BMW i3S - MY FAVOURITE ELECTRIC CAR!

BMW (UK) gave me the keys to a brand new i3S for a week. This is what happened.
Follow me on Instagram @888MF
Featuring @alexogrey

[@andru9102]

Thank you for your review and I’m glad you like the car. I bought one a couple of months ago and I love it. Couple of things to add; if you are lucky enough to be able to charge at home and have a smart meter with cheap overnight tariff you can fill the car for less than £2. Secondly, motorways have the fastest chargers and you can fill the car up in the time it takes to have a coffee. I commute 65 miles a day and have only had to charge away from home once on a long trip. We planned breaks around the charges and it worked out fine. It is the most fun car I have ever had and I love driving it (and I’m in my 50s!)

[@raysyd5643]

Interesting, I wonder how different charing is in the EU

[@pmac6584]

I also have one and you are newbies so you are missing out on knowledge. Watch Bjorn Nyland KZbin channel for tips on road trips and how to charge. If you had used Zap-Map or ABRP to plan your trip you would have been back to 100% by the time you finished your chips. You plugged into a slow charger so it charged slowly. Using a rapid charger would show you that longer trips are not a problem. Btw small point but Super chargers are specific to Tesla, non Tesla is call Rapid charger. Pedantic I know. I agree with most of what you said but you can’t complain about a small car being small it’s sort of a given:-).

[@Maurice_Moss]

As a few people have pointed out, you were using the charging network wrong. The 7kwh chargers are for leaving your car overnight or for a few hours. If you're doing a long journey, you use a rapid charger, 50kwh+, and that'll give an i3s a full charge in about 40 mins.

[@richardpiper4828]

As a petrolhead and i3s owner I am going to take issue with Alex on his rather unfair assessment of the car. Firstly you need to get some of the terminology right. Superchargers is the name of the propriety Tesla charging infrastructure which cannot be used by any other EV. The equivalent “Rapid” chargers for other EVs, and provided by a series of independent operators such as Ecotricity, BP Chargemaster, Shell, InstaVolt, Engenie, Pod Point and others, is the common standard CCS charging system. The Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi Outlander use a Chademo plug but you usually find both connectors on the same charging unit. Currently most charge up to 50 kwh but the newer units up to 150 kWh like the Tesla Superchargers. “Fast” charging is only 3 or 7 kwh charging as used on your trip to Whitstable. These units are only suitable for overnight charging at home or for destination charging where the vehicle is going to be left for several hours. These are typically sited in car parks and at shopping centres and are only really useable for topping up whilst away from the vehicle. Standard charging on via s 3 pin socket is slower still. The point though I am trying to make is if you are making a longish trip look for a rapid charger. Stop for 30/40 minutes for a comfort/coffee break plug in and you will have another 100 plus miles range - dependent upon the charging speed of your car. The rapid charge network makes the i3 an entirely useable car unless you spend everyday covering hundreds of miles up and down the motorway. I do around 20,000 miles a year and as long as I start out fully charged there is really no hindrance to the i3’s usability. Great fun to drive. Centre of gravity very low because of the weight of the batteries under the floor so handling actually quite good. i3s with lower suspension, wider track as well as wider wheels noticeably better than standard car and is not buffeted nearly as much by cross winds. Entry into rear can be a pain through the suicide doors and car is compromised by only having two rear seats. I am 6’2” and don’t think leg room for my passengers is too bad. This is not a 2+2 as the space in the back is better than that of a supermini - more akin to a Focus C class car as you sit more upright. Boot space not great as rear drive motor (and the old Range Extender generator) sits under the boot floor. Rear seats do fold completely flat and space helped by added height. i3 production has increased every year (well until the first half of this year) during its 7 years of production. BMW have announced they are cranking up production again to reduce (longish) waiting lists. 3 shift, 6 day working in its dedicated factory at Leipzig now running at maximum capacity of 45,000 units a year. BMW have said the i3 will now continue in production until 2024 with another battery and tech upgrade. Will not be directly replaced but by fully electric variants of the 1 Series (i1), 3 series (i3), X1 (iX1) and new electric only MINI crossover. Used i3s prices have now dropped into the £22-24k zone. Some really good buys (usually ex lease cars) from specialists such as Wisely Automotive. Off Street parking really essential to make EV ownership attractive. Can get Govt grant towards the cost of installing 7kwh home charger and many manufacturers offer their own desks and support. Low cost overnight energy deals at 5p per kWh equivalent to 1.25p per mile available if you install a smart meter. The i3 won’t be suitable for everyone - especially families but I can assure you it is far more than a city car. If you want a city car buy a VW Up or its SEAT or Skoda equivalents or save yourself some money by buying a Hyundai or Kia and filling up the tank. Anyone looking seriously at buying an i3 should look at some other very informative You.Tube videos - plenty by individuals and by the mainstream media/press. Alex missed an opportunity to give a more researched appraisal of the i3. Finally I can truly say my other car is a Porsche (997 - 911).

