BMW i3 review – the city car perfected? - 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.

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.