BMW i3

Fuel economy, running costs and specs by model year

The BMW i3 appears in this database in 5 model years, from 2016 to 2020, offered with electric and plug-in hybrid power. Combined economy ranges from 31 to 124 MPGe across those years, with annual fuel costs of $600 to $2,550 at 15,000 miles.

Fuel economy by year

How it compares

Against the average subcompact cars in this dataset (about 27 MPGe), the i3 sits roughly 50 MPGe above that mark on average, making it a relatively efficient choice for its class.

Five-year fuel cost

Fuelling a i3 for five years at the EPA's 15,000-mile basis costs roughly $3,000 to $12,750, averaging about $7,875 across the versions here. That is the energy bill alone — it excludes insurance, maintenance and depreciation, which for most owners together exceed what goes into the tank.

The range within the range

Economy across the i3 varies by about 93 MPGe between its most and least frugal versions, which run on electric and plug-in hybrid. Engine size, turbocharging, drivetrain and even wheel size explain most of that gap, so when you shop a used i3 check which version you are looking at before comparing its running cost to another car.

How it changed over time

Between 2016 and 2020 the i3's average combined economy slipped from about 82 to 72 MPGe. Redesigns, new engines and added hybrid or electric versions are usually what move the number, so the year you choose can matter as much as the model.

Best year for fuel economy

The 2017 i3 has the strongest average combined economy in this database at about 92 MPGe, while the 2019 is the lowest at about 72 MPGe. If running cost is your priority, that is the year to target on the used market; later years may add equipment or safety features instead.

2020 i3 at a glance

Use the comparison tool to set the i3 against a rival, or go back to all BMW models.