[@peejayem4700]

hey Richard - so would you recommend the i3s?

[@richardpiper4828]

@@peejayem4700 absolutely. TBH it doesn’t have the darty go kart handling of my previous MINI’s but the s holds the road far better than the standard i3 because it’s suspension is lower, the track has been widened and the tyres are also wider. The i3’s interior is so nice - especially in light Loft or Lodge - visibility excellent and overall the car is more usable and modern.

[@samueltolentino322]

@@richardpiper4828 Similar story here. I went from a V10 R8 with the gated 6 speed manual to the i3s after 7 years and 100k km with the R8 and don't miss the Audi one bit. I just recently put the AC Schnitzer aero a kit on my i3S, ECS wheel spacers and AST lowering springs. Car feels much more composed and sophisticated, especially at highway speeds which is the i3's weakest point. If you aren't into modding at the very least, the spacers are the cheapest easiest improvement to the looks and handling of the car.

[@richardpiper4828]

@@samueltolentino322 I have been thinking about fitting wheel spacers to my i3s so interested to read your comments. What size did you go for? Are ESC fitted by AC Schnitzer as I would prefer to go with a company accepted by BMW as my car is still under warranty. Do the AST lowering springs make the suspension much firmer? Thanks

[@samueltolentino322]

@@richardpiper4828 I was using the ECS spacers prior to the AC Schnitzer package for my winter wheels. 12.5mm front and 15mm rear. I went with the AST springs after doing research as it seemed to maintain the OEM ride comfort - apparently the HRE ones are awful. AC Schnitzer wouldn’t give me any definitive answers about their springs and what it would mean to handling and comfort. I suspect they are eibach springs. I have driven 17 different i3 base and S models before finding my car so I am pretty familiar with the differences in feel between the two models. The aero package, spacers and lowering shaves off even more of the light happy go lucky feel of the car (which I love) and makes it feel even more like a regular car. The steering has a heavier feel, much more planted. The car almost feels heavier in a way which disappointed me some until I drove it on the highway - the improvement was fairly dramatic. I could take my hands off the wheel going 125 km/h for a significant portion of time and the car would be planted and track true - whereas before the steering constantly needed attention on the highway.

[@septimiuT9]

I have a 94Ah i3 (110miles range summer - 80 miles range - winter; used in comfort - never used the other 2 modes) for over a year now. I like this car a lot. I recommend this car for city. I am using it to commute, 70 miles every day round trip and I have no range anxiety. It is a car build for city use. It is limited to 99mph, but it has no problem reaching that speed. You have to take into consideration the 25-30% loss of range due to the winter conditions. Even with that loss it is a great car. I charge it at home, 10kw AC charger - 2-3 hours to full charge. 120Ah i3 is even better. i3s is sportier, I have ordered an i3s 120Ah, I am waiting to be delivered in about 3 weeks.

[@mike_t_007]

How do you like it? I'm cross shopping the 2023 Bolt EV and i3s 120ah. Would love to know your experience and how you like the newer i3 vs your older one

[@septimiuT9]

@@mike_t_007 there is no big diference between the old and the new; the battery should be 120AH, you should take Navigation Professional (big screen). i3s has a rigid suspension, you have to take into consideration that the rear doors open only if you open the front doors,

[@AlexOGray]

WE LOVE ELECTRIC CARS 😁⚡🏎️

[@cebuwulfkiba2495]

The 2018 i3s still has the Rex and I love it having it! It’s fun, everyone looks at it and says no way this is a BMW

[@nevilleserlui719]

Great video as usual ! Thanks for the drive in the i3 earlier this week. Really want one now and think you have convinced me to buy one !!

[@samueltolentino322]

Do it, you won`t regret it.

