BMW i3 vs i3S Review

[@democritus711]

Thanks for the review. I just bought a used 2017 94ah i3Rex. Love all the things you mentioned....the looks, the RWD, the built and most of all the Zero Emission.

[@TheRedlinedotcom]

Hi Chris! Thanks so much for watching the video and sharing your experience. It's a terrific thing, glad you're enjoying it!

[@justlife2129]

Just bought i3S for my wife and I just LOVE it.... Even my diesel RAM can't kill this LOVE....

[@raven4k998]

yeah she's got her charms the i3s is fun in it's own way that's why I getting the one I want when my lease is up on the one I have as I just don't want the dumb range extender so I am going for the no range extender version but I love that cars she's so much fun to drive

[@justlife2129]

@@raven4k998 As you know when it comes to EVs range it really something you can't rely on... You think you have enough juice until you suddenly out of luck... My range extender saved my bacon a few times... It actually makes your car much more universal... like you have EV and hybrid all in one...

[@llavero5]

2:06 No, the battery is not there, it is where it is on all electrics, between the 4 wheels. Under the trunk is the motor, charger and inverter.

[@richardpiper4828]

It was a pity that you were not able to test a standard i3 LCI against the i3s because I think you might have been surprised at the improvements to the steering and ride over the older 94ah. I test drove both before recently exchanging my 2015 60ah REx for a new 94ah REx i3s. I was actually very surprised at the LCI’s maturity and added refinement over my older car. Steering was sharper than my old car and suspension more supple without any discernible loss of handling feel. I opted for the i3s because I had previously owned MINIs and live in he country so like a car that can handle the bends. The i3s roadhplding is better but ride is definitely harder. However for me that’s ok as I have been used to cars with run flats. Unless you are a bit of a car nut I would recommend the standard car over the s because for most driver’s it will strike a better balance of ride over handling. Performance difference only really noticeable when accelerating above about 50mph. Great car - first time in over 40 years car ownership that I have bought two successive models of the same type.

[@TheRedlinedotcom]

Hi Richard! Thanks so much for watching and for your very thoughtful comments. I was quite happy with the pre-LCI, it's just a different proposition to a "normal" car. I also think the i3S is so worth the extra cash, so well done! Thanks again for watching, don't forget to subscribe!

[@mr.tomyum732]

I drove the normal 2017 i3 Rex and also a 2014 Rex as well. They were both quick! I thought the 2014 might have been slightly quicker? So the i3s is a good decent amount faster? Worth the price difference between i3s and the 2015 models? I see the i3s are very rare?

[@XTreMe2k6]

bought my i3s last week, but the 42kWh version.. so more range for more fun :D, btw i paid roughly 34000€ for this car with nearly every option available. greetings from germany, keep making these good videos

[@maxchilla732]

Dwr I3s mit 42kWh und Vollausstattung für 34K€? Bei welchem BMW Händler geht dass denn?

[@boostedmedia]

"You just WHOOOOORP!!!" Haha! It's so hard to describe the feeling of driving a "powerful" electric car. You did well!

[@TheRedlinedotcom]

It really is! Thanks again for watching, you're the best.

[@rupprechtknecht3103]

Now it's 2021 and the i3 is not obsolete. Last year we bought a 2020 model for commuting to replace the old LPG commuter after 12 years /210.000 mls and now we ordered an additional i3s for July to replace our second worn LPG daily driver after 16 years / 210.000 mls. The i3 range is perfect for our use as for long distance since years we use our mobilhome. Win win situation :-)

[@TheRedlinedotcom]

Hey Rupprecht, thanks so much for watching. Not one but two i3! I'm hugely jealous. I don't remember saying it was obsolete, but I will absolutely keep an eye out for one for myself. The i3S is so good, too! Cheers!

[@rupprechtknecht3103]

@@TheRedlinedotcom no worries that was a general information and not because of your video :-) if you are behind an used i3 be sure to get the 94 Ah or better the 120 Ah version with the options comfort package - comfort access - heated seats ( very important as this comes in combination with the general pre climate function ) and the H&K audio system. Sport package or better the i3s if you use the highway and navigation system if you need. Good luck to find the perfect i3 ! Cheers from Bavaria Germany

[@obhaiti7238]

7:34 it actually purrs! The sound he made is really what the car sounds like with the engine running.

