After all the mumbo jumbo surrounding the i3’s existence, the automaker has finally confirmed that the little electric hatchback will continue to live on. When the i4 was announced at the Paris Motor Show, it looked like a legit replacement for the i3; also because BMW did not address the i3. Now, however, BMW has confirmed that it has got future plans for the i3, according to The Drive.

The i3 Completes BMW’s Five EV Portfolio

In an email to The Drive, Paloma Brunckhorst, BMW i spokesperson said, "The BMW i3 is a really important car for us,” adding, "In 2021 we will have the BMW i3, the Mini BEV, the BMW iX3, the BMW i4 and BMW iNext."

The first was to 33 kWh in 2016, and the second was to 42 kWh in 2018 for the 2019 model year. The latest 42-kWh battery pack delivers 193 miles in range according to WLTP testing, but BMW suggests 162 miles of range.

Will People Start Looking Elsewhere?

Its primary rival, the Chevy Bolt, delivers 238 miles in range with its bigger battery pack and a better powertrain. Not to forget, the Bolt is almost $8,000 cheaper than the i3. Given that the i3 is selling as a premium subcompact electric hatchback, is it enough to sustain in the future? For people who aren’t brand conscious, the Bolt will be a more practical option.

Until recently, cars like i3 were not the primary cars in a household; they were more like urban commuters – a car for the city. But with the whole electrification revolution happening and people’s fixation on crossovers, the premium-priced i3 might have to face the brunt as people will go for bigger cars. With the segment on the verge to be bombarded with cars in the next two years, efficient cars like Hyundai Kona EV will seem more of a value-for-money proposition to a customer.

Conclusion

We are not sure how BMW is going to play this, but it doesn’t look like a car can survive only on the badge-value for very long. Will this be enough to keep the customers interested through 2021? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.

Further Reading

Read our full review on the 2018 BMW i3.

Read our speculative review on the 2020 BMW i4.

Read our full review on the 2019 BMW i8.