[@ikweetvanniks]

This car has a low centre of gravity, not a high one as said in the video (I own a i3s - so I know what I am talking about). This is thanks to the position of the batteries at the "'bottom" of the car. The fact that the battery has no big range, that you know in advance, and the fact that there are not much fast charger in your neighbourhood is not a fault of the car !!! and a new model is earliest 2023 - 2025 something about that period!!!

[@BestoftheBest-oz4ei]

Beautiful! Oh and the car looks nice too.

[@pauharpe8464]

I bought a i3s 2019 (7000 miles) four months ago at £21500, love the the thing bought it as a second car but can’t help but jump in it every day now...

[@gallitron7803]

Nice price, where from? Dealer?

[@pauharpe8464]

Gallitron hi no private guy, he had listed on eBay for two weeks and no one went to look at it, I thought it was going to be a scam , but was mint and seller a lovely guy buying a new Tesla

[@pmac6584]

@@gallitron7803 I just got a 2017 i3 rex with 10k on the clock absolutely mint for 19k from Bristol street motors, I love it. It was delivered from Bristol to North West with one 20 minute stop for a coffee and arrived at my door with 3% charge and no petrol used. There are specialists worth a look like Wisely in London or go green autos and jonathon porterfield.

[@Sevenseas0]

Nice ride height, very good airbags, beautiful exterior.. anyway enough about the lady the car is very good also

[@robiebol]

Hehe, I got the maxed out one and it's really awesome. I can recommend the openable glass roof too.

[@g.j.koster1986]

Beautiful car, very smart design.

[@doddsalfa]

The internet is full of electric car reviews by people that have never driven electric cars

[@GenaF]

I once went to Whitstable for chips and I live in Lincolnshire 😂

[@MrBazsi888]

this girl was a smart choice. like & subscribed !

[@kevinwiltshire2217]

By one used for 14k and then yes it's the best city car. Especially if you get the Rex version. Easy to park

[@888mf4]

I agree. Great value second hand.

[@samueltolentino322]

Unfortunately you won’t find an S anywhere near that price point yet (if you can find an S even at all). Another absolute dirt cheap bargain that is tons of fun to drive is the fiat 500e.

[@eauto9152]

I love this car, too.

[@You_Can_Do_If]

The girl is genuine

[@Csirkefoga]

I'm sure Your friend was hired for her driving skills, not that they're not good or anything. 🤣 I see what You did there. 🤣

[@miguelbermudez4886]

Mate I saw you once in London with a gt3 rs 4.0 in central London. In the main road from Chelsea to Harrods. I was cicling. Im Spanish studing in London when ever you want send me a message to go out. PARTY 😂😂😂

[@ronnyskaar3737]

Here in Norway there is no problem going on a long trip with an EV. There are chargers everywhere.

[@a9owu]

Good video!

[@888mf4]

Thanks

[@HoldYourColour96]

I live in Whitstable would be cool to see you down here!

[@888mf4]

We need to do another drive, during the day next time

[@mell3109]

Best bit of the video 3:59

[@scottsumner9968]

Mine caught fire 🔥 wile on charge at my home, but really missed it so have ordered a new one, i live in Kent and drive to London every day and charge each night works really well for me

[@thomasgrahamdavies1962]

What did BMW say about it?

[@mike_t_007]

Wow sorry to hear about the fire. Was yours a REX version or BEV?

[@ScottZ370]

Had one of these behind me, couldn't drop it until 70mph they're shockingly fast

[@raysyd5643]

Right, no top end whatsoever though lol

[@xenomorph1317]

I know it could give my previous F80 M3 a run for its money for sure, up to about 80/90mph that is 😂 Having owned a M3 and now driving a 2020 I3s, never did i shed a single tear for the M3, great on track but on public roads utterly useless.

[@peterkirton4580]

The petrol range extender was a very good idea, but £42,000 no way, far too expensive for most people and such a small car.

[@egilandersen1844]

You get stuck if You run of petrol to....

[@MILKYBAR1969]

Or diesel

[@simonreeves2017]

It seems to be a competition as to who can be the most uninformed and ignorant - I think they both won.

[@JDMJOE]

Gluten free fish n chips?? Wtf 😂😂😂

[@CandyflossCottonCandy]

who's the girl?

[@Artichucke]

Alexandra Gray. Instagram @alexogray

[@nealp885]

The new haircut look great

[@888mf4]

haha! Thanks. Did it myself.

