Skip advert
Advertisement

BMW i3 review – the city car perfected? - Interior and tech

The BMW i3 is a genuinely impressive take on the electric city car.

Evo rating
  • Brilliant performance, great interior, stand-out looks
  • Range extender engine noisy, limited range without it

Interior and Tech

The interior of the BMW i3 has the ability to convince buyers just as much as its low running costs and electric powertrain do; it really is rather special.

While some of buttons and switchgear are familiar BMW items, much of the instrumentation is unique to the BMW i brand and it really enhances the futuristic feel of the i3. For example, a tablet-like screen takes the place of instruments behind a leather and metal wrapped steering wheel that looks like it has come straight from a concept car. And the drive selector is brand new too - and more intuitive to use than it first looks, with its functions just a flick of the fingers away.

Beyond all that though it's the space on offer that surprises. You step up into the cabin and the rear-hinged back doors mean easy access into the rear seats too.

Advertisement - Article continues below

It looks at its best when equipped with one of the interior design packs (called 'worlds'), but even in its most basic form it's quirky and interesting, with loads of details to marvel over - like the exposed carbon surfaces on the doors and the option of plenty of renewable materials such as open-pored eucalyptus wood and even wool. It's BMW's best interior so far.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

£15k off Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio super SUV
Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio
News

£15k off Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio super SUV

If you have to have an SUV, a Stelvio QV is acceptable. Now it's being heavily discounted.
8 Jul 2025
New cars at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed – all the debuts from Aston to Zenvo
Festival of Speed 2025
News

New cars at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed – all the debuts from Aston to Zenvo

The Goodwood Festival of Speed was spectacular yet again. Here are the highlights from the British motoring event of the year
14 Jul 2025
Ferrari F80 2025 review – near-1200bhp tech tour de force tested on road and track
Ferrari F80 review
Reviews

Ferrari F80 2025 review – near-1200bhp tech tour de force tested on road and track

Maranello’s latest hybrid hypercar and successor to the LaFerrari blends mind-bending capabilities with deeply intuitive character
10 Jul 2025