2021 i3 Interior
With its suicide-style rear doors, the generous use of recycled materials, and a quirky design, the BMW i3's interior has aged well. Despite the unusual layout, most of it is easy to fathom and the clean layout won't overwhelm first-time EV customers. Although it feels airy, especially when kitted out with some of the lighter interior colors on offer, rear-seat space is rather limited. Every i3 comes with a reasonable number of comfort and safety features, including rain-sensing wipers, automatic climate control, keyless entry, front/rear parking sensors, and acoustic pedestrian detection. Overall, the innovative cabin succeeds in making you feel as though you're piloting a car of the future, even if the i3's spec sheet now says otherwise.
2021 i3 Interior Photos
Seating and Interior Space
The i3 is a rather narrow hatchback, which is probably why BMW didn't bother trying to squeeze in a center rear seat. As a result, the i3 accommodates just four occupants. Four adults can be seated in reasonable comfort, but as is often the case, those at the back will feel a bit more cramped as these occupants have 8.6 inches less legroom than those in front. Thanks to the car's clever packaging, there is a usefully flat floor which provides decent foot space. Ingress and egress pose more of an issue; when all the doors are open, getting into the back is fine. However, the rear-hinged doors can only be opened if the front doors are opened first, which can be a chore when making a quick stop to pick up the kids at school, for instance. It's also frustrating that as there is no traditional B-pillar for a seatbelt to attach to, the seatbelt connects to the door itself. This means that the front seat occupant also has to undo their seatbelt to allow those at the back to get in or out. It's also tricky when the i3 is squeezed into tight parking spots. Once on the move, the driver has sufficient adjustment in the seat and tilt/telescopic steering column, while outward visibility poses no significant issues.
2021 BMW i3 Interior Dimensions:
| BMW i3 Trims | 120 Ah | 120 Ah s | 120 Ah with Range Extender | 120 Ah s with Range Extender |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seating | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Headroom Front Seat | 39.6 in. | 39.6 in. | 39.6 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Headroom Back Seat | 37.2 in. | 37.2 in. | 37.2 in. | 37.2 in. |
| Legroom Front Seat | 40.5 in. | 40.5 in. | 40.5 in. | 40.5 in. |
| Legroom Back Seat | 31.9 in. | 31.9 in. | 31.9 in. | 31.9 in. |
| Shoulder Room Front | 53.6 in. | 53.6 in. | 53.6 in. | 53.6 in. |
| Shoulder Room Rear | 49.2 in. | 49.2 in. | 49.2 in. | 49.2 in. |
Interior Colors and Materials
BMW has conjured up several outlandish names - known as "worlds" - that describe the interior theme of each i3. The Deka World is standard and includes Deka Dark cloth upholstery, Andesite Silver Matte interior trim, and Kenaf material for the door panels and dashboard. From there, you can upgrade to the Mega World for $1,400 which brings with it Mega Carum Spice Grey SensaTec upholstery with brown cloth accents and electronic brown trim. The Giga World option at $1,800 introduces Giga Brown natural leather and Light Eucalyptus wood, while the Tera World comprises Tera Dark Truffle Vernasca leather and Dark Oak wood trim. That last option raises the BMW i3 cost by $2,600. Silly names aside, the various themes suit the i3's image well and showcase a more flamboyant side of the brand.
2021 i3 Trunk and Cargo Space
Behind the rear seats, the i3 provides 15.1 cubic feet of trunk space, which is enough for most daily needs. However, EVs like the Nissan Leaf and the Hyundai Kona EV both offer considerably more space. By dropping the 50/50-split-folding rear seats, the i3 provides 36.9 cubes of total space, again lagging behind many rivals. Partially making up for this is a tinier frunk where a conventional hatchback's engine would be positioned. Interior storage space fares a bit better, as the i3 offers generously sized bins in the doors, cupholders for front/rear occupants, an open storage area on the dashboard that is perfect for a wallet, and a covered center console.
2021 BMW i3 Trunk and Cargo Space Photos
2021 BMW i3 Cargo Dimensions:
| BMW i3 Trims | 120 Ah | 120 Ah s | 120 Ah with Range Extender | 120 Ah s with Range Extender |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max Volume | 36.9 in. | 36.9 in. | 36.9 in. | 36.9 in. |
2021 i3 Infotainment and Features
Features
At the BMW i3's price, some buyers may expect more features as standard, but it's not unforgivably basic either. The hatchback comes equipped with automatic climate control, but only of the single-zone variety, and although the front seats are heated, they must be adjusted manually. Beyond this, you get rain-sensing windshield wipers, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, push-button ignition, keyless entry with a hands-free trunk lid function, dynamic cruise control, and power-folding mirrors. The availability of driver-assist technologies isn't the best, although a rearview camera, acoustic pedestrian protection, and front/rear park distance control are inclusive. By delving into the options list, you can raise the i3's price with options like adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, a two-way power moonroof, and wireless device charging.
Infotainment
Although the new BMW i3 doesn't have the very latest infotainment system found in more modern BMWs, the Navigation Business system with its 6.5-inch high-resolution display remains quick and easy to use via the iDrive rotary controller. The system is linked to features like Apple CarPlay (but no Android Auto), a USB audio connection, and Bluetooth connectivity. Both HD Radio and SiriusXM satellite radio can be enjoyed via the standard sound system, but a punchier 12-speaker Harman Kardon unit is available optionally. Other options include wireless device charging and a Wi-Fi hotspot.