2017 BMW i3s (l01) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The BMW i3s has a width of 1791 mm (70.5 inches) excluding mirrors, but with mirrors opened, the width measures 2039 mm (80.3 inches). This increase is significant when parking in tight spaces or navigating narrow streets, as the broader width must be accounted for to avoid obstacles. Drivers should be aware of the wider footprint with mirrors deployed, particularly in urban environments or parking garages. Despite this, the car remains relatively compact compared to other vehicles, but caution is advisable during tight maneuvers.

The BMW i3s stands at 1590 mm (62.6 inches) tall, with a ground clearance of 131 mm (5.2 inches). This modest ground clearance suits the i3s's primary use as an urban electric hatchback, providing a low center of gravity that enhances stability and handling. However, the relatively low ground clearance suggests caution when encountering speed bumps, steep driveways, or rough roads to avoid undercarriage scraping. The height affords a comfortable seating position and headroom while maintaining a compact profile.

The BMW i3s (L01) has a curb weight ranging from 1265 to 1385 kilograms (2789 to 3054 pounds), depending on specific equipment and battery options. Its maximum authorized weight spans from 1700 to 1780 kilograms (3748 to 3924 pounds). The curb weight reflects the fully equipped vehicle ready to drive, including standard fluids and a full battery charge. These weights influence handling, acceleration, and efficiency, with the i3s maintaining a relatively lightweight profile for an electric car largely due to its carbon-fiber reinforced plastic construction.

The BMW i3s offers a practical luggage capacity of 260 liters (9.2 cubic feet) when the rear seats are in their upright position. This is suitable for daily urban use and modest cargo needs. When the rear seats are folded down, the capacity significantly increases to 1100 liters (38.8 cubic feet), enabling the transport of much larger items or bulkier cargo. This flexibility enhances the i3s's usability, balancing compact size with functional storage solutions ideal for city lifestyles and weekend trips.

Yes, the BMW i3s fits comfortably into a standard garage. Typical single-car garage dimensions are about 2.4 meters (7.9 feet) wide by 4.8 to 6 meters (15.7 to 19.7 feet) deep. With the i3s measuring 4006 mm (157.6 inches) in length and 1791 mm (70.5 inches) in width excluding mirrors, it leaves ample space for easy parking and door opening. Including the mirrors’ extended width of 2039 mm (80.3 inches), clearance may be tight but is manageable in most standard garages. Overall, the i3s is well-suited for home parking without space concerns.

The BMW i3s (2017-2022) is an enhanced sportier variant of the original i3 (2013-2017). Dimensionally, both generations share a similar footprint: length remains roughly 4006 mm (157.6 inches), width is about 1791 mm (70.5 inches) excluding mirrors, and height is close to 1590 mm (62.6 inches). The i3s focuses on sportier performance tweaks, with a slightly stiffer suspension and increased power output, but the core size and practical aspects like luggage capacity (260 liters / 9.2 cu ft standard) stay consistent. Essentially, the i3s offers a more dynamic driving experience with the same compact, urban-friendly dimensions.

The BMW i3s stands out in its segment of electric hatchbacks, combining compact urban dimensions with distinctive styling and lightweight carbon fiber construction. Compared to competitors like the Nissan Leaf or Renault Zoe, the i3s is slightly shorter in length—4006 mm (157.6 inches) versus approximately 4480 mm (176.4 inches) for the Leaf—but similar in width. The i3s’s unique use of advanced materials results in a lighter curb weight (1265-1385 kg or 2789-3054 lbs) than many rivals. While its cargo capacity of 260 liters (9.2 cu ft) is less than some competitors, folding rear seats dramatically increase utility. The i3s strikes a balance between compact size, agility, and premium electric performance.

The BMW i3s rides on unique wheel and tire combinations designed to optimize efficiency and sporty handling. It uses rim sizes of 6J x 20 and 5.5J x 20, paired with tire sizes 195/50 R20 (front) and 175/55 R20 (rear). These relatively tall, narrow tires reduce rolling resistance, improving electric range, while the large 20-inch wheels contribute to sharp cornering and road grip. However, the low-profile aspects can lead to a firmer ride on rough roads. This setup balances sporty dynamics and efficiency tailored to the i3s’s urban-focused electric performance.

The BMW i3s is a compact electric hatchback designed primarily for urban and suburban driving. Produced between 2017 and 2022, it offers electric mobility with an emphasis on agility, efficiency, and premium build quality through lightweight carbon-fiber reinforced materials. Ideal for city dwellers, the i3s combines zero-emission driving with compact dimensions that ease parking and maneuvering in crowded environments. Its sportier trim offers enhanced driving dynamics, making it a compelling choice for eco-conscious drivers seeking both style and performance in a small urban electric vehicle.