BMW i3 Model Years and History

The i3 carries over into 2021 essentially unchanged, though LED headlights are now standard across the lineup.

The i3 carries over into 2020 essentially unchanged, though a special edition has been introduced for the new model year. Dubbed the i3s Edition RoadStyle, the new car features black exterior paint with copper highlights around the grille, the front bumper and the side skirts. Inside, the RoadStyle gets brown leather seating surfaces and dark oak wood trim around the dashboard along with unique embroidery on the headrests. It also rides on black 20-inch wheels.

The biggest news by far for the i3 lineup in 2019 is the switch to a bigger battery pack for increased range. The 2019 i3 now has a range of 153 miles, nearly double what it was introduced. Meanwhile, buyers who opt for the range extender can now expect up to 200 miles on a charge with the optional charger. Thanks to the longer range, the i3 becomes less of a city car, and much more of an everyday vehicle, capable of taking between cities, not just through them.

For 2018 BMW has introduced an i3 "s" model into the mix. The i3s is the more powerful and sporty version of the i3. Like the standard i3, it's available as a pure electric or as a plug-in hybrid. The i3s makes 184 horsepower, which is 14 more than the standard model, has wider track widths, larger wheels, tires, and a sport-tuned suspension. Aesthetically all i3 models receive LED headlamps standard and are given re-styled bumpers, side skirts and trim. Melbourne Red and Imperial Blue exterior paint is now available.

For 2017, the BMW i3 receives a larger-capacity battery, which retains the same footprint as before. With more energy density in the lithium ion cells, the new battery provides more than 50 percent extra capacity, according to BMW. The i3 is now capable of driving approximately 114 miles on a single charge, up 33 miles from the previous model. Elsewhere, the Deka World interior fabric is now standard, as is real-time traffic information and a universal garage door opener. An electric moonroof in now optional.

The BMW i3 gets only minor changes for 2016. A few new colors are available, as is a new special edition, the BMW i3 Shadow Sport. The primary changes for the Shadow Sport edition include stiffer springs and dampers as well as a sunroof, a first for the BMW i3.

For 2015, the electric BMW i3 features standard heated front seats, satellite radio and DC fast-charging capability.

The BMW i3 is a brand-new car from BMW that goes on sale in North America later this year. BMW's bold concept car has made it to production with relatively few changes to its design, and the final product definitely has a look inspired by science fiction.