BMW i3 price slashed in response to new plug-in car grant
BMW has cut the i3’s base price to £33,805, following the government’s decision to restrict the plug-in car grant to car’s worth less than £35,000
BMW has lowered the i3’s starting price to £33,805, to ensure that its electric hatchback continues to comply with the new plug-in car grant.
The change in price takes the both versions of the i3 beneath the £35,000 threshold to qualify for the grant - it stood at £50,000 before the changes earlier in March.
The decision ensures UK customers will still receive a discount for buying the pure-electric BMW i3, although the amount of government cash-back has dropped from £3,000 to £2,500 as part of the legislative change.
BMW says the i3’s level of standard equipment hasn’t changed as part of the price revision, meaning buyers will still get 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, parking sensors, heated front seats and a 10-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The entry-level i3 is powered by a 44.2kWh battery pack and a 168bhp electric motor mounted on the rear axle. BMW says the system will cover up to 190 miles between charges and offer a 0–62mph time of 7.3 seconds.
When connected to an 11kW AC Type 2 charger, the i3’s battery pack will recover an 80 percent charge in three hours and twelve minutes. The EV also supports 50kW DC rapid charging, which will top the battery up to the same level in 42 minutes.
BMW has also cut the price of range-topping i3s from £39,105 to £34,805 as part of the restructure, meaning it is also eligible for the new grant.
The i3s features the same battery pack as the entry-level model, but it has a more powerful 181bhp electric motor. Thanks to the extra grunt, the EV’s maximum range falls to 175 miles, but its 0–62mph time is improved to 6.9 seconds.
Like the entry-level car, the flagship model hasn’t had any equipment removed, despite the new, lower price. Buyers still receive 20-inch alloy wheels, lowered sports suspension, a slightly wider track, flared wheel arches and dedicated trim inlays for the front bumper.
Read all the latest news about the recent changes to the Government’s plug-in car grant here…
