BMW i3s
BMW i3s 120Ah
The BMW i3s 120Ah has compact dimensions that ease city parking and navigating tight streets. Its price places it at the premium end of the hatchback class.
By eight years on the road it should still hold about 84% of its battery health, roughly 179 km of real-world range, which is a useful yardstick if you’re buying used. What owners say: Excellent handling and engaging driving combine fast steering responses with instant torque, creating an enjoyable, responsive experience in town. Real-world range falls substantially below advertised figures, especially in winter (100-120 miles realistic versus 150+ claimed), restricting journey flexibility.
Range
177 mi
Battery
42.2kWh
Charge
50kW
Specifications
Dimensions
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Tested 2013
What Owners Say
PositiveOwners Love
- Excellent handling and engaging driving combine fast steering responses with instant torque, creating an enjoyable, responsive experience in town
- Exceptional reliability in 2019+ models, with many owners describing 60k-100k+ miles without any major faults
- Strong acceleration despite modest power output, competitive with much larger vehicles from 0-40 mph
Watch Out For
- Real-world range falls substantially below advertised figures, especially in winter (100-120 miles realistic versus 150+ claimed), restricting journey flexibility
- Older models’ limited battery capacity constrains longer journeys and calls for careful route planning
- The Range Extender brings substantial extra weight, shorter EV range and loud engine noise, alongside modest fuel efficiency (34 mpg)
Owner Tips
- Seek 2019+ models with the 42 kWh battery for improved reliability and range; avoid pre-2015 examples and early Range Extender variants
- Fit a dedicated home fast charger instead of depending on standard sockets: essential for convenient everyday charging and cost savings
- Use winter tyres in cold climates: they deliver substantially better performance in snow and ice despite the i3’s excellent grip when fitted with summer tyres
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Size Overview
Length
4.01m
Width
1.79m
Height
1.59m
Battery Health Estimator
Estimated condition if buying used
NMC chemistry supports good longevity with appropriate charging habits
Estimates use battery chemistry and age. Chemistry-based projection. Actual health depends on charging habits, climate and usage.
Detailed degradation forecast
After 3 years, the BMW i3s 120Ah is estimated to retain around 93.2% battery health, giving a real-world range of approximately 140 miles in summer and 104 miles in winter. After 5 years, the BMW i3s 120Ah is estimated to retain around 89.6% battery health, giving a real-world range of approximately 135 miles in summer and 100 miles in winter. After 8 years, the BMW i3s 120Ah is estimated to retain around 84.2% battery health, giving a real-world range of approximately 127 miles in summer and 94 miles in winter. The battery is covered by a 8-year warranty or 161,000 km, whichever comes first. This car uses a Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) battery. For best longevity, charge to 80-90% for daily use.
Estimates use battery chemistry, age and real-world driving data. Actual results depend on charging habits, climate and patterns of vehicle use.
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Lease Deals
This model is discontinued, with no active lease deals available.
Company-car tax (BiK)
2026-27 · 4% band
Buyer's guide
Used BMW i3 buyer's guide
A used BMW i3 buyer’s guide: the three battery sizes, i3 vs i3s, the range extender explained, battery warranty left, the motor electronics fault to ask about, real-world range, what to pay and a printable checklist.
10 min read
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