Great review good to see a driver who appreciates the i3 as much as I do I’m 70 and have had quite a few different cars over the years but my i3 is the only one that has me smiling every time I get behind the wheel !
I sold my I3 6 Months ago,… and still missing it. One day I’ll buy one again. And to BMW…..you had gold in your hands. I still find it painful to see, BMW didn’t updated the car anymore the last years. With a new 150 or 180 Ah battery instead of the used 120Ah now, in combination with a higher fast charging speed, it would still be an absolute winner! Nice review, Thanks!
I absolutely agree. We just bought a 2019 i3 Rex. The car seems to be JUST coming into its own. We love the car, it fits our needs 100%... I think BMW screwed the pooch on this car. All it needed was one more battery update and I bet the sales would have taken off in these conditions.
Indeed, couldn't afford the i3 but have been staring at it for 10 years almost... Still hope to get one some day, but hurt to see BMW ended the build of it this year.
Owned an i3 for 3 years. Bought tge mx-30. There is little to compare. As much as the i3 is brilliant, the mx-30 whoops it for ride quality, smoothness, onboard tech, quietness, no bouncy ride, no jarring over bumps, much bigger boot, infinitely better looking, Anyone saying differently hasnt driven or owned an mx-30
All your gushing about the i3 (especially that interior).... Since owning one (used) for the last 8 months. Yep, you are completely right. Never have I owned a car that is such a pleasure on every level.
We have the Mazda (never tested the BMW) and are very happy with it. Do 2000-2300km per month, no problem with range or charging speed, since we rearly do more then 100km per day, and charge it at home over night. Works great as a second car for family like ours that needs 2 cars anyway.
This is a really interesting take on the Mazda. It's generally been panned as lacking range and practicality, but the way you frame the vehicle as a newer, cheaper i3 is unique among the reviews I've seen thus far. I think you've showed us the car in perspective; akin to the Honda-e, Mini-e, 500e etc. - as such it's a roomy city-car (CUV) and makes sense. Nicely done!
Looks like the world caught up with BMW and the i3. A future classic. Not so sure about the recent styling direction at BMW, but time will tell. Great review. Considering an i3.
Call me kinky but my favourite place in a car is the back seat. I love the enclosed cozy feel of the Mazda here. And that gorgeous long bonnet. This car looks like its from the past and the future. While the battery is too small, one day we will be able to replace it with a high-range battery and double the distance capability.
Greetings from Oxford. BMW i3 every time for me! Love the radical take on a ground up EV, aluminium frame, carbon fibre tub with plastic body panels, rear wheel drive, superb to drive. Shame BMW cancelled it, I think it would still sell well with better DC charging and a 50-60 kWh battery for a more usable range.
I owned an i3 for 3 years, honestly the best car I ever owned. However the cost of BMW parts are so outrageous that I felt I couldn't own it outside of the warranty. Dumb 7" lcd screen £1700, reversing camera £500, wing mirror over £1000. Buyer beware.
Great Review! I too came to the same reasoning and recently bought a ‘19 i3S Rex. A car that followed no convention, admired from a distance until one day I had the epiphany of how useful it would be in my current state of affairs. The Mazda EV is one I have never heard of, and while interesting as an entry level EV, it follows the path all too common today; a pseudo sporty car. The i3 has no such pretensions and is as you say, brilliant. While I do like the (mostly) unpretentiousness of Tesla, the i3’s truly creative, artistry of design from top to bottom is simultaneously inspiring and timeless simplicity. Like a Herman Miller lounge chair. Such ambition and vision, to have no actual successor is a real shame.
I enjoyed your review very much. I was torn between the two cars and yet their similarities are what attract me. Having looked at some of the actual ownership factors, it’s the Mazda which gets my vote. The build quality of the BMW is good but having viewed the Mazda up close, it puts many brands to shame. The paint quality is excellent and the deal breaker for me is the dealerships- they can’t do enough to help you. Finally leasing deals are very good and some £150 per month cheaper than the BMW. Thanks again 👍
My cables live under the bonnet too - along with rather a lot of dry leaves but no water to worry about. The 2017 car came with a nice drybag for the cables, and I happily gave it back with the car in 2021, naively assuming that the new one would come with another. It didn't, so they're making do with polythene - but they have watertight end caps and they've been just fine.
What a shame BMW have gone backwards and started shoving batteries in what are basically ice vehicles; from being in front they are now building (or getting the Chinese to build) sad old-fashioned cars with huge space-wasting bonnets - a bit like the Mazda… great review btw.
