“Make sure you don't need a car that has a lot of truck space and size. Other than that the car is great”
2019 BMW i3: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2019 BMW i3 is a larger 42.2-kWh battery, which gives the battery-only i3 and i3s up to 153 miles of EPA-rated range. Updated navigation and newly standard parking sensors make this a meaningful upgrade rather than a redesign.
About the 2019 BMW i3
1st generation i3 (2014-2021), late-run update year after the 2018 styling refresh and i3s launch; 2019 is the first year with the larger 120Ah battery.
BMW positions the i3 as a premium small electrified hatchback built mainly for city life, short commutes, and easy parking, but with more personality than a typical economy EV. Its draw is not maximum range; it is the mix of quick low-speed response, rear-wheel-drive feel, a light and airy cabin, sustainable materials, and unusual carbon-fiber construction. Within the range, BMW also offers plug-in hybrid versions for shoppers who want the i3’s electric-first character in a more flexible format.
The regular i3 is the everyday version, with a compact footprint, an airy cabin, a 170-hp electric motor, and rear-hinged back doors. The sportier i3s has 181 hp, a firmer and lower suspension, wider bodywork, and 20-inch wheels. Both were also sold with a gasoline range extender for drivers who wanted more flexibility beyond battery power alone.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
Every i3 received a larger 120Ah battery with 42.2 kWh of gross capacity, replacing the previous 94Ah, 33-kWh pack. EPA-rated range for the battery-only i3 and i3s rose to as much as 153 miles.
Safety
Front and rear parking sensors became standard across the lineup.
Tech
The standard navigation system moved to iDrive 6.0, and the smartphone interface became standard.
2019 BMW i3 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | AC Electric Motor | AC Electric Motor | AC Electric Motor | AC Electric Motor |
| Transmission | Automatic, 1-Spd | Automatic, 1-Spd | Automatic, 1-Spd | Automatic, 1-Spd |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Electric | Electric | Electric | Electric |
| Horsepower | 181 hp | 170 hp | 181 hp | 170 hp |
| Torque | 199 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft | 199 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 31.9 in | 31.9 in | 31.9 in | 31.9 in |
| Seats | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| MPGe Combined | 113 | 113 | 100 | 100 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||
| Park Assist | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2019 BMW i3?
The biggest change is the larger 42.2-kWh battery fitted across the 2019 lineup. It gives the battery-only i3 and i3s up to 153 miles of EPA-rated driving range and also improves the electric usability of the range-extender versions.
How far can a 2019 BMW i3 travel on battery power?
The battery-only 2019 BMW i3 and i3s are rated for up to 153 miles of range. Both use the larger 42.2-kWh battery introduced for this model year.
Is the 2019 BMW i3 a redesign?
No, the 2019 BMW i3 is not a redesign. It keeps the same body and basic structure while gaining a larger battery, updated navigation, and standard parking sensors.
Is the 2019 BMW i3 meaningfully different from the 2018 model?
Yes, the 2019 i3 is meaningfully different because its larger battery provides more driving range. Its standard navigation also uses the newer iDrive 6.0 system, and front and rear parking sensors became standard.
Does the 2019 BMW i3 have Apple CarPlay?
Yes, the 2019 BMW i3 has wireless Apple CarPlay. The smartphone interface became standard for 2019, alongside the iDrive 6.0 navigation system.
2019 BMW i3 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2019 BMW i3.
4.4
2019 BMW i3
(118 reviews)
“A very economical and fun car to drive. This vehicle has save me over $380 a month in gas before the high gas prices. If you drive less than 200 miles round-trip a day for a commute this is the perfect car!”
“Excellent Handling and Great Mileage using the Range Extender getting about 200 miles on full charge. Excellent Electric Car”