[@raven4k998]

yeah does it sound like that when the coupling breaks hehe?

[@raven4k998]

Ob Haiti (pets him on the Head and He Purrs like a kitty)

[@nosoupforyou425]

Agreed on quality & features. On my second i3, this last one is a 2017 Rex. Test drove a tesla before each one and the fit & finish of the Beemer was hands down winner each time. My TJA could be a tad better than "follow the leader" but I can tolerate it. REX is the best add on for an electric as outside of major cities here in the USA our charge networks suck salami. Enjoyed the review, considering a last generation i3S once they cancel in next year or so... don't believe bmw will do right by us all and give us an i3 with 250-300 miles.

[@whocares264]

Wow have had a tesla model 3 and a BMW i3 the BMW is poor in every way slow noisy unstable inefficient stupid doors poor audio rear windows don't even open and old technology and so uncomfortable

[@nosoupforyou425]

@@whocares264 suicide doors are on many vehicles and come pre-installed so should not have been an issue. If you purchased cheapest audio... on you. Rear windows were stationary when purchased. And the vehicle is a design from 2012 so again no surprises. Your gripes seem self inflicted and bitter.... But none are quality or material deficiencies - i3 is a city car so long road trips was never it's intended mission and is why BMW has not had to update it much. Seems you could do a better job shopping for your actual needs..... Might also actually want to try a vehicle out before purchasing - works wonders

[@whocares264]

@@nosoupforyou425 suicide doors which mean the front have to let rear passengers in and out and remove your seatbelt the cheap is BMW audio on a 37k car which as you say is only a city car, but you do have a point I was a fool to buy such a poor basic uncomfortable 37k car , I did it for financial reasons as I leased the fantastic tesla and it is cheaper in the long run to buy a used i3 as I wanted a ev , so now I have lost interest in driving perhaps that is what makes it so green...

[@nosoupforyou425]

@@whocares264 stand by my comments and your bitterness. Amazing lvl of animosity coming from the fanboi. So glad you has this opportunity to brag and disparage - have a nice day Karen

[@whocares264]

@@nosoupforyou425 You are correct I have gone from a great tesla to as you put it a car which you would not go far in , a city car, yes I am a tesla fanboy as I like great cars , what I don't understand is you are an i3 fanboy of a crash bang wobbly noisy slow expensive toy car ...if someone asks me about the i3 I say it's not mine...

[@Aventura2005]

Excellent test drive. We have 3 of them at our household (i3, not i3s) and we love them. However I noticed you said the battery seats at the back of the car. Indeed it is at the bottom of the car under and all along the cabin.

[@TheRedlinedotcom]

Firstly, Rui, let me say how jealous I am! Terrific car just to own one, let alone three. Amazing! Second, you are absoutely right. I meant to say the motor was under the boot floor. My mistake, it was a busy day, had to go and film another car straight after. Thanks for watching!

[@martijnlangeveld817]

Thanx Peter, nice review as always! I agree if in the near future it can have 150-200 km extra range, it would be quite perfect! Thanx again, regards from Europe, Martijn

[@TheRedlinedotcom]

You're a good man, Martijn, thanks again for watching and leaving your thoughts!

[@martijnlangeveld817]

@@TheRedlinedotcom and thank you for making these reviews! I really enjoy them. Looking foward to the next one!

[@TheRedlinedotcom]

We're a bit behind at the moment, but more are on the way, I promise!

[@emaxulit1]

You said it right, when you see one, it makes you smile. Love mine and leasing it for 150$/month is a steal.

[@TheRedlinedotcom]

$150!?!?! That is an absolute steal! You must drive a hard bargain! Well done and thanks for watching.

[@emaxulit1]

The Redline there are some good incentives going on in the states for EV cars.

[@MrChadder007]

$150??? How?

[@FLJAMESFL]

Love my I3.

[@TheRedlinedotcom]

Hi James. Thanks for watching. Very glad you love yours - I don't know a single i3 owner who doesn't. Excellent choice!

[@robwatso]

Great work mate. I 100% agree with you. Range BMW. RANGE.

[@TheRedlinedotcom]

Range is coming...

[@JasonBedient]

You don't really say why the S is "soooo much better." It would nice to hear a couple definitive specific reasons.