Good review - thanks. We bought a 2020 i3S second hand with only 9k on the clock. We weren't planning to buy it but a friend asked if I would like it because his dog wouldn't get in the back. Anycase, it had been a while since my wife had a new car so I decided to buy it without her consent, in fact she knew nothing about it. So there is was parked on the drive and she was not impressed, however, she said she would try it for a few days (keep in mind she was currently driving a really nice 325i Convertible). A few days went past and I asked if we should sell the i3S but she was having none of it. She absolutely loves this thing and it's hard to keep her out of it. In an instant she converted from a perfectly good 6 cylinder petrol car to a fully electric one and now there's no going back. We will keep the 325i because it fills a different type of gap but the car of choice is the i3S. We run ours from our house solar panels so cost per mile is miniscule. If you are reading this and you are not convinced by this video then take it from us, this is a peach of a car and you will love it..
Since my first comment 7 months ago, I located and purchased a 2019 i3S. Totally fantastic vehicle. Could not be happier with my decision. Only 16K on the clock and still under CPO warranty for 8 months. After incentives, net price was $15,400. Don't hesitate. Prices on these low mileage larger battery models will soon begin to climb again because of their iconic nature and unmatched personality.
Bought an ex demo i3s as first EV in 2019 as a punt, but still have it today (and not selling it). It’s an amazingly engaging car to drive with rear drive great balance and crazy quick pace.
We have a i3S 42kw we did have i3 33kw tryed VW ID3 good car but bit big not as fun tryed a Kia Niro long range but did like it and based on toxic fossil ice. So got second i3S it's brilliant and we had a brilliant deal with BMW. 29K! 4 years keep the cabils in the small Frounk not that damp!
Great Video. I have an i3S (rex) and soon getting a new i3S 120Ah, I test drove an MX30 as it's one of the few cars I'd consdier as a change from my i3 (I like small hatchbacks). I loved the build quality and all teh spec of the MX, but I didn't like the dark rear seats and the range. Also I'm nto sure about the figures on the charging as looking on Fastned the charge curve for the Mazda is nowhere near as good as the i3 - it doesnt' seem to even get to 40kWs? Though the i3 is only 50kW, it's curve is very good ;-)
i had an I3 94ah Rex and it charged really fast , so fast that id barely time to eat my Lunch going from 5 to 100% on an Ionity Charger, i assume it must have a large Buffer to maintain that speed. Ive also read the mx30 has a poor charging curve like you mentioned , surprising for a car that is supposed to have a 35.5kwh battery but 30kwh roughly usable. I just found the i3 too uncomfortable over Speed ramps and ive a bad back. Im wondering what the i3s is like and whether it holds the road better , if it has bigger wheels as my i3 really used to get a buffeting on Motorways in windy conditions. I changed it for an Ioniq 28kwh bev which has a lot softer suspensin and great road holding due its lower profile making it really good at Motorway speeds.
@@itsfahys the S is definitely more stable than specially over the older (pre LCi i3 ) as the later i3 had better suspension Thant he older ones. It is a bit stiffer though so you may find it hard. I don’t but then I was used to a lowered mini and I brace for bumps I don’t feel in the i3S I realised I actually hear the bumps more than feel them the noise kind of reverberates a bit in the life frame I guess, it’s not loud but the i3 is so quiet you notice them .
@@loonymoon1 Yes, definitely! The pre-2018 i3 could feel distinctly jittery on bad surfaces or at motorway speed. The i3S is noticeably more composed, which makes it more fun but also a more relaxing cruiser. I've not tried a recent i3, which also got improved suspension, but I'd bet that the lower, wider stance of the i3S is the key differentiator here.
so you can't store charging cables in the froot because it is not waterproof? come on! So you don't charge your EV outside when it is raining? Off course charging cables/granny charger can withstand water. I keep both in the I3 Froot. no problem! But good comparison review. very close competition between these two! :)
Was there a management coup at BMW after the i3 came out ?, they've gone back to the old uber-BMW style design language and it's backward thinking in my opinion, the i3 will be a future motoring classic (and they seem to be as fresh as new after 100,000+ miles.
The i3 will absolutely be a future classic! It's an EV completely in it's own class. I wish more manufacturers looked into aluminium+carbon fiber bodies/frames. If you don't crash it, it'll last you a lifetime (ofc updating motor&batteries).
