it cannot operate without electricity flowing to one of the other motors.
"- The gas engine, under most conditions, will be used to drive the generator and produce electricity, and will not be used to drive the wheels.
"- There is no "direct" mechanical linkage between the Volt's gas engine and the wheels, rather there is an indirect linkage that is accomplished by meshing the power output of the engine with the power output of one of the other two electric motors."
In any case, the i3 has a more detached linkage between the gas motor and the drive train.
Cool Whip
You never mention how tall (or wide) you are when showing leg room and ceiling clearance! Kind of important, yes?
Uh, check out the other videos. I mention it often enough people comment I say it too much LOL
ACC is camera base. NOT radar.
I have this car: the REX has wonderful advantages, but also considerable disadvantages!
Advantages:
-longer range (duh).. Really saves your butt now and then and you will thank your little gen somuch!
-Can travel indefinitely as long as you are able to fill it up quite often), so you can travel also in areas with no EV chargers
Disadvantages:
-costs more
-Extra weight (means a bit less acceleration and breaking)
-less trunk space
-it pollutes (and for us EV lovers that's a big minus)
-you must pay high costs for regular maintenance (oil, gasoline, regular checkups)
-you loose the goodbye mechanic, goodbye gas station privilege!
-you won't get the privileges of a full electric vehicle (in my city, fully electric cars can park for free, but this is considered a hybrid!)
To sum it up:
-If you use the car mostly in an urban area, you will hardly ever need the REX feature
- If you also use the car for trips, then the REX feature is a must.
The Nissan series hybrid beats Prius in mpg, but Japan onry lol. If they sold it here people might not buy the leaf
I do not like the tires . . too specific to this vehicle . . no other options, or am I wrong?
Why BMW doesn’t get bigger battery?
does anyone know what the max speed the rex engine can drive at?
Vehicle speed doesn't matter. You can use more energy at 30mph going up a hill than 65mph on a flat highway.
He made a mistake about the volt. The volt only uses the generator to directly power the wheels of the car under the condition that the electric motor doesn’t have enough power. Normally this only happens when your going up a mountain when you have used up the battery. Other then that the generator only charges the battery that then powers the electric motor. The electric motor does most of the work not the engine.
I really think I heard the Volt has a clutch which *sometimes* drives the wheels directly from the ICE. This feature was controversial upon the initial release of the Volt, as many people thought they had been misinformed. Whether or not, under some circumstances this arrangement saves energy.
@@markjohnson8260 Sometimes? No, it's most of the time at highway speeds that if the engine is running, it is driving the wheels through an automatic clutch. GM did not market this well, or train people well on how it actually works.
@@jimbob3030 Yeah sure, at highway speeds is the time it is more efficient to run on the ICE and not battery power.
Good overall review as usual... however, didn't mention those annoying rear doors that cannot be opened until the front doors open and vice versa and while you did mention it's 'twitchy-ness' in highway driving, when I was given one to test drive for several days, I found highway driving dangerous in this car. It's a great city car, but would not recommend it for highway driving. I am biased as I own a Tesla Model S70D and have a reservation for a Tesla Model 3.
True, there are disadvantages to the design of the doors, but there are advantages as well . One is that it allows the front doors to be larger, easing entry and exit for the driver and front seat passenger. Generally, my dog (in the back) and I are the only occupants, so it works well for me. Highway driving can feel a bit odd when there are strong winds, but I've never thought it was dangerous. Listen to what Alex says about that.
Not one speed automatic transmission. Rather one speed reduction gear.
Deja vu??
The steering wheel has two left sides! (11:47)
Can't stop speaking ! The same information is sometimes explained 3 times ! But still information is missing. Some say you have to open the front door to open the rear door. Is that true ?
It's a hybrid and what you call the engine is a generator it doesn't move the car IT projects the battery
This car has depreciated so much I was considering about getting it. Too bad the reliability is terrible and I wouldn't touch it with a ten ft pole outside of its warranty.
Proof that the reliability is terrible?
The i3 is now 8 years old and there are plenty of 2013/2014 versions still on the road going strong.
