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

Driving the greatest ’70s supercars, from BMW M1 to Countach – car pictures of the week
1970s supercar test
Features

Driving the greatest ’70s supercars, from BMW M1 to Countach – car pictures of the week

In the latest issue of evo, we revisit 1970s supercar icons from Ferrari, Porsche, Lamborghini, BMW and more. These are our favourite shots
20 Jun 2026
New Maserati GranTurismo revealed – GT car updated to face Aston Martin DB12 S and Ferrari Amalfi
Maserati GranTurismo front
News

New Maserati GranTurismo revealed – GT car updated to face Aston Martin DB12 S and Ferrari Amalfi

Maserati’s iconic grand tourer launched in 2022 and is getting a nip and tuck three years on, with more power, a tweaked face and an off-road mode
18 Jun 2026
2027 Alpine A110: First prototype will debut at Goodwood Festival of Speed
Electric Alpine A110
News

2027 Alpine A110: First prototype will debut at Goodwood Festival of Speed

The countdown is on for the reveal of the next Alpine A110, which is set to arrive with electric but be ready for petrol. We have all the details
19 Jun 2026