One aspect not discussed much yet with EVs is efficiency. I am getting 13.5 kWh per 100km in my i3s and the SUV type EVs are often twice as ‘thirsty’. BMW’s ultra light weight (no mention of carbon fibre everywhere?) must be a big factor although as said, motorway driving reduces this quite a lot, especially with passengers. For urban and shorter motorway road trips, the BMW is great. My car was specced by a buyer who didn’t go through so we got a fairly high spec at a good price in May. Apple CarPlay would be hard to give up for example. Paintwork is a bit delicate unfortunately given it’s on plastic.
Very interesting video. I have just exchanged my (earlier) i3Rex for the Mazda MX-30 Gt Sport Tech and I love it. Better than the i3 for longer journeys as it handles better than my 2016 i3. But the i3 was more nimble in town. The Mazda also has more range than my early i3. I also prefer it as it give me more alternatives for replacement tyres when the time comes - try getting all weather tyres for anm i3Rex on 19" wheels! Tech and safety equipment on the Mazda is miles ahead of the i3
I had a 2015 i3 REx. The boot and the ridiculously twitchy steering (take your eyes off the road for 2 secs, and you'll be in the ditch, very tiring on a long journey) was the reason. The Mazda is a vastly superior car to live with.
The BMW will charge at 11kwh 1 and 3 phase and 49kwh on a rapid charge, the Mazda will only charge at 6.6kwh 1 phase and max 36kwh on rapid charger. The BMW is much faster on a rapid charger, in real world, twice as fast!
For our needs, a 200 - 250 KM range is most desirable. I love the i3 concept in that it is can be had as a hybrid with the electric range greater than the gas range. Most hybrids are useless for me as I have very very few trips that are 50 km or less. Wish Mazda had thrown a range extender or small gas engine in to it as well.
The Mazda has pretty decent styling. Right until you notice the rear wheel to rear wheel arch conjunction, or, lack of conjunction! BMW have long understood the importance, styling wise, of properly framing the rear wheel with the rear wheel arch, to add the necessary tension and drive a "forwards facing" asthetic to the side profile (see E46 CSL for probably the greatest ever implementation of this ethos!). The Mazda, er nope it looks horrible and the side profile looses tension and drive as a result, which, imo, is a bit of a pity given the promising tones the front and back styling sets........
The reason i sold my bmwi3 94ah rex was down to the ride comfort, which was a shame as it was a wonderful car otherwise. Going over local Speed ramps used to cause me physical pain in my lower back and i kept it less than a year and swapped for a Hyundai Ioniq 28kwh bev. It was also very unstable on Motorways being blown around by the wind, and i know it was designed as a City car, but who wants to keep a car just to drive around the City considering the price of the i3.
The i3S is quite a bit happier on motorways I've found and doesn't crash over rough surfaces so much either. I've never had a problem with my back in any of them though, found the i3 one of the most comfortable cars I've ever driven.
@@choddo Thats interesting as i was sorry to see my i3 94ah rex go. Have the Ioniq about 2 years now and looking for a change. Do you know if the i3s has wider wheels as my i3 used to pull across the road if it got stuck in some ruts in the road i assume down to its narrow wheels. Does i3s come in a rex Version as i found that great for areas lacking Fast Charges , Thanks.
@@itsfahys No 120Ah REx in Europe but I think there was a 94Ah S REx. yes it does have wider tyres (195 & 175) but still relatively narrow. I find it more stable personally.
Just got to test an i3s rex and its a big improvement on the original i3 with its narrow tires and rough ride. Surprising as i expected the i3s would be hard over traffic ramps, but no it was much more comfortable and excellent cornering. Considering an i3s now.
size wise and I am a single male , so do not need extra space, except for internal storage. I'd say the BMW without a doubt, as the other car is far too big and yes its has its quirks, all big cars have them but a tested reliable car is better than a new car in my opinion, as long as it has not been hammered. But I've still got between now and 2030 to decide whether to change from my petrol Fiesta or simply get a bus or a 3 wheeler reverse Trike?
I like the mazda company and their products. I helped my daughter decide on a used 2016 Mazda 3 which is fantastic. Unfortunately, if you look at the reviews the MX30 does NOT fair well. Next iteration I hope.
