Last updated August 4, 2026
The BMW i3 lineup has three paths. Electric Base covers the 60 Ah and base models and is the original city-focused pure EV. Electric Sport is the s, which keeps pure-electric drive while adding stronger response, a lower suspension, and a wider stance. Plug-in Hybrid covers Base w/Range Extender, Range Extender, and s w/Range Extender; these remain electric-driven but add a small gasoline generator for backup, with the s version also getting the sport hardware.
The Electric Base trim level—the 60 Ah and base models—is the original i3 formula: compact, lightweight, rear-wheel-drive, and focused on everyday city EV use.
Best for: City drivers who want the straightforward pure-electric i3 without the sportier chassis or gasoline backup.
Highlights
The Electric Sport trim level is the s, a more driver-focused pure EV with extra motor output, a lower suspension, a wider stance, and more assertive styling.
Best for: Drivers who like the i3’s small EV format but want quicker responses and a firmer, sportier feel.
Highlights
Adds more motor output, Sport mode, a lower suspension, a wider stance, and sport-specific styling over Electric Base.
0 in stock
The Plug-in Hybrid trim level—Base w/Range Extender, Range Extender, and s w/Range Extender—keeps the i3 electric-driven while adding a gasoline generator as backup when battery charge runs low.
Best for: Drivers who want the i3’s electric-first character with more flexibility when charging is inconvenient.
Highlights
Adds range-extender backup compared with Electric Sport, though only the s w/Range Extender keeps the lower sport suspension, wider stance, and Sport mode.
17 in stock| Feature | Electric Base | Electric Sport | Plug-in Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Includes | 60 Ah, base6 in stock | Base w/Range Extender, Range Extender, s w/Range Extender17 in stock | |
| Driving setup | Pure electric, rear-wheel drive | Pure electric, rear-wheel drive | Electric drive with gasoline generator, rear-wheel drive |
| Motor output on later models | 168 hp | 181 hp | 168–181 hp, depending on version |
| Range-extender generator | — | — | Standard |
| Sport mode | — | Standard | s w/Range Extender only |
| Suspension and stance | Regular setup | Lowered, wider sport setup | Regular or sport setup, depending on version |
| Combined efficiency on later models | 113 MPGe | 113 MPGe | 100 MPGe |
In recent years, the lineup had four versions: the regular all-electric Base, the sportier all-electric i3s, the Base with Range Extender, and the i3s with Range Extender. Earlier cars used different battery-capacity names, including 60 Ah and 94 Ah.
On 2018–2021 models, the i3s is the sportier version. It has a 181-hp motor instead of 170 hp, Sport mode, a suspension lowered by 10 mm, a wider stance, 20-inch wheels, and more assertive exterior trim.
The Base is fully electric, while Base with Range Extender adds a small gasoline generator for backup. On later 42.2-kWh versions, the Base was rated for 153 electric miles versus 126 electric miles before generator support in the Range Extender.
Both use the i3s’s 181-hp motor, Sport mode, lower suspension, wider stance, and 20-inch wheels. The i3s is fully electric; i3s with Range Extender adds a gasoline generator for backup flexibility.
The regular Range Extender uses the standard i3’s 170-hp tune and regular chassis. The i3s Range Extender adds 181 hp, Sport mode, a suspension lowered by 10 mm, a wider stance, 20-inch wheels, and sportier body trim.
60 Ah is a battery-capacity name, not a sport or equipment package. For 2017, it identified the lower-range version that carried forward the earlier battery, with 18.8 kWh of usable capacity and an EPA-rated 81-mile range.
No. The Range Extender is for backup flexibility, not added speed. The regular version keeps the standard i3’s 170-hp motor, while the sportier 181-hp setup belongs to the i3s Range Extender.
No. Since its 2018 introduction, the i3s has combined different styling with mechanical changes: more power, Sport mode, a lower sport suspension, a wider stance, and 20-inch forged wheels.
The regular all-electric Base is the straightforward fit. It keeps the i3’s compact size, instant response, 170-hp rear motor, and lighter-touch chassis without the Range Extender hardware or the i3s’s firmer sport setup.
A Range Extender version is the better fit. Its small gasoline generator provides backup after the battery runs low. Pick the regular version for the standard driving feel or the i3s version for sharper responses.
Among later 42.2-kWh models, the fully electric Base and i3s share the highest EPA rating at 153 miles. The comparable Range Extender versions are rated for 126 electric miles before their gasoline generator provides support.
Yes. From the 2019 battery update onward, regular i3, i3s, and both Range Extender versions use a 42.2-kWh battery. Their electric-range ratings differ because of each version’s hardware and setup.
In the final U.S. lineup, all four versions have a 42.2-kWh battery, navigation, front and rear parking sensors, and adaptive LED headlights. Motor output, suspension tuning, and Range Extender hardware separate the trims.