[@TheRedlinedotcom]

Hi Jason - sorry I wasn't clear! Happy to help - basically the suspension is better, with better turn-in, more a more consistent (if firmer ride) and it mostly seems to have gotten rid of the awkward half-lurch of the standard car. It just feels better on the road and the extra grip from the tyres makes it feel more planted. I guess the point is that for the small (relatively) extra money, it feels a lot better.

[@JasonBedient]

@@TheRedlinedotcom thanks. I got the gist of that but wanted to make sure there wasn't more I was missing. I'm looking to buy and have been on the fence about the s. Im guessing it will be more desirable as well in the future should I ever want to sell.

[@TheRedlinedotcom]

Definitely. But wait for the next battery bump, which is due shortly.

[@rogerclark2443]

I wish you would have talked more about how the standard i3 and the S model compare. I thought that was the point of this video from the title?

[@TheRedlinedotcom]

What did I miss? What would you like to know?

[@mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm420]

@@TheRedlinedotcom I came to this video to see if the ride was any better in the S than the standard. I've watched the video and I'm none the wiser.

[@rob3018]

Beautiful machine... Do you think its worth buying in 2021/2022? 🤔

[@RobertWadlingtonDIY]

This spent more time telling about the i3 which is a repeat of other videos. We turned this on to see a discussion of the difference!!! Hey, how is the ride feel?

[@TheRedlinedotcom]

Hi Robert. I don't watch other videos and don't have any interest in what they say, so I can't help you there. Plenty of people who watched this video have never seen another video about the i3. The ride feel of the i3 is discussed at 3:34 and at 8:33. I then talk about the i3S's suspension differences at 9:28. I talk about the handling and response at 9:58 and the ride at 12:55. So I reckon it's well-covered.

[@RobertWadlingtonDIY]

I agree with your points. I guess I’m gathering info so I can decide on an i3s which I like the sporty appearance versus the regular i3 suspension. For a 70’ty, don’t want to end up with a jarring ride compounded with bad roads here in the USA Midwest due to bad winters...

[@TheRedlinedotcom]

Hi Robert - I think the ride on the i3S is better, but neither of them are plush. Also remember the range will be significantly less when it's really cold (a problem we don't have in most of Australia).

[@whocares264]

I have BMW i3 hard suspension it handles well only on Smooth roads, on bumpy normal UK roads it is unstable even in a straight line and the road noise on motorway drowns out the poor standard audio...

[@MrLindsaydr]

Wrong about the battery location. They are under the floor NOT under the boot/trunk

[@TheRedlinedotcom]

Right you are, thank you. I'll pop that in the description. Thanks for pulling me up!

[@antster7]

These are hands down the most reliable bmw ever made

[@TheRedlinedotcom]

I've never hear of any problems, I think you're absolutely right! Thanks so much for watching!

[@Clarencebeeks89]

HOW DO YOU DO AN EMERGENCY STOP ?

[@TheRedlinedotcom]

Hit the brakes? It does actually have a brake pedal. I hope I didn't say it didn't...

[@Clarencebeeks89]

I’m buying one in March,just confirming,I’m sure you said it had one pedal,sorry if mistaken.

[@Clarencebeeks89]

Sorry misinterpreted

[@TheRedlinedotcom]

Haha, no problem. It's one pedal operation, which is fancy way of saying that you use the energy regeneration to slow the car by just lifting off the throttle. It kind of turns the throttle into a volume slider, if that makes sense. But the brake pedal is still there and always available.

[@Clarencebeeks89]

Very much appreciated 🙏🏾

[@DavidEmeryVirtechs]

6:09 The world's coolest car being overtaken by the world's worst car.

[@garrycroft4215]

I test drove the i3s for 2 hours yesterday, I'm signing up for one tomorrow. Oh I'm in the UK. Lol Ps if your car is not faster than an M3 0-50 then you will not beat me away from the lights.

[@TheRedlinedotcom]

Hi there, Garry, thanks so much for watching! Yeah, I really love the i3 and the i3S is just terrific. I'd have one in a heartbeat and if I ever move to London, it's the top of the list. It's fun, it's quick and I reckon it's the city car of the last decade. Let us know how you go with it!

[@garrycroft4215]

@@TheRedlinedotcom yes I will let you know. I'm ordering today and should get delivery late November to early/mid December. Can't wait lol.