I drive this about 100 miles every day and had a Prius before this is a much more fun driver haters will hate ect im not planning to keep this for more than 4 years it’s a 2019 models are no longer being made wish bmw would have kept improving these Jems
Nice to see the comparison between the two. Got a tad tiresome with the constant I love this or love that. At times it felt I was watching an advert for BMW and Mazda and not necessarily a true critique.
The mazda is nice but I have to wonder why I'd buy one used over a hyundai ioniq 38kwh. Cheapest I can find are £15k which gets you a Premium SE Ioniq.
I thought you were going to mention the safety aspect of walking away from either car leaving the kids in the back, now there is a reason the back seater’s need to get out quickly for some reason, how would that work..?
Mazda so so We bought our second i3 first one 2018 33kw BMW gave us a great deal on a 2021 i3S I think the best small car on Earth 🌎 Mazda looked at it not impressed with engineering. Just wish BMW development the i3. Brilliant 👏 BMW frounk fine for cabins and bit extra bits too
That is a very good point. We will look to do this in the future as we feature more pre-owned EVs. Thank you for watching and taking the time to make a very valid comment.
The motor for one. And I know this as when I was at the Mini Electric launch I sat next to the head engineer on the project and he told me a lot of components were readily available as they came from the i3.
Just about every review I’ve ever seen has praised the I3 cabin but it is very dependent upon spec. I sat in an I3 recently and it was simply AWFUL because the seats,dash and door cards were a dreadful shade of chocolate/blackcurrant- the faux leather seats were particularly hideous. I’m sure it would’ve driven very well but I couldn’t bring myself to remain in it for more than 2 minutes. Has anyone else seen this spec?
Rear seat passengers in the i3 of prisoners as they are known...they cant open the doors or windows so one can hear them scream ...... i made the mistake of buying an i3 the road noise and hard suspension with an unsettled ride with bump steer i avoid driving now ....
I've done all the research I need to do. The Mazda is constructed using steel. Given the company's woeful history in being able to protect their cars from corrosion, I will never be buying an MX-30.
For me, the MAZDA MX-30 is one of the most endearing of designs. Its an awful pity they did not increase the battery size a little - maybe 45KwHrs ?... That would have solved a lot of problems. Better still, they should have made it rear wheel drive and leave a big frunk space up front. But its wild expensive and I suspect Mazda are not really taking EVs seriously.
Mazda are not really interest on full EV. Looking at their new cars, they still not fully into the EV thing. CX60 is PHEV and the new MX-30 is EV/Petrol (similar to REX i believe). I've recently reserved a used 2021 i3 120ah that had done 4k miles, I did consider the MX-30 but the battery is too small.
Sorry for this bad taste joke, but, then again, what have you done, Mazda? And why? You could have given us a competitor to the Honda e and envious Europeans could have enjoyed a mesmerizing duel between two proud disciples of the kei car tradition. Instead, an SUV...sorry, a crossovery blob. Why, Mazda? Why?
There are some great parts to the i3. It looks great at the curb. But for me, on the road, because of the narrow height and skinny tires it looks like a circus clown car.
Absolutely love it! So many people seem to lose their shit when they see the car and it amuses me. I'd gladly be the clown taking a piss to the innocent bystanders eyes 🤣
nooo .... neither if possible ... but take the bimmer ... the mx30 is overpriced, poor range, stupid rear doors with no windows for rear passengers and cheap material interior ...
Well if you think about it, it is logical. A bigger battery will weigh more, and more weight will impede the car’s performance. That’s just a fact I’m afraid. Adding additional weight to any car, BEV or ICE will have an affect on its performance. But thank you for watching and taking the time to comment.
I3 every time. A car with an 80 to 100 mile range and a bonnet big enough to fit a V8 under yet having virtually nothing in it is verging on the pointless. I think both these manufacturers are in trouble, but the Mazda is a poor car, leave alone a poor EV.
Great review good to see a driver who appreciates the i3 as much as I do I’m 70 and have had quite a few different cars over the years but my i3 is the only one that has me smiling every time I get behind the wheel !
Totally agree! It’s amazing for all ages and sexes it’s just an amazing fun to drive(now cheap) vehicle
I sold my I3 6 Months ago,… and still missing it. One day I’ll buy one again.
And to BMW…..you had gold in your hands. I still find it painful to see, BMW didn’t updated the car anymore the last years. With a new 150 or 180 Ah battery instead of the used 120Ah now, in combination with a higher fast charging speed, it would still be an absolute winner! Nice review, Thanks!
