2018 BMW i3  RealSafeCars81Safety Rating

#17 of 2018 Sedan/Hatchback/Wagons

#48 of all 2018 vehicles


The i3, introduced by BMW in 2014, is a small hatchback with seating up to 4. The i3 provides superior EPA (miles per gallon) for its class, easing fuel costs and reducing pollution. The i3 has offered Apple CarPlay since 2018. BMW offers a 4-year, 50,000-mile basic/powertrain warranty on its lineup.


The 2018 BMW i3 is average compared to all vehicles.

Comparison to all vehicles.  This plot shows RSC safety scores on the horizontal axis vs. the number of vehicles with each safety score (depicted by bar height and percentages at the bottom). Colors reflect vehicle safety, ranging from red (not that safe) to green (safer). For reference, a score of 0 implies a 0.15% chance of driver death (13% chance of driver injury) over 15 years, and a score of 100 reflects a 0.016% chance (1.4% chance of driver injury). The 2018 BMW i3 has a score of 81, implying a 0.041% chance of driver death (3.6% chance of injury). If equipped with optional advanced driver safety features, the chance of death falls to 0.039%, and the chance of injury falls to 3.5%.

We estimate that the 2018 BMW i3 has a vehicle lifetime fatality chance of 0.0408% and a vehicle lifetime injury chance of 4.6611%, meaning the average driver has a 0.0408% chance of dying in an accident if they drive the car under regular conditions for fifteen years, and a 4.6611% chance of being injured.

Compared to the average vehicle, the 2018 BMW i3 is 12% less likely to result in a fatal accident. Compared to other sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons, the 2018 BMW i3 is 19% less likely to result in a fatal accident.

2018 BMW i3 offers AEB optionally. With AEB, the vehicle lifetime fatality chance drops by 4%.


And it is about as safe as many comparable models.

9278BMW i3Chevrolet Bolt EVTesla Model 3Comparison to similar models.  This plot compares the RSC rating of the 2018 BMW i3 with its main competition. Models are plotted on a scale from 78 to 92. The 2018 BMW i3 is less safe than the 2018 Tesla Model 3. It is about as safe as the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV.

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