[@TheRedlinedotcom]

Brilliant. Tell me you chose the light wood interior.... ;-)

[@derekdalton5658]

Love the i3. Wanted to buy one but settled for 118i 3 cylinder. 35 extra grand for an electric bmw is too big am ask, (that's a LOT of petrol!) May get one in 3 years if they can price them more competitively. Love the aesthetics. A SUBLIME machine but too many $$$ In Australia

[@TheRedlinedotcom]

Hi Derek. Thanks so much for watching and taking the time to leave a comment. You're right about the price - it's not really about saving money with the i3, it's more of a statement. You're kind of saying, "I can afford to help shape the future" rather than "this is a sensible investment." I just had one again over the weekend and it's so much fun. But a 118i is a tidy little thing too!

[@LysanderLH]

Design over function. I couldnt get the 2019 i3 to settle properly when cornering at speed and when driving with minor steering inputs, it sort of jiggled about on its dampers. It felt like driving on solid rubber tyres. Lots of low to mid speed torque but motorway overtakes were sluggish by comparison and more like a small engined car in 6th gear. Regeneration is uncompromising and often harsh. Rear doors are a faff.

[@becauseiwasinverted7971]

Disagree that the i3 is 'pretty much hand built' loss leader. Build on a robotic assembly line.

[@TheRedlinedotcom]

Hi there. Thanks so much for watching and getting involved. A huge number of the parts to the i3 are more labour intensive than other cars. Just about every assembly line (except Morgan or Koenigsegg) has some automation, so it's just a shorthand way of saying it's labour intensive.

[@GeorgeStar]

You wouldn't think RWD is so "cool" if you drove it in snow.

[@TheRedlinedotcom]

I have (it wasn't an i3) and I do still think it's cool. But I appreciate your point. Thanks for watching!

[@112deeps]

With winter tyres I have driven in my bmw 3 2.0D to Austria twice and Andorra, actually got caught in snow storm and needed to put on my snow socks on rear tyres through mountain pass. Handled everything with aplomb. As long as you have right tyres it works better than front or 4 wheel drive with wrong tyres. Must say met a Spanish or French bmw 3 driver stuck in snow in Andorra trying to put on the snow socks on front wheels and I did my best to explain he should put them on rear wheels! Not sure I was successful as neither understood others language 🤣😂

[@mbaxter22]

Still no heated steering wheel? WTF BMW!!! No electric car should be without a heated steering wheel.

[@TheRedlinedotcom]

Hi there - this car is an Australian-spec car, so the heated steering wheel is not something that's very common on cars here. Pretty sure it's an option! Thanks for watching!

[@mattetjus]

There is no option for a heated steering wheel even in Europe - there seem to be after market parts available though.

[@TexMex421]

I love my i3. But BMW Doesn't. All the power is not available from the start. BMW limits the power in software and the 2014 cars were faster. Faster than the sport model is today.

[@TheRedlinedotcom]

Hi there TexMex - sorry to hear you're not completely happy with the i3 you've got. I don't think I've noticed any difference over the years, but that's to be expected. I might ask the question and see if there's a reason for this. Thanks so much for watching!

[@TexMex421]

@@TheRedlinedotcom I really don't know what it means to be sorry about something like that. BMW slowed the car down because they were breaking motor mounts in Nov 2015 with a software update.

[@TheRedlinedotcom]

No, I just mean it's a shame the software update took the shine off your i3. I hadn't heard about that update.

[@mr.tomyum732]

Really the 2014 were faster than the i3s?? A lot of people ,mentioned to get the 2017 models or above because it doesn’t have as many issues as the early gen.. are there anymore problems to the 2014 models besides the motor mounts breaking?? I would love that big acceleration!! Just upgrade the motor mounts! I’m kind of torn to get an older i3 or save up and get an S model?

[@TexMex421]

@@mr.tomyum732 You can upgrade the motor mounts, but that will not change the software that slowed the cars down. 2017 had more battery capacity, a huge plus for the car.

[@cubanman2009]

Easy way to throw out $50.000 out the window

[@TheRedlinedotcom]

Hi Cubanman, thanks for watching and thanks for sharing your thoughts. Why do you think it's throwing your money out the window? The amount or you just don't think it's a good car? Let me know, keen to hear all opinions! (sorry it took so long to reply, KZbin didn't let me know you'd left a comment)