“This car is like a glimpse into the future. It's quiet, quick and nimble, comfortable, and costs NOTHING to operate, since I can charge it for free all over. I love it. It's a fantastic vehicle. Previously I had a 2001 BMW M5. Very fast and fun, but not so environmentally friendly. The i3 is also fast and fun, but super quiet and electric! I love it.”
2014 BMW i3: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2014 BMW i3 was an all-new model and the i3’s first U.S. model year. Its headline change was the launch of a purpose-built electric car with lightweight carbon-fiber construction and pure-electric or range-extender versions.
About the 2014 BMW i3
1st generation (i01), first U.S. model year
BMW positioned the i3 as an urban electric car that still feels like a BMW to drive. The core pitch was quick response, tight turning ability, lightweight construction, and premium design, paired with sustainable materials and smart route-planning tools for daily city use. Compared with rivals, the i3 stood out for its carbon-fiber structure, rear-wheel-drive layout, roomy tall-roof cabin, and the unusual choice of a gasoline backup generator on the Range Extender version.
BMW positioned the 2014 i3 as a small premium electric car built for city driving. The base model was the lighter, pure-electric version with an EPA-rated 81-mile range, while the Range Extender used a small gasoline generator and had an EPA-rated 72 miles of electric range and 150 miles of total range. Both used a 170-hp rear electric motor and included navigation, LED headlights, rear parking sensors, and BMW emergency and remote services.
What changed, by category
Structural
The i3 used a dedicated electric-car design with a carbon-fiber passenger cell mounted on an aluminum chassis.
Powertrain
Both versions used a rear-mounted 170-hp electric motor, rear-wheel drive, a single-speed transmission, and a 22-kWh battery. The Range Extender also had a 650cc two-cylinder gasoline generator for extra driving distance.
Tech
A navigation system with a 6.5-inch display and BMW remote connected services were standard across the lineup.
Safety
LED headlights, rear parking sensors, and BMW emergency-call services were standard on both versions.
2014 BMW i3 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | AC Electric Motor | AC Electric Motor |
| Transmission | Automatic, 1-Spd | Automatic, 1-Spd |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Electric | Electric |
| Horsepower | 170 hp | 170 hp |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 36.9 cu-ft | 36.9 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 31.9 in | 31.9 in |
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Electric Range | 72 | 72 |
| MPGe Combined | 124 | 117 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||
| Alarm System | ||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||
| Rear View Camera | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| LED Headlights | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Premium Audio | ||
| Smartphone Interface | ||
| Heated Front Seats | ||
| Leather Seats | ||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||
Frequently asked questions
Was 2014 the first year for the BMW i3 in the U.S.?
Yes. The 2014 BMW i3 was the model’s first U.S. model year and the start of its first generation.
What versions of the 2014 BMW i3 were offered?
The 2014 BMW i3 lineup consisted of a pure-electric base model and a Range Extender model. Both were driven by the same 170-hp electric motor, but the Range Extender also used a small gasoline engine as a generator when the battery charge ran low.
What was the electric range of the 2014 BMW i3?
The pure-electric 2014 BMW i3 had an EPA-rated range of 81 miles. The Range Extender was rated for 72 miles on electricity and 150 miles of total driving range with its gasoline generator.
Did the 2014 BMW i3 Range Extender drive on gasoline?
No. The 2014 i3 Range Extender’s electric motor drove the rear wheels; its small gasoline engine worked as a generator when the battery charge became low.
What features were standard on every 2014 BMW i3?
Every 2014 BMW i3 had a 170-hp rear electric motor, a 22-kWh battery, navigation with a 6.5-inch display, LED headlights, rear parking sensors, and BMW emergency and remote services.
2014 BMW i3 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2014 BMW i3.
4.3
2014 BMW i3
(187 reviews)
“Great vehicle for short trips to Amsterdam from work. Just make sure you can charge it frequently.”
“The ride is super bumpy and jerky as a passenger. I don't feel it as much when I'm driving. There's a whistling sound when I'm driving. Sometimes the bluetooth has trouble syncing with my Audible app. Don't like there's no AM radio.”