DecodedCars2020 BMW i3
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2020 models.
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Engines
- 0.6L 2-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- EV, Plug-in Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 31 combined · 30 city / 31 hwy
- EV range
- 153 mi · 7 h on 240 V
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 31 MPG combined — 35% better than the average 2020 subcompact car (22.9 MPG).
- Plug-in hybrid version availableOffered as a plug-in hybrid and electric as well as gas.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 7 similar 2020 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2020 BMW i3 is a subcompact car offered with a 0.6L 2-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 31 MPG combined (30 city / 31 highway), 35% better than the 2020 subcompact car average of 22.9 MPG, for an estimated $650 a year in fuel.
The electric version has an EPA-rated range of up to 153 miles and takes about 7 hours to charge on a 240-volt Level 2 charger.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
What changed for 2020
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2019 i3 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2019; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2019 i3 →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| i3 EV | 125 kW AC Induction | Automatic (A1) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 153 mi · 29.7947 kWh/100mi | – | $650 | – |
| i3s EV | 135 kW AC Induction | Automatic (A1) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 153 mi · 29.7947 kWh/100mi | – | $650 | – |
| i3 with Range Extender Plug-in Hybrid | 0.6L 2-cyl | Automatic (A1) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 30 / 31 / 31 | +35% | $2,650 | 22 |
| i3s with Range Extender Plug-in Hybrid | 0.6L 2-cyl | Automatic (A1) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 30 / 31 / 31 | +35% | $2,650 | 22 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2020 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2020 BMW i3.
Similar 2020 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 BMW i3 (this car) | 31 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Audi A3 | 30 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2020 Audi A5 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2020 Audi TTS | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2020 BMW 2 Series | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Audi S3 | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2020 BMW i3.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2020 BMW i3 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2020 BMW i3 in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2020 BMW i3 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Battery health. Ask for a battery state-of-health report, check the remaining battery warranty, and compare the displayed range at 100% charge with the EPA's 153 miles.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2020 BMW i3. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other i3 years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or BMW. How we calculate this →