BMW i3 Quietly Exits North American Showrooms
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.”
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.
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.