DecodedCars2021 BMW i3
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Engines
- 0.6L 2-cyl
- Horsepower
- 170 hp
- Transmission
- 1-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 4
- 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 — 32% better than the average 2021 subcompact car (23.4 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 3 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 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), 32% better than the 2021 subcompact car average of 23.4 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.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the structure.
What changed for 2021
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 i3 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 i3 →
Trims, performance & features
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Leipzig, Germany
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 1 2021 i3 configuration; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| i3s EV | 135 kW AC Induction | Automatic (A1) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 153 mi · 29.7947 kWh/100mi | – | $650 | – |
| i3 EV | 125 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 | +32% | $2,650 | 22 |
| i3s with Range Extender Plug-in Hybrid | 0.6L 2-cyl | Automatic (A1) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 30 / 31 / 31 | +32% | $2,650 | 22 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2021 BMW i3.
Similar 2021 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 BMW i3 (this car) | 31 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi TTS | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class | 29 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 BMW 2 Series | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2021 BMW i3.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2021 BMW i3 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 BMW i3 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Structure › Body — 1 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- 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 2021 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 →