I drove home my used, $15,000, 2017 BMW i3-REx: Optimized for fastest return, all but one leg of the +15 hours was gas powered: 10 fuel stops, last segment totally EV 21.84 gal $82.73 36.3 MPG 15:10 duration About 2 hours faster than Tesla but ~$12.00 more expensive. First two tanks were premium to dilute what the dealer had put in. The last tanks were mid grade. The fuel octane improves the two cylinder, high compression engine efficiency and makes it quieter. Full charge including any overhead like cooling: The new battery capacity is ~27 kWh. I am pleased. Bob Wilson
I did more precise battery capacity measurements at 65 mph, Standard day temp, no wind, flat terrain, and came up with: ~106 mi range 28.4 kWh battery capacity I left it at the local dealer for mechanic inspection and they only came up with front disk pads. The surface rust came on on the trip and we're in good shape. Waiting for more technical details but looking good: Florida style, dark tint - I did not need sunglasses. Has a 2" receiver New tires - waiting on alignment report No 'technology' package - smaller displays and no dynamic cruise control After returning from the inspection trip, I took a nap and found a sharp pain in my left knee. Trying to register the car, the 80 yd walk to and from the car led to a physician call and x-rays. Sure enough, arthritis which we'll treat with analgesics and a knee brace. But the car seats are higher than my Tesla which can help. The Tesla is low which means I sit lower and have to pull myself up. The BMW i3-REx seat is perfect height to sit on and just turn and stand to exit. I bought the car as backup for the Tesla but it is also a good options if the arthritis acts up. So to compare and contrast the BMW vs Tesla: Advantage Tesla 3.7 mi/kWh (BMW) vs 4.2 mi/kWH (Tesla) 106 mi EV range vs 215 mi EV 194 mi gas and EV range vs 215 mi EV only CCS-1, 45-49 kW, flat to 80% vs Tesla, 178 kW, triangular $82 vs $66 per 835 mi benchmark, July 2023 No dynamic cruise control, lane keeping vs Autopilot/Full Self Driving 25-30,000 mile, unique tires vs 60,000+ mile, common tires 3G wireless access but no network vs 4G and WiFi can be coded to improve operations vs some sticky but most per drive settings Advantage BMW i3-REx Level seats, 4, no "B" pillar vs lower seats, 5 seats, front hinged doors Mid-grade, 2.3 gal, 36 MPG at 65 mph, 88 mi gas range vs not available 13 hrs vs 15 hrs over 835 mi benchmark Given the classic engineering choices, GOOD/FAST/CHEAP, pick two: GOOD - Tesla FAST - BMW i3-REx CHEAP - Tesla Bob Wilson
