BMW pegs i3 plug-in EV pricing at around $40,000 – close to that of a well-equipped 3 Series

By Nick Jaynes May 7, 2013

BMW i3 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

We’ve long been wondering where BMW would go with pricing on its i3 electric hatch model. The answer – unofficially – is in: around $40,000. Will the i3 be eligible for the $7,500 federal tax credit, though? BMW has not completed its discussions with the government on the matter. So don’t hold your breath.

That’s for the standard, three-door model, though. There are two other versions in the works: one with an onboard 0.65-liter two-cylinder motorcycle engine for on-the-go electricity generation and also a five-door version. What will those upgrades cost? No word yet. Expect a significant uptick for those variants, though. As we’ve seen, BMW loves to charge extra for goodies.

Speaking of which, BMW will offer a program to borrow a conventional gasoline or diesel-powered BMW model for extended trips – again at an additional package price.

It seems BMW isn’t worried about scaring away buyers. After all, only 57,000 EVs were sold in the U.S. last year and BMW’s North American CEO, Ludwig Willisch, doesn’t consider the i3 to be a volume car, according to an Automotive News report.

Following the i3 variants, BMW will put its i8 electric sports car on sale. The price of that will surely be in excess of $60,000.

BMW is also allowing any of its 338 dealers to opt out of the i3 and they have until June to decide. Willisch suspects only small or rural dealers will decline the i3 as the investment in training and tooling will outweigh the sales benefit.

Would you buy a $40,000 three-door BMW i3 EV over a Nissan LEAF or Chevy Volt? Tell us in the comment section below.

Editors' Recommendations

2024 BMW i5 unveiled as the first electric 5 Series

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Nick Jaynes is the Automotive Editor for Digital Trends. He developed a passion for writing about cars working his way…

Cars

Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more

Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs

Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?

The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.