Excellent build quality..
...and its the fastest BMW 0-40 Miles/h in the Catalogue.
Who green lit this thing?
I thought the Volt had all electric drive too, with and on-board, gasoline powered range extending charger. The gas motor in a Volt never powers the wheels directly.
False. The Volt gas motor is connected via a transmission and clutch set that absolutely powers the wheels in some situations. See the Volt video Alex made, it explains that.
SmartElectricCar it's not false at all. The original volt 2011-2015 had 1 motor to drive the wheels, just like this I3, the gas motor never powered the motor. It was changed in 2016, adding a mechanical connection from the gas motor to the wheels.
Depends on what Generation Volt. Instead of a smartass "false" statement, maybe just point out the newest gen no longer works like this I3.
Alex I love your technical reviews but when it comes the I3 REX I have to disagree. No matter how CARB defines range extender the Chevy Volt is the best example. Here's why. When in Rex mode the I3 limits your performance so you no longer get the 7s 0-60 time. Volt gets almost identical performance in either mode. I3 also limits you in top speed which is only 88mph, Volt is 100mph. Then you only get 80 to 100 miles from I3 generator, Volt gets 280 - 350 miles from generator so less stopping and better for road trips. Then there's highway ride where Volt is much nicer and the added weight means more stable in heavy winds, even driving through puddles or snow barely effects handling. I like the I3 but the Volt is the REAL EREV from a consumers point of view.
Technically, yes, REX mode is sluggish, but only in the USA.. Thats because of California ... BMW wanted CA rebate, so CA forced BMW hard set when REX mode kicks in. (6%).. Naturally, when battery is that low, it's going to be sluggish.
Outside USA, auto REX mode defaults to 10% and is user configurable. Outside the USA, you also get Hold mode. That lets you hold the battery % at any level you choose (as long as battery is down to at least 75%)..
I use hold mode in long range highway driving and it stays very peppy. The reason everyone in US says it's not peppy in REX? Because when a lithium ion battery is down to 5-6%, it's not putting out nearly as much power.. Since the REX charges the battery and you're off battery.. well, you get a sluggish experience..
IMHO what they did made it actually dangerous.. I'm out of Michigan. I had mine (2015 i3 REX) 'coded' so I get the full 2.4 gallon tank (software restricted to 1.9 gallon in the USA) and enabled Hold mode, and set auto REX mode to 10%. - Actually coded it myself, easy enough with $20 cable and some how-to's and software.
Odd he says only 35 mpg with REX mode. I'm getting around 41 mpg.
so a Model 3 will be a 2 year old new car once it will be delivered
and it will be affordable once it has been on the roads for 5 years
They are delivering model 3 to public (non-tesla employees/investors/owners) by Dec. You can't have one because they are sold out; just like anything on the market.
Trebor S first customer delivers are in October this year. Also the i3 is 4 years old already so i don't see how a 2 year old car would be a negative
alex you never talk about the horror stories with the Rex. has a hard time driving up hills almost to a crawl! BMW states that the real purpose for the Rex is to get the driver to the next Charging station not to continue to drive as though you can make a long trip out of it. your thoughts here would be appreciated
While you *can* get the REX to that state, it is honestly hard to do for *most* folks. I drive up and over a 2200 ft mountain pass and at 50-60 MPH (speed limit is 50) the car just runs out of charge and starts slowing down as it hits the top. This isn't the norm for an American commuter however. Now, don't go over the Sierra Nevada or continental divide, you'll be stopping regularly to let the battery charge, but for most folks 75 MPH on level freeway is totally doable in REX mode.
perfect! i appreciate your quick response and honest information. it helps me decide whether to get this vehicle or not. im not a city driver per se and do drive for my company up to 200 miles in a day although thats a rarity so your comments definitely h elp
You can avoid this by doing a little trick. By re-coding the car to European specs, one can manually turn on the Rex before the battery is down to 6% SOC. This would give you enough battery reserve to avoid the Rex alone from trying to power the car up a hill. This can usually be done at custom BMW tuners. It is simple and did it myself after reviewing enough coding YT videos.