Automobile purchasing could be anxious. Fortunate for you, we discovered the proper match – a flippantly used 2019 BMW i3s. If you happen to’re searching for an EV that isn’t a bore to drive, you want look no additional. In case you forgot, the BMW i3s is the 120 Ah (amp-hours, which is a bizarre measurement; 42.2 kWh) model that additionally obtained a number of sporty upgrades. Actually, it’s actually the i3 you need – notably if you will get the vary extender (REX) model. That stated, the cheaper BEV model is simply advantageous and works for budget-conscious buyers. Right here’s why the usually neglected i3s might be the proper automotive you by no means thought of.

A lot of Life Left

With solely 31,000 miles on the clock, the i3s we’ve discovered has loads of miles left to discover. If you happen to’re doing any analysis in any respect on the mannequin, you’ll discover anecdotes everywhere in the web hailing the minimal – if any – lack of vary and capability even years later. Samsung estimates the smaller 94 Ah items will present 4,600 cost/discharge cycles earlier than degrading to a modest 80%. So, assuming 100 miles per cost – an enormous underestimation – you’ve obtained round 430,000 miles to go earlier than you may want a alternative battery.

Uninterested in your automobiles rusting out? Say goodbye eternally to rust once you determine to purchase an i3. The automotive is primarily made from carbon fiber and plastic. Whereas there are a handful of fasteners made out of metal and a few aluminum elements – which do degrade over time – it’s a far cry from how most automobiles rust, particularly in areas with a lot of street salt or moisture. Even higher, our automotive hails from sunny Phoenix, AZ – the place I name dwelling – so it hasn’t seen a lot in the way in which of climate.

The i3s is surprisingly dependable, too. With out the vary extender, there’s little to do relating to routine upkeep or repairs. When you’ll want brakes, tires, and a cabin air filter…that’s about it. The i3 does have a repute for burning by 12-volt batteries, however even if you happen to change one every year (you gained’t), you’re nonetheless popping out forward. The underside line? A 31,000-mile i3s has loads of life left to reside.

The Better of the Greatest

A few of you already know that I believe the i3 is without doubt one of the most underrated automobiles on the market. However the i3s brings much more taste to the funky four-seater. Together with a much bigger battery, the i3s will get distinctive entrance and rear bumpers that give it slightly bit extra edge. Whereas I wouldn’t name it intimidating, total, it’s a a lot cooler look.

It’s additionally incrementally faster, sprinting from zero to 30 mph even faster than the common i3. Because the common automotive did it in round 3.4 seconds, the i3s could possibly be thought of genuinely fast. Plus, the i3s obtained wider wheels and a sport suspension with uniquely developed springs, dampers, and anti-roll bars. And, all i3s fashions got here with probably the most up-to-date iDrive software program that the mannequin ever obtained. Issue within the enhanced driving vary – as much as 150+ miles – and the i3s is one of the best of one of the best.

Shockingly Sensible

Regardless of its funky seems, the mannequin is definitely fairly sensible. Rear suicide doorways make ingress and egress simple, and the mannequin gives 36.9 cubic ft of cargo area. The rear seats fold down, although not fully flat, and it’s nonetheless the one BMW mannequin with a frunk. The instance we picked out gives loads of noteworthy options, too, together with navigation, heated seats, and Parking Assistant.

Whereas the i3s is an apparent selection for city-dwellers, due to its compact measurement, snappy acceleration, and tiny turning radius, it really works for rural drivers, too. So long as you may cost at dwelling, 150 or so miles of vary is completely usable. Whereas admittedly not wonderful for fixed freeway use, the torquey motor makes hilly terrains manageable.

Lastly, the i3s is really inexperienced. Our choice’s iDrive display screen reveals 3.7 mi/kWh, which is considerably low for the mannequin however nonetheless outrageously environment friendly. Rather more trendy automobiles—just like the Ioniq 6 and Lucid Air—return 4.1 mi/kWh on common. It’s not unusual to search out i3s with even a lot greater effectivity.

Purchase An i3s

At simply $17,999 – earlier than related charges and taxes – there are few higher choices for budget-conscious automotive buyers than a pre-owned i3s. The one different EVs that occupy this worth level are penalty packing containers just like the Nissan Leaf (ugh). The closest true competitor I might discover? A 2018 Tesla Mannequin 3 with 197,000 miles on it and extreme harm on the CARFAX. Cross. Save your self some bother – and a few money – and take into account a used BMW i3s the following time you store.