The 2021 BMW i3 plug-in hybrid delivers up to 126 miles of all-electric range rated at 100 MPGe, transitioning to an EPA-estimated 31 MPG combined on gasoline once battery charge is depleted.
Factual efficiency differences across gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric variants
Gasoline Combined: 31 MPG • Annual Cost: $2,450.
Annual Energy Cost: $650–$2,450.
Laboratory certification test values across engine, transmission, and drivetrain permutations
| Configuration / Model | Powertrain | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Highway | Combined | EV Range | Annual Fuel Cost | CO2 (g/mi) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| i3s Electricity | Electric (BEV) | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (A1) | 124 MPGe | 102 MPGe | 113 MPGe | 153 mi | $650 | — |
| i3 Electricity | Electric (BEV) | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (A1) | 124 MPGe | 102 MPGe | 113 MPGe | 153 mi | $650 | — |
| i3 with Range Extender Premium Gas or Electricity | 0.6L Plug-in Hybrid | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (A1) | 107 MPGe (30 MPG) | 93 MPGe (31 MPG) | 100 MPGe (31 MPG) | 126 mi | $2,450 | — |
| i3s with Range Extender Premium Gas or Electricity | 0.6L Plug-in Hybrid | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (A1) | 107 MPGe (30 MPG) | 93 MPGe (31 MPG) | 100 MPGe (31 MPG) | 126 mi | $2,450 | — |
Standardized annual energy consumption and operating cost metrics based on 15,000 annual miles
Based on $3.50 per gallon regular gasoline
Estimated annual energy units needed for 15,000 miles
Compared to the average new vehicle over 5 years
Cross-reference safety ratings, owner defect complaints, and recall campaigns
Vehicle summary, specifications, and primary KPI metrics.
NHTSA 5-Star NCAP crash tests, rollover risk, and active driver assistance.
NHTSA consumer defect complaint filings by affected component.
Official safety recall notices, defects, and free repair instructions.
Direct, deterministic answers synthesized from verified United States government databases for the 2021 BMW i3
The 2021 BMW i3 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) delivers up to 126 miles of all-electric driving range before transitioning to hybrid gasoline operation.
In electric mode, efficiency is rated at 31 MPGe, switching to 0 MPG combined on gasoline.
Using AutoUtility's standardized operating cost model, estimated annual fueling and energy costs range between $650 and $2,450 for the 2021 BMW i3.
Calculated under AutoUtility's standardized methodology (15,000 miles per year, 55% city / 45% highway driving, $3.50/gallon regular gasoline, $0.16/kWh electricity) using official EPA dynamometer consumption ratings.
Fuel economy ratings, electric range figures, and energy cost estimates on this page are retrieved directly from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Energy (FuelEconomy.gov) certified vehicle database under 40 CFR Part 600.
Local Production Store Compiled: August 2026 • Deterministic Audited Dataset • Zero Dynamic External API Runtime Latency.