BMW i3 2014 Review

Rs 6.5M - 8M

Hatchback

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Power

170hp

Torque

250Nm

Speed

160 kmph

Transmission

1-speed Automatic

Drive Type

Rear Wheel Drive (RWD)

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Overview

Looking for a compact premium EV that is easy to drive around Colombo while still offering strong acceleration? The 2014 BMW i3 combines an 18.8 kWh usable battery, 170 hp electric motor, rear-wheel drive, and lightweight construction. For Sri Lankan buyers, it remains an interesting urban EV, although battery age, limited original range, specialised tyres, and repair complexity require careful consideration.

Top Features

6 airbags

Nimble handling

Optional gas-powered range extender

Quick acceleration

Roomy cabin

Pros

The electric motor produces 170 hp and 250 Nm instantly, giving strong response in city traffic.

BMW quotes 0–100 km/h in 7.2 seconds, quick for a compact urban EV from 2014.

A turning circle of approximately 9.86 metres makes tight urban manoeuvring relatively easy.

Official energy consumption of 12.9 kWh/100 km demonstrates the efficiency of its lightweight EV design.

Cons

The original 130–160 km everyday range is limited compared with modern electric vehicles.

Battery degradation can reduce usable range further on a vehicle now more than a decade old.

Approximately 140 mm ground clearance requires care around high Sri Lankan speed humps and rough roads.

Narrow i3-specific tyre sizes and carbon-fibre body construction can make some repairs and replacements more specialised.

Driver Insights

4
out of 5

The 2014 BMW i3 remains technically interesting because its design was developed specifically around electric mobility rather than adapted from a petrol car. Its lightweight structure, compact dimensions, 170 hp motor, and regenerative braking work particularly well for Colombo commuting. However, age changes the ownership calculation significantly. Battery health now matters more than the original brochure range, while specialised tyres and body repairs require additional planning. Charging access is also essential for convenient ownership. A healthy i3 can remain an efficient and enjoyable urban vehicle, but buyers needing frequent long-distance travel should carefully assess its remaining real-world range before purchase.

Exterior Design

The i3 still looks unusual more than a decade after its introduction. BMW combined a short body, tall passenger compartment, narrow tyres, contrasting surfaces, and rear-hinged rear doors to create a vehicle clearly different from conventional hatchbacks. At roughly four metres long, it occupies relatively little road space and works well in crowded Sri Lankan urban areas. The 9.86-metre turning circle is another useful city advantage. However, the unusual body construction requires specialised repair knowledge after significant accident damage. Buyers should carefully inspect panel alignment, doors, glass, wheels, and underlying structural condition rather than judging an i3 only by its futuristic appearance.

Interior Design

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Safety and Technology

Transmission

Ride Quality

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the original range of the 2014 BMW i3?

BMW stated approximately 130–160 km under everyday conditions, while the U.S. EPA rated the pure-electric 2014 model at about 130 km. An older vehicle's actual range depends heavily on remaining battery capacity and usage conditions.

How much power and torque does the BMW i3 2014 produce?

What type of transmission and drive system does the BMW i3 2014 have?

What is the top speed of the BMW i3 2014?

What is the body type of the BMW i3 2014?