113 MPG combined is a great number. For the 2019 BMW i3s, it’s the entire point. You don’t buy this car for its large cargo capacity, or its effortless highway cruising ability. You buy it as a statement: a commitment to efficiency, a rejection of gasoline, and a nod toward the future of urban mobility. The i3s, the slightly sportier variant of the i3, is a focused machine for a specific buyer.

City and highway performance

The EPA breaks down the i3s’s efficiency further, providing a look at where this electric hatchback thrives. Its city MPG equivalent is a remarkable 124, the regenerative braking system and the inherent efficiency of electric motors in stop-and-go traffic are reasons for this. The open road tells a slightly different story. At 102 highway MPG, the i3s is still excellent, but the drop-off highlights a characteristic common to many EVs: aerodynamic drag and consistent high-speed operation take their toll on battery range. This means owners who use the i3s primarily for commuting in dense urban areas will enjoy figures much closer to the 124 MPG mark.

Annual fuel cost

Few vehicles can boast an annual fuel cost as low as the 2019 BMW i3s. The EPA estimates this cost at a mere $650 per year. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles annually, using a blend of city and highway driving conditions, and factoring in the national average electricity prices at the time of testing. While individual costs will vary depending on your local electricity rates and driving habits, the i3s presents a significant opportunity for long-term savings compared to gasoline-powered vehicles. It’s savings you’ll appreciate every year that you own this EV.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA’s figures are a valuable yardstick, real-world driving provides a more nuanced picture. The i3s’s range, rated around 153 miles when new, is the key factor that dictates its practicality. Expect this to degrade somewhat over the lifespan of the car. Aggressive acceleration, frequent use of climate control, and prolonged highway driving can all noticeably reduce your effective range. Conversely, gentle acceleration, judicious use of “Eco Pro” mode, and favorable weather conditions can extend your mileage beyond the EPA estimates. The 2019 I3S MPG across all years has been consistently impressive, according to EPA ratings.

How it compares

Compared to other electric vehicles of its era, the 2019 BMW i3s holds its own. The Chevrolet Bolt, for example, offers a slightly longer range and a combined MPG equivalent of 119, but it lacks the premium feel and distinctive styling of the i3s. The Nissan LEAF, another popular EV, achieves around 111 combined MPG but targets a different segment with a more mainstream design. Even today, most hybrid vehicles fail to match the BMW’s ratings. The Toyota Prius Prime plug-in hybrid offers 133 MPGe combined, but relies on gasoline after its initial electric range is depleted. Buyers considering the i3s prioritize its unique blend of efficiency, design, and driving dynamics. You can check all Bmw fuel economy data on our site.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Take advantage of regenerative braking settings. The i3s allows you to adjust the level of regenerative braking. Experiment with the different modes to find the setting that best suits your driving style. The more aggressively you allow the car to decelerate when lifting off the accelerator, the more energy you’ll recapture and the further you can drive on a single charge.

Precondition the cabin while plugged in. Heating or cooling the interior of your i3s consumes a significant amount of energy. To minimize the impact on your range, use the car’s preconditioning feature to warm or cool the cabin while it’s still connected to the charger. This draws power from the grid instead of depleting the battery.

Optimize tire inflation. Maintaining the correct tire pressure reduces rolling resistance, improving efficiency. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate your tires to the recommended specifications, which can be found on a sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb.

Drive smoothly and avoid aggressive acceleration. Rapid acceleration consumes a lot of energy, especially in an EV. Anticipate traffic flow, accelerate gently, and maintain a consistent speed to maximize your range. The “Eco Pro” mode can help regulate your throttle inputs for smoother, more efficient driving.

Consider installing Level 2 charging at home. While you can charge your i3s using a standard household outlet, a Level 2 charger significantly speeds up the charging process. This makes it easier to keep your battery topped off and ready for your daily commutes.