BMW 1 Series vs BMW I3
What's the difference?

BMW 1 Series

$44,997 - $89,900

2025 price

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BMW I3

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2020 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Summary

2025 BMW 1 Series

2020 BMW I3

By Chris Thompson

By James Cleary

Safety Rating

Engine Type

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Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Fuel Type

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Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Fuel Efficiency

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Electric range

270 km

Energy consumption

14.6 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

42.00 kWh

Seating

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Likes

Driving dynamics and performance
Front-row layout
Pricing remains competitive

Design
Dynamics
Tech

Dislikes

New face might divide opinion
Second-row amenities lacking
A tad thirsty

Pricey
Tight rear room
Short warranty

2025 BMW 1 Series Summary

Can you believe the 1 Series is already in its fourth generation? It might not look incredibly like it, because this new car looks a little like the third.

But it’s been more than half a decade since the F40 1 Series debuted, so BMW decided it was already time for a new kid on the block. Meet the F70.

It’s just landed in Australia and it promises new-gen tech and features compared with its predecessor. We checked out BMW’s new baby at its Australian launch to find out if it delivers.

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2020 BMW I3 Summary

It’s easy to forget BMW was paddling into the growing electric vehicle wave when it was only a gentle swell. It took off early with the i3 city car, which believe it or not has been in the Aussie new car market for six years.

While the German maker has long been developing the concept of electrified powertrains in existing models, the i3 was the result of a dramatically different approach, showcasing the use of exotic materials and innovative packaging.

Like its i8 supercar sibling, the i3 won’t be replaced with a new-generation version, but BMW says it will continue to develop this high-tech hatch before it departs, and we spent a week in the sporty i3s to see how it stands up in 2020.

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Deep dive comparison

2025 BMW 1 Series 2020 BMW I3

Verdict

A brief dalliance with the 1 Series has left me impressed, if wanting to spend more time with it to get a better assessment of the day-to-day liveability of BMW’s entry-level model.

It’s a compelling offering if you’re after a premium small car, and even without the performance of the M135, the 118 is feature-packed.

Keeping pricing competitive should help the 1 Series buck the trend of buyers opting for small SUVs, but ultimately it’s just refreshing to see BMW putting effort into keeping a hatchback relevant (and up-to-date).

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with meals provided.

Verdict

Yes, it’s pricey for a small hatch, but this little BMW is a city car like no other. The i3s is tailor made for the urban environment, and six years on retains the quirkiness and charisma that stood it apart at launch, and it can still hold its head high among the current EV crop.

BMW 1 Series vs BMW I3 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

BMW 1 Series vs BMW I3
What's the difference?