BMW i3 Best Year: Top Model Year for Electric Innovation and Design

Since its debut in 2013, the BMW i3 has redefined urban electric mobility, evolving through generations that capture the spirit of innovation—yet one year shines brighter than the rest.

The 2016 model marked a turning point for the i3, introducing a sleeker, more aerodynamic body with improved range and refined interior materials. Enhanced battery efficiency extended driving range to over 150 miles, while the third-generation design elevated its status as a premium city commuter. This year solidified the i3’s reputation for sustainability without sacrificing sporty handling and modern tech integration.

Beyond incremental upgrades, 2016 brought cohesive innovation—lightweight carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) construction became more accessible, reducing weight and improving energy efficiency. Interior upgrades featured premium sustainable materials, aligning with BMW’s eco-conscious mission. Combined with intuitive iDrive 7.0 integration and responsive electric powertrain dynamics, 2016 delivered a balanced blend of eco-friendly performance and luxurious comfort rare in its class.

While newer i3 models continue to advance electrification, 2016 remains the benchmark for early i3 excellence—where form met function, and sustainability met desirability. For eco-aware drivers seeking a blend of urban agility and future-forward engineering, the i3’s peak moment arrived in 2016, setting the standard that continues to inspire electric mobility today.

Choosing the 2016 BMW i3 means embracing a year when innovation met practicality, making it not just the best i3, but a milestone in sustainable driving history. If you’re drawn to cutting-edge electric technology and elegant design, 2016 proves why the BMW i3 thrives as a timeless choice.

Highlighting the best and worst BMW i3 years reveals that post. For the easiest way to compare year models of BMW i3 back-to-back and search used listings in your area, check out CoPilot Compare. Only see cars 5 years or younger with low mileage and CPO options.

US i3 sales peaked in 2015 at 11,000 units. They decreased to 7,500 in 2016, then 6,000 for two years, then 5,000 in 2019, and only 1,500 in their final year. So there's some simple scarcity with later production.

But I think more importantly, '18 has higher desirability because of the facelift, and 2019+ because of the larger battery. From the July/August 2023 issue of Car and Driver. BMW's funky-looking electric i3 never really caught on in the U.S.

Its best sales year was 2015, when slightly more than 11,000 of the EVs. So I'm currently in a 2016 LEAF but I'd like to upgrade to the BMW i3 eventually because I just love everything about it. But what year would you recommend? I know for the LEAF it's best to avoid the first 3-4 years that it was made.

And what year was carplay added? Anything else I should keep in mind for my search? And lastly is the REX as bad as people say, does it break a lot? I. Uncover the best BMW i3 year with insights on reliability, ownership costs, and real owner feedback to guide your purchase. Production years: 2017 - 2022 After three years on the market and becoming the best-selling EV in Germany and other countries, BMW improved the first generation of the i3 for the 2017 model year.

The BMW i3 is an electric car that was manufactured by German marque BMW from 2013 to 2022. The i3 was BMW's first mass-produced zero emissions vehicle and was launched as part of BMW's electric vehicle BMW i sub-brand. It is a B-segment, high.

What are the BMW i3 model years to avoid? Our guide takes a look at the worst model years you can find for the BMW i3. The BMW i3 has two-year or 18,000.