I absolutely agree. We just bought a 2019 i3 Rex. The car seems to be JUST coming into its own. We love the car, it fits our needs 100%... I think BMW screwed the pooch on this car. All it needed was one more battery update and I bet the sales would have taken off in these conditions.
Indeed, couldn't afford the i3 but have been staring at it for 10 years almost... Still hope to get one some day, but hurt to see BMW ended the build of it this year.
Why did you sell it then?
@@MarianBausL I thought I needed a bigger one. But I kept my word. I'm driving an I3s again :)
@@pilotandthecity8527 Perfect! That‘s very nice to hear!
Owned an i3 for 3 years. Bought tge mx-30. There is little to compare. As much as the i3 is brilliant, the mx-30 whoops it for ride quality, smoothness, onboard tech, quietness, no bouncy ride, no jarring over bumps, much bigger boot, infinitely better looking, Anyone saying differently hasnt driven or owned an mx-30
All your gushing about the i3 (especially that interior)....
Since owning one (used) for the last 8 months. Yep, you are completely right. Never have I owned a car that is such a pleasure on every level.
We have the Mazda (never tested the BMW) and are very happy with it. Do 2000-2300km per month, no problem with range or charging speed, since we rearly do more then 100km per day, and charge it at home over night.
Works great as a second car for family like ours that needs 2 cars anyway.
Does the mazda mx 30 work well on dirt roads? I am in Portugal and not having always tarmac roads. Or is it more an urban car?
I bought an I3s and get it last month. Love it so much, makes a lot of fun.
This is a really interesting take on the Mazda. It's generally been panned as lacking range and practicality, but the way you frame the vehicle as a newer, cheaper i3 is unique among the reviews I've seen thus far.
I think you've showed us the car in perspective; akin to the Honda-e, Mini-e, 500e etc. - as such it's a roomy city-car (CUV) and makes sense.
Nicely done!
Looks like the world caught up with BMW and the i3. A future classic. Not so sure about the recent styling direction at BMW, but time will tell. Great review. Considering an i3.
Call me kinky but my favourite place in a car is the back seat. I love the enclosed cozy feel of the Mazda here. And that gorgeous long bonnet. This car looks like its from the past and the future. While the battery is too small, one day we will be able to replace it with a high-range battery and double the distance capability.
I love my MX-30. Best value for money and great tech (HUD). Range fits my lifestyle and I have numerous charging options.
Greetings from Oxford. BMW i3 every time for me! Love the radical take on a ground up EV, aluminium frame, carbon fibre tub with plastic body panels, rear wheel drive, superb to drive. Shame BMW cancelled it, I think it would still sell well with better DC charging and a 50-60 kWh battery for a more usable range.
I owned an i3 for 3 years, honestly the best car I ever owned. However the cost of BMW parts are so outrageous that I felt I couldn't own it outside of the warranty. Dumb 7" lcd screen £1700, reversing camera £500, wing mirror over £1000. Buyer beware.
Great Review! I too came to the same reasoning and recently bought a ‘19 i3S Rex. A car that followed no convention, admired from a distance until one day I had the epiphany of how useful it would be in my current state of affairs. The Mazda EV is one I have never heard of, and while interesting as an entry level EV, it follows the path all too common today; a pseudo sporty car. The i3 has no such pretensions and is as you say, brilliant. While I do like the (mostly) unpretentiousness of Tesla, the i3’s truly creative, artistry of design from top to bottom is simultaneously inspiring and timeless simplicity. Like a Herman Miller lounge chair. Such ambition and vision, to have no actual successor is a real shame.
I enjoyed your review very much. I was torn between the two cars and yet their similarities are what attract me. Having looked at some of the actual ownership factors, it’s the Mazda which gets my vote. The build quality of the BMW is good but having viewed the Mazda up close, it puts many brands to shame. The paint quality is excellent and the deal breaker for me is the dealerships- they can’t do enough to help you. Finally leasing deals are very good and some £150 per month cheaper than the BMW. Thanks again 👍
Great video. Love the level of detail. btw, my type2 cables have lived in the i3 frunk through 7 years and 4 cars with no problems :)
Thanks for sharing. Glad you enjoyed the video, and for taking the time to tell us. Stick with us for more content!
My cables live under the bonnet too - along with rather a lot of dry leaves but no water to worry about. The 2017 car came with a nice drybag for the cables, and I happily gave it back with the car in 2021, naively assuming that the new one would come with another. It didn't, so they're making do with polythene - but they have watertight end caps and they've been just fine.