[@erolcoulson9194]

Hey she's gorgeous

[@raysyd5643]

I just reviewed one too, honestly the suspension is a pretty large jump from the regualr i3... but the power was pretty much the same. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rWXXn6yZqa2dnqs

[@jonathancollard3710]

Nice car, looks futuristic still, great build quality and is ideal for city dweller. Erm, shame about the near constant middle lane driving you guys exhibited, when inside lane was empty 🤷🏻‍♂️ not setting a great example for all those idiot lane hoggers that create frustration and danger out on motorway. 🤨

[@erolcoulson9194]

I mean the blond lady

[@LilaKuhJunge]

An obviously intelligent blonde driving an electric BMW using rear view mirror and turn indicators... A man, sitting in the passenger seat, not telling the driver what to do... The exact opposite of TopGear!

[@stevewalsh-balshaw1727]

And this is the problem with ev's way way too expensive for us folk in the north of UK fine for southerners on mega incomes useless for Northern working class folk on 18k a year before tax yet again ev revolution based on city dwellers based in South that's why they'll sell to a tiny proportion of folks

[@stephenpeacock2627]

Looks ugly. Frameless door pillar means the door guy is flimsy

[@MILKYBAR1969]

Not when the car is made carbon fibre reinforced plastic it's much stronger than steel

[@xenomorph1317]

Better when putting in children or child seat then in my previous F80 M3 though....

[@whocares264]

@@xenomorph1317 shame you cant open the rear windows

[@bfg58simon]

Clever and interesting car, however don’t park one of these in your garage, in case it combusts and burns down the entire building. Seriously.

[@EdwardV20]

Fire hazard is a real thing with all these EVs and they are better kept outside.

[@richardpiper4828]

Sorry, this is absolute nonsense. There has been the very rare but well publicised fire involving a Tesla but actually fires in EV’s rarer than with ICE’s with all that combustible petrol. Electrical fires once they take hold do though tend to have more catastrophic consequences.

[@bfg58simon]

@@richardpiper4828 It's a matter of absolute fact and really not uncommon. I have a video and stills of my neighbours BMW i3 on fire. If it had been parked in the garage, the family would all have suffocated. The smoke was so black & intense, the fire so hot it took over an hour for the fire brigade to extinguish.

[@MILKYBAR1969]

There has been two instances of an i3 catching fire both times it was something nearby that caught fire first Simon Baker you say you have prof now prove it.

[@bfg58simon]

@@MILKYBAR1969 Hi Michael. This is not a wild conspiracy and I'm a lifelong BMW/Alpina customer, so no axe to grind. Message me your email and I'll happily send you evidence.

[@Tracertme]

Even a Z4 has a bigger boot... this car is novel for 5 minutes then utterly irrelevant....

[@samueltolentino322]

Nah, its one of the most novel vehicles ever produced, and one of the greatest daily driving experiences one can have. There is a reason why production will span at least 10 years and the car will have been relatively unchanged during its life cycle. This is a car that started development in 2008 and the sales and production numbers continue to grow 12 years later in 2020.

[@samueltolentino322]

@John Edwards Ya that is nuts. Here in Canada I paid about 3 or 4k more for the i3S than we did for the model 3 and the i3s had every option and spec. The cars are so different but complement each other. The Tesla is a better Electric Car, but I think the i3s is a better Car. The Bolt is in no way a comparison. The bolt is a long the lines of the Soul, Kona, and Leaf. They are just typical FWD cars. Where I live I don`t need a massive range, The 260 km real world range (for me) I get with the 42KW BEV i3s is perfect. I drive the car like I stole it, so the real world range for a normal person would be around 300 km. I personally don`t want to lug around a large battery, look how bad Audi messed up the eTron, it feels like a tank. Driving the Model Y was a massive let down as well. I had expected it to be the best Tesla yet, like a Model 3 but taller.. Not the case. The car feels heavier, and its lost its bottom-end punchyness, somehow the visibility is worse too. Wait till Porsche comes out with an electric Macan, that will be interesting. I just wish Porsche would get on board with one pedal driving

[@samueltolentino322]

John Edwards only get the Rex if you really need more than about 280km range. It adds 500lbs to the car and is the weak link in its reliability. That said it’s a nice backup. Just make sure to unlock it so you can manually turn it on below 80 SOC and then you can use it while cruising on the highway between cities :)