What's the best BMW electric car?
Take a look at our top picks for the best BMW electric cars as we review the options
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Reliable BMW electric cars
What makes a reliable electric car? This is a question that many prospective buyers are asking themselves before diving into EV ownership, and there’s a simple answer – almost all of them are.
This is because there’s no internal combustion engine with lots of moving parts and delicate cables and belts that can – and do – go wrong.
Instead, what you have is an electric motor with very few moving parts and a whole sheet of batteries that are designed to work as efficiently as possible, meaning if one cell fails, the rest adapt.
So, no matter what car you’re coming from, an electric vehicle (EV) is almost always going to be more reliable and more dependable simply because of its advanced engineering and simplistic nature.
With that in mind, here is a list of the best electric BMWs that you should consider buying.
BMW i3
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Many car manufacturers claim their latest car is ‘ahead of its time’, which isn’t always true, but the BMW i3 is actually way ahead of its time. It might just be the most futuristic car you can buy that won’t cost a large sum of money.
We say this because this little used BMW EV is packed full of recycled materials bringing an environmental benefit, and it looks like a vehicle out of The Jetsons.
Power comes from a 170hp electric motor that’s mated to a 42.2kWh battery, which offers up to 188 miles of range – more than enough for most people’s commutes for a large portion of the week.
Choosing a used BMW i3 is a great way to cut costs and can mean you get a higher spec model for a lower price point.
BMW i3s
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Closely related to the i3 is the i3s – its sportier sibling and one of the best BMW electric cars.
Everything is the same between the standard car and the ‘S’ model except for the power – which has been bumped up to 186hp – and the tyres, which are 20mm wider, making it more stable on the road and better around corners.
Range is kept around the same at around 190 miles (depending on how you drive it), and it still has the same 42.2kWh battery but now with a quicker 0-62mph time of 6.9 seconds instead of the standard i3’s 7.3 seconds.
BMW iX3
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Sitting above the electric hatchbacks in BMW’s model range is the iX3 – a mid-sized SUV based on the X3.
There’s something so familiar about this car, and it’s probably because it doesn’t look much like an EV at all because it shares so many parts with the existing X3.
Hidden under all the bodywork is an 80kWh battery that gives you up to 285 miles of range, which can be replenished to 80% in just 34 minutes when hooked up to a fast charger.
The interior is a special place to be too. With Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity plus a great sound system, your long drives are about to become much more enjoyable.
There are plenty of used BMW iX3 models on the market at impressive price points, too.
BMW iX
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Large electric SUVs are mighty impressive feats of engineering. They weigh more than two tonnes, are more than six feet tall and look menacing. Yet they’re faster than most sports cars and have excellent ranges.
One of the best is the BMW iX, which is packed full of the latest technology and produces some serious power.
The top-of-the-range iX M60 model comes with a 619hp electric motor that allows it to have a 0-62mph time of less than four seconds and travel up to 348 miles on a single charge –extremely impressive.
It’s not cheap, mind, but if you have the cash, this is a winner in our eyes. Plus, a used BMW iX can help cut costs.
BMW i7
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Whether you’re into your driving or like to be driven, the new BMW i7 is ideal. It perfectly bridges the gap between being chauffeured and driving pleasure, thanks to its extremely comfortable rear seats and surprisingly driver-focused driving style.
Powering the car is a 102kWh battery pack that offers up to 388 miles of range on a single charge, making it one of the longest-range EVs on the market.
Being so long, it also has plenty of interior space as well as a large 500-litre boot for any important business trips.
Which model will suit your needs best?
No matter which BMW model you choose, you’re going to be happy with your choice because of their famed reliability and build quality – especially the electric cars.
If you live in a town or city, then the best electric BMW option for you will be a BMW i3 or i3s because they’re small cars that are packed full of great tech and recycled materials, and the range is plenty for most people.
However, if you want more of a luxurious driving experience, then the more expensive and very special i7 is the car for you. It’s the all-electric BMW 7 Series that offers an even quieter driving experience that no one thought was possible.
If size matters most to you, then either the iX3 or larger iX SUV would be best suited to you – they offer plenty of storage options and are perfect for families.