What a shame BMW have gone backwards and started shoving batteries in what are basically ice vehicles; from being in front they are now building (or getting the Chinese to build) sad old-fashioned cars with huge space-wasting bonnets - a bit like the Mazda… great review btw.
The iX is a BEV from the ground up. Cheap too ;-)
@@choddo - yes, that one is - but it’s still got a stupid long bonnet (hood)!
@@Petelmrg haha. Yes and nothing under there to show for it!
@@choddo Definitely not cheap... 😛
The reason why they have touch and physical buttons on the climate panel is so you can use physical buttons if you are wearing gloves in the winter!
Seems like they made a problem then solved it. Just keep the physical buttons at that point?
Good review - thanks. We bought a 2020 i3S second hand with only 9k on the clock. We weren't planning to buy it but a friend asked if I would like it because his dog wouldn't get in the back. Anycase, it had been a while since my wife had a new car so I decided to buy it without her consent, in fact she knew nothing about it. So there is was parked on the drive and she was not impressed, however, she said she would try it for a few days (keep in mind she was currently driving a really nice 325i Convertible). A few days went past and I asked if we should sell the i3S but she was having none of it. She absolutely loves this thing and it's hard to keep her out of it. In an instant she converted from a perfectly good 6 cylinder petrol car to a fully electric one and now there's no going back. We will keep the 325i because it fills a different type of gap but the car of choice is the i3S. We run ours from our house solar panels so cost per mile is miniscule. If you are reading this and you are not convinced by this video then take it from us, this is a peach of a car and you will love it..
Since my first comment 7 months ago, I located and purchased a 2019 i3S. Totally fantastic vehicle. Could not be happier with my decision. Only 16K on the clock and still under CPO warranty for 8 months. After incentives, net price was $15,400. Don't hesitate. Prices on these low mileage larger battery models will soon begin to climb again because of their iconic nature and unmatched personality.
Enjoying the accent!
Good, balanced reviews.
Bought an ex demo i3s as first EV in 2019 as a punt, but still have it today (and not selling it). It’s an amazingly engaging car to drive with rear drive great balance and crazy quick pace.
So many people in the comments value good looking unreliability rather than solid Japanese quality.
Appreciate so much your way of doing these reviews! And - yes I love my BMW i3s since the first moment driving it😊
We have a i3S 42kw we did have i3 33kw tryed VW ID3 good car but bit big not as fun tryed a Kia Niro long range but did like it and based on toxic fossil ice. So got second i3S it's brilliant and we had a brilliant deal with BMW. 29K! 4 years keep the cabils in the small Frounk not that damp!
Great Video. I have an i3S (rex) and soon getting a new i3S 120Ah, I test drove an MX30 as it's one of the few cars I'd consdier as a change from my i3 (I like small hatchbacks). I loved the build quality and all teh spec of the MX, but I didn't like the dark rear seats and the range. Also I'm nto sure about the figures on the charging as looking on Fastned the charge curve for the Mazda is nowhere near as good as the i3 - it doesnt' seem to even get to 40kWs? Though the i3 is only 50kW, it's curve is very good ;-)
i had an I3 94ah Rex and it charged really fast , so fast that id barely time to eat my Lunch going from 5 to 100% on an Ionity Charger, i assume it must have a large Buffer to maintain that speed. Ive also read the mx30 has a poor charging curve like you mentioned , surprising for a car that is supposed to have a 35.5kwh battery but 30kwh roughly usable. I just found the i3 too uncomfortable over Speed ramps and ive a bad back. Im wondering what the i3s is like and whether it holds the road better , if it has bigger wheels as my i3 really used to get a buffeting on Motorways in windy conditions. I changed it for an Ioniq 28kwh bev which has a lot softer suspensin and great road holding due its lower profile making it really good at Motorway speeds.
@@itsfahys the S is definitely more stable than specially over the older (pre LCi i3 ) as the later i3 had better suspension Thant he older ones. It is a bit stiffer though so you may find it hard. I don’t but then I was used to a lowered mini and I brace for bumps I don’t feel in the i3S I realised I actually hear the bumps more than feel them the noise kind of reverberates a bit in the life frame I guess, it’s not loud but the i3 is so quiet you notice them .
@@loonymoon1 Yes, definitely! The pre-2018 i3 could feel distinctly jittery on bad surfaces or at motorway speed. The i3S is noticeably more composed, which makes it more fun but also a more relaxing cruiser. I've not tried a recent i3, which also got improved suspension, but I'd bet that the lower, wider stance of the i3S is the key differentiator here.
so you can't store charging cables in the froot because it is not waterproof? come on! So you don't charge your EV outside when it is raining?
Off course charging cables/granny charger can withstand water. I keep both in the I3 Froot. no problem!
But good comparison review. very close competition between these two! :)
You can also put them in a waterproof bag or box.
The i3 is by far the most fun car I've ever had. But the rear doors are completely unusable in tight carparks, worse than a 2d car.
BMW i3s best. ✌️👌
Nice review, very detail. I love both cars. But when you buy the Mazda mx30 you are buing a range anxiety pack too ahahahaha
Was there a management coup at BMW after the i3 came out ?, they've gone back to the old uber-BMW style design language and it's backward thinking in my opinion, the i3 will be a future motoring classic (and they seem to be as fresh as new after 100,000+ miles.
The i3 will absolutely be a future classic! It's an EV completely in it's own class. I wish more manufacturers looked into aluminium+carbon fiber bodies/frames. If you don't crash it, it'll last you a lifetime (ofc updating motor&batteries).
I hope Mazda will follow BMW and increase the range and HP on the latter model year. 200-240HP with 250mile range would be perfect for MX-30
The range extender was available until the last production run for US issued vehicles.
The range extender was withdrawn earlier than that from the UK market.
One aspect not discussed much yet with EVs is efficiency. I am getting 13.5 kWh per 100km in my i3s and the SUV type EVs are often twice as ‘thirsty’. BMW’s ultra light weight (no mention of carbon fibre everywhere?) must be a big factor although as said, motorway driving reduces this quite a lot, especially with passengers. For urban and shorter motorway road trips, the BMW is great. My car was specced by a buyer who didn’t go through so we got a fairly high spec at a good price in May. Apple CarPlay would be hard to give up for example. Paintwork is a bit delicate unfortunately given it’s on plastic.
Very interesting video. I have just exchanged my (earlier) i3Rex for the Mazda MX-30 Gt Sport Tech and I love it. Better than the i3 for longer journeys as it handles better than my 2016 i3. But the i3 was more nimble in town. The Mazda also has more range than my early i3.
I also prefer it as it give me more alternatives for replacement tyres when the time comes - try getting all weather tyres for anm i3Rex on 19" wheels!
Tech and safety equipment on the Mazda is miles ahead of the i3
Great video, I really enjoyed the thorough comparison, keep it up!
Apart from all the other reasons, the i3 has a carbon tub. No comparison IMO, the i3 is built like a genuinely exotic car.
I had a 2015 i3 REx. The boot and the ridiculously twitchy steering (take your eyes off the road for 2 secs, and you'll be in the ditch, very tiring on a long journey) was the reason. The Mazda is a vastly superior car to live with.
I have a 2018 BMW i3s w/range extender and love the car.
Love the 'buck toothed rabbit at halloween' - so descriptive and so right!
Cannot possibly unsee that, once I've seen it 😂.
I just bought a second hand BMW i3, and am very much surprised in a positive way
What is the utility of a long lovely bonnet? It makes the city car unnecessarily longer and more difficult to park.
The BMW will charge at 11kwh 1 and 3 phase and 49kwh on a rapid charge, the Mazda will only charge at 6.6kwh 1 phase and max 36kwh on rapid charger. The BMW is much faster on a rapid charger, in real world, twice as fast!
source?
The range extender on the Mazda is an on-again, off-again affair. I'll believe it when it actually appears.
For our needs, a 200 - 250 KM range is most desirable. I love the i3 concept in that it is can be had as a hybrid with the electric range greater than the gas range. Most hybrids are useless for me as I have very very few trips that are 50 km or less. Wish Mazda had thrown a range extender or small gas engine in to it as well.
They have now. You can buy an MX-30 with a range extender now.
As quick as a golf R but the bizzies don't know ya doing it. Me and misses have 1 each. Yeah f1 technology since 2013.
The Mazda has pretty decent styling.
Right until you notice the rear wheel to rear wheel arch conjunction, or, lack of conjunction! BMW have long understood the importance, styling wise, of properly framing the rear wheel with the rear wheel arch, to add the necessary tension and drive a "forwards facing" asthetic to the side profile (see E46 CSL for probably the greatest ever implementation of this ethos!). The Mazda, er nope it looks horrible and the side profile looses tension and drive as a result, which, imo, is a bit of a pity given the promising tones the front and back styling sets........
