I test drove an i3 on Thursday.
I am taller, so it was not as comfortable for me to fit into as my MS, particularly the rear seat.
IF it had more overall BEV range, more interior space and better storage: I could see it being a competitor to Model S40 city commuter car, mostly because it would be easier to park (but they don't make the S40 anymore).
I did not see any of the models that had the secondary (combustion) engines which extends the range.
Since it is being promoted as environmentally friendly, they also gave me a "gimme bag" with burlap inside.
The rear suicide doors are a bit wonky/cumbersome, so getting a third and fourth (full size) passenger into the car is a bit of a challenge.
(I have a maxi-scooter that has half as much storage/carrying trunk space as this car, not counting the rear seat area.)
Pluses: nice acceleration off the line, nimble feel to steering, easy to manage in traffic, nice back-up video display graphics. Test drive was on neighborhood streets and side streets. I do not have any experience driving it on the open road or highway.
Minuses: limited mileage range, smallish storage, limited people carrying, cost (relative to other available cars in this size and performance category.)
I prefer the creep mode in my MS to the sudden deceleration by taking my foot off the go pedal.
15 minutes of driving would resolve that.
Shifting of gears and ON/OFF is not as successful (or as intuitive) as a MS.
Looks are subjective, as are how people fit inside of their vehicle.
It is certainly not your father's BMW.
Nor in my view is it a valid (overall) competitor to MS.
I DO hope it is successful in securing its place in the EV market, which makes the most sense for broader EV acceptance.
My view: any large existing car manufacturer with a performance heritage bringing an EV to the market is a huge step for overall EV acceptance.
How aggressively and committed BMW is to market and promote their EV model(s) does have a lot to do with ALL EVs success.
