BMW i3 Quietly Exits North American Showrooms

Published on June 28, 2021 in Electric by Guillaume Rivard

We’ve known since September 2019 that the BMW i3’s days were numbered. The car was originally introduced as a 2014 model, and now we’ve just learned that production for the North American market will end in July.

A little more than 150 build slots are still available. Dealers will then try to sell the remaining units on their lots before moving on to a new generation of EVs.

BMW Blog first reported the news. The Car Guide later received confirmation from BMW Canada.

“Canada will not get a 2022 i3,” said Jean-François Taylor, Product and Technology Communications Manager. Our strategy is shifting toward the i4 and iX, which will both go on sale in early 2022.”

Photo: BMW AG

The BMW i3 is a small hatchback with a base MSRP of $44,950 and a range of 246 kilometres. Combined with the i8 plug-in hybrid sports coupe, it managed to sell just 169 copies in Canada last year and a mere 23 units in the first quarter of 2021, despite the fact the i3 is eligible to a $5,000 incentive from the Canadian government and up to $8,000 rebate in provinces like Quebec.

For those who want a quirky, zero-emission city car, there’s always the MINI Cooper SE.

Otherwise, BMW customers will have to turn to the i4 sedan, available in eDrive40 and M50 variants. The former uses a single motor sending 335 horsepower to the rear wheels only. Range is estimated at 475 kilometres, the company says. Meanwhile, the sportier i4 M50 gets a dual-motor setup with all-wheel drive for a combined 536 horsepower (in Sport mode). It enables zero-emission driving for 385 kilometres. Canadian pricing has yet to be announced.

Photo: BMW

Meanwhile, the iX crossover can be ordered today starting at $89,990. Featuring two electric motors that combine to deliver 516 horsepower, the iX xDrive50 benefits from all-wheel drive and accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds. Range is estimated at 475 kilometres.

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