Fantastic review, did you also compare the MX-30 R-EV and the BMW i3 REX ?
No, just the full electric models. We don’t test hybrids I’m afraid.
The reason i sold my bmwi3 94ah rex was down to the ride comfort, which was a shame as it was a wonderful car otherwise. Going over local Speed ramps used to cause me physical pain in my lower back and i kept it less than a year and swapped for a Hyundai Ioniq 28kwh bev. It was also very unstable on Motorways being blown around by the wind, and i know it was designed as a City car, but who wants to keep a car just to drive around the City considering the price of the i3.
The i3S is quite a bit happier on motorways I've found and doesn't crash over rough surfaces so much either. I've never had a problem with my back in any of them though, found the i3 one of the most comfortable cars I've ever driven.
Yes and that's the problem with the Mazda MX-30 too. Its such a nice (and expensive) car, you are going to want to bring it for a longer drive.
@@choddo Thats interesting as i was sorry to see my i3 94ah rex go. Have the Ioniq about 2 years now and looking for a change. Do you know if the i3s has wider wheels as my i3 used to pull across the road if it got stuck in some ruts in the road i assume down to its narrow wheels. Does i3s come in a rex Version as i found that great for areas lacking Fast Charges , Thanks.
@@itsfahys No 120Ah REx in Europe but I think there was a 94Ah S REx. yes it does have wider tyres (195 & 175) but still relatively narrow. I find it more stable personally.
Just got to test an i3s rex and its a big improvement on the original i3 with its narrow tires and rough ride. Surprising as i expected the i3s would be hard over traffic ramps, but no it was much more comfortable and excellent cornering. Considering an i3s now.
Great show. But You really need to add connectivity and applications. How thw car slots in with the digital life.
Great review on 2 vehicles I'm interested in
Looking to downsize from my BMW 330E to either the BMW I3 or the Mazda but which is the best
I tried both, but the Mazda’s range is too small compared to the i3S 120Ah
size wise and I am a single male , so do not need extra space, except for internal storage.
I'd say the BMW without a doubt, as the other car is far too big and yes its has its quirks, all big cars have them but a tested reliable car is better than a new car in my opinion, as long as it has not been hammered.
But I've still got between now and 2030 to decide whether to change from my petrol Fiesta or simply get a bus or a 3 wheeler reverse Trike?
I can sleep in the the i3 with rear seats folded down of im on an angle with a slight tilt of the head! Not so small afterall!
Love your review style.
The BMW i3s will charge much more quickly than the Mazda. Go and look at the charging curves on Fastned - the mx30 is really quite dire.
I like the mazda company and their products. I helped my daughter decide on a used 2016 Mazda 3 which is fantastic. Unfortunately, if you look at the reviews the MX30 does NOT fair well. Next iteration I hope.
Great work as always
I drive this about 100 miles every day and had a Prius before this is a much more fun driver haters will hate ect im not planning to keep this for more than 4 years it’s a 2019 models are no longer being made wish bmw would have kept improving these Jems
Nice to see the comparison between the two. Got a tad tiresome with the constant I love this or love that. At times it felt I was watching an advert for BMW and Mazda and not necessarily a true critique.
Cables do fit in the i3 frunk, dude. How can you not know that?
The mazda is nice but I have to wonder why I'd buy one used over a hyundai ioniq 38kwh. Cheapest I can find are £15k which gets you a Premium SE Ioniq.
I thought you were going to mention the safety aspect of walking away from either car leaving the kids in the back, now there is a reason the back seater’s need to get out quickly for some reason, how would that work..?
Thanks for sharing
Mazda so so We bought our second i3 first one 2018 33kw BMW gave us a great deal on a 2021 i3S I think the best small car on Earth 🌎 Mazda looked at it not impressed with engineering. Just wish BMW development the i3.
Brilliant 👏 BMW frounk fine for cabins and bit extra bits too
Does Mazda come with generator for range extension..?
One thing not mentioned in considering any used vs new car is the length of warranty. That could sway some people toward the new car.
That is a very good point. We will look to do this in the future as we feature more pre-owned EVs. Thank you for watching and taking the time to make a very valid comment.
They both underestimated, in my opinion the BMW I3 is the best option if bought second hand.
Great review...
The i3 BMW is just more desirable than the Mazda. Mentioning the MX5 against the