Used 2019 BMW i3 for Sale

The i3 comes with stability control, 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes and six airbags (front, front side and full-length side curtain). Optional safety features include a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control and forward-collision warning with automatic braking.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not crash-tested the i3. But the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the car its top score of Good in all major categories except for rear crash protection, where it was deemed Acceptable.

Behind the Wheel

Vehicle information is provided by twin displays (one behind the steering wheel and one in the center of the dash). Every i3 comes with a distinctive combination of interior materials, and while not every theme will meet with universal approval, none of them are dull. Despite the gadgetry, most functions are easy to learn and use, aided by BMW's iDrive interface (with available touchpad functionality).

The i3s rides just under half an inch lower, and its Sport mode sharpens responses of the steering and throttle. It sprints from standstill to 60 mph in a fairly quick 6.8 seconds and has a top speed of 100 mph. The regular i3 takes 7.2 seconds to get to 60 mph from a standstill and maxes out at 93 mph.

Rear passengers enjoy spacious accommodation for such a small car, with adequate legroom and generous headroom. Access isn't straightforward, however. The rear-hinged back doors can't open unless the front doors are open (there's no B-pillar), which is particularly inconvenient if another car is parked alongside.

The i3 also brings the concept of one-pedal driving. This sounds off-putting, but it's easy to get to grips with. Because of the regenerative brake function (which captures and stores energy that might otherwise be lost), the car slows as the driver eases off the throttle. The more pronounced the lift-off, the more forceful the slow-down. In city driving, this stop/go ability is far less tiring and stressful than having to dance the right foot between two pedals.

What might be surprising is the i3's well-tuned handling, courtesy of a nearly 50:50 front/rear weight distribution and BMW's expertise in rear-drive dynamics. This is an engaging EV for less than half the price of a Tesla Model S. Happily, it's also supple and quiet in normal driving, with suitably upscale manners.

2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV -- Less spacious than the i3 and not as high-class, but with a remarkable range of 238 miles.

2019 Tesla Model 3 -- An attractive premium compact sedan that starts at $35,000 and can cover 220 miles.

2019 Volkswagen e-Golf -- VW's electrified 4-door Golf has a range of 125 miles. It also has easier back seat access and more cargo space for less money, while still coming close to premium quality.

Electric cars are still relatively novel, so there isn't a healthy used market right now. A pre-owned Tesla Model S would still be more expensive than a new i3.