At first sampling then, the i3 is an appealing electric car. It may not have been the first on the market, but starting from scratch has been worth the wait.

The batteries in the i3 give a realistic range in everyday conditions of about 70 – 80 miles when fully charged – that’s more than the Fisker Karma.

Getting the i3 going is unconventionally simple. The gear selector is mounted on the steering column marked D-N-R, with a chunky rocker switch at the end.

Power from the batteries are sent to the rear wheels in traditional BMW fashion via a single-speed transmission.

Outside

This compact BMW is similar in size to the Ford Fiesta, but the tall and narrow proportions gives the i3 a presence more towards a compact-MPV.