BMW’s range of electric cars is growing fast. It currently consists of the familar i3 supermini and sporty i4 coupe, along with the iX3 and iX SUVs.
This is an overview of what you need to know about buying an electric BMW in 2021. This page will be updated regularly.
Buying a BMW electric car
Which fully electric cars does BMW sell?
The i3 and more powerful i3S are the smallest electric cars sold by BMW. The i4 coupe is also available in two flavours: 340hp eDrive40 or 544hp M50.
The iX3 is a family-friendly SUV, similar in size to the existing BMW X3. And the flagship iX is a large and luxurious SUV – a rival for the Tesla Model X and forthcoming electric Range Rover.
Which BMW electric cars are coming soon?
BMW’s iNext concept will likely lead to an X5-sized electric SUV called (you guessed it) the iX5.
Expect a compact iX1 SUV to follow soon afterwards, along with electric versions of the 3, 5 and 7 Series saloons.
Before long, the choice of electric BMWs will be just as diverse as the marque’s existing petrol and diesel range. And that’s before we factor in electric Minis…
What is BMW’s electric car brand called?
Taking a leaf out of Apple’s book, BMW’s electric car brand is called ‘i’ – hence i3, i4 and so on.
What is the warranty on a BMW electric car battery?
The electric car battery is covered for up to eight years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. Overall, a BMW electric car is covered by a three-year, unlimited mileage warranty.
Are BMW electric cars eligible for the government Plug-in Car Grant?
Because they cost less than £35,000, both the BMW i3 and i3S are eligible for the government’s Plug-in Car Grant.
Where can you buy a BMW electric car?
You can buy a new BMW electric car from your nearest BMW dealer.
How much do BMW electric cars cost?
The BMW i3 starts at around £34,000. Next up the ladder is the i4 at £52,000, while the iX3 and i4 M50 both cost upwards of £60,000. Prices for the iX start at £70,000.
Charging a BMW electric car
What type of plug do BMW EVs use?
BMW electric cars use Type 2 (AC) and CCS (DC) plugs.
What charging equipment comes as standard with a BMW electric car?
All BMW electric cars come with Mode 2 and Mode 3 charging cables included.
The former is for connecting to a home electricity supply via a three-pin plug. The latter is to connect with public charging points or a dedicated home EV charger.
Can BMW electric cars use rapid chargers?
Yes, BMW electric cars can use rapid chargers.
Can BMW electric cars use Ionity chargers?
Yes, BMW electric cars can use the Ionity 350kW ultra-rapid charging network.
Where is the charging point located on a BMW electric car?
This varies according to model. The charging point on the BMW i3, for example, is located on the driver’s side of a UK-spec car, above the rear wheel. This is where you’d expect to find a petrol filler cap.
Which charge partner does BMW work with?
The BMW Charging service works in conjuction with BP Pulse and Ionity. It allows a BMW electric car owner to charge at more than 10,000 locations across the UK.
Does BMW offer a wallbox charger?
When you buy an electric BMW, you can opt for a 7.4kW BP Pulse home wallbox for £899.
Do you get a free wallbox when you buy a new BMW electric car?
No, the BP Pulse wallbox is an optional extra.
What is the maximum charging speed of a BMW electric car?
Again, this depends on the model. Taking the i3 as an example, charging from zero to 80 percent takes around 40 minutes via a 50kW rapid charger. Using the optional BP Pulse wallbox, the charging time is 3-5 hours.
Driving a BMW electric car
What is the range of a BMW electric car?
A BMW i3 offers a claimed 182 to 188 miles of electric range. In the real world, the figure is likely to be closer to 125 miles.
The high-tech iX offers an officially mandated range of 373 miles if you opt for the 100kWh battery. Real-world? Reckon on 300 miles.
What is the BMW electric car smartphone app called?
The BMW smartphone app is called My BMW. Along with the standard features, such as suggesting the ideal time to leave, you can also check the charge status of your EV.
How many BMW dealers are there and do they offer free charging for owners?
There are around 150 BMW dealers in the UK, but they do not offer free charging for electric cars.
Does BMW sat nav show charging point locations and availability?
Yes, it’s possible to identify charging points using the sat nav. The system will also tell you if the destination can be reached using the charge left in the battery.
ALSO READ:
What type of electric car is right for me?
