Skip advert
Advertisement

BMW i3 review – the city car perfected? - Design

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

Design

Nothing else on the road looks like the BMW i3, yet thanks to (blanked off) kidney grilles, 'hooded' front lights and a unique take on the company's characteristic Hofmeister kink, it's unmistakably a BMW. It's not conventionally pretty, but it grabs more attention than any Lamborghini. That's despite a gangly appearance when viewed dead on front or rear.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The black bonnet, unique side glass, lack of rear door handles and the seamless rear end distract the eye though and the detailing in the rear lights is just gorgeous. At 3999mm long it's some 300mm shorter than a Volkswagen Golf, but it's about the same width, surprisingly. That's disguised by the 120mm higher roof on the i3, giving it more headroom, but also a rangy look at times.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Citroën AX GT review – the ultimate forgotten 1980s hot hatch
Citroën AX GT front
Reviews

Citroën AX GT review – the ultimate forgotten 1980s hot hatch

The underdog French hot hatch of the 1980s might just be the most fun to drive. If you can find one.
3 Jul 2026
Skoda Superb review – an excellent excuse to avoid buying an SUV
Skoda Superb review front
In-depth reviews

Skoda Superb review – an excellent excuse to avoid buying an SUV

The Superb continues to do what it always has: punch above its weight and offer compelling value for money
2 Jul 2026
I daily drove a Lamborghini Revuelto, and I’m convinced it’s the world’s best supercar
Revuelto
Long term tests

I daily drove a Lamborghini Revuelto, and I’m convinced it’s the world’s best supercar

The Revuelto has blown us away each time we’ve driven it – including at evo Car of the Year 2025, where it took top honours. What’s it like in the rea…
3 Jul 2026