“Wonderful driving experience but BMW i3 has the worst range of almost all modern electric vehicles. Public charging is still extremely limited and cannot be relied upon. If you drive a lot, consider other options.”
2021 BMW i3: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The most important change for the 2021 BMW i3 is that adaptive LED headlights became standard across the lineup. Otherwise, it is largely a carryover, with no redesign, new battery, or new trim.
About the 2021 BMW i3
1st and only generation (I01), final U.S. model year; this year sits after the 2018 styling/i3s update and the 2019 42.2-kWh battery increase.
BMW positioned the i3 as a premium small electric hatchback built mainly for city life, but with more personality and more unusual engineering than a typical compact EV. The big themes were sustainability, instant electric response, easy maneuvering, and a roomy cabin inside a very short footprint. Its carbon-fiber structure, rear-wheel-drive layout, and distinctive design helped separate it from more conventional rivals, while the Range Extender versions added backup flexibility for longer days.
The regular i3 is the lighter-touch urban EV, with a 170-hp rear motor, navigation, parking sensors, and up to 153 miles of EPA-rated electric range. The i3s adds 181 horsepower, a lower sport suspension, a wider stance, and 20-inch wheels, while Range Extender versions of both models provide backup flexibility and have a 126-mile EPA-rated electric range.
What changed, by category
Tech
Adaptive LED headlights became standard on every i3 and i3s, including both Range Extender versions.
2021 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 | 168 hp | 181 hp | 168 hp |
| Torque | 110 lb-ft | 110 lb-ft | 110 lb-ft | 110 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 changed on the 2021 BMW i3?
Adaptive LED headlights became standard on every 2021 BMW i3 version. The battery, model lineup, and basic mechanical package otherwise carried over from 2020.
Was 2021 the final year for the BMW i3 in the U.S.?
Yes. The 2021 BMW i3 was the model’s final U.S. model year.
Did the 2021 BMW i3 get a new battery or more electric range?
No. The 2021 BMW i3 kept its 42.2-kWh battery. The all-electric versions have an EPA-rated 153-mile range, while Range Extender versions have a 126-mile EPA-rated electric range.
How is the 2021 BMW i3s different from the regular i3?
The 2021 BMW i3s is the sportier version. It has a 181-hp rear motor, Sport mode, a suspension lowered by 10 mm, a wider stance, unique bumpers and trim, and 20-inch wheels; the regular i3 has 170 horsepower and a softer setup.
Were Range Extender versions still offered for 2021?
Yes. Both the regular i3 and the sportier i3s had Range Extender versions for 2021, pairing the electric drivetrain with a backup system for longer days or limited charging access.
2021 BMW i3 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 BMW i3.
4.3
2021 BMW i3
(100 reviews)
“It's manufactured with environmental impact in mind, not just of the vehicle itself, but the manufacturing process and materials as well.”
“This car is a blast to drive. The turning radius is wonderful. It looks small from the outside, but it is plenty roomy inside! Being able to flatten the rear seats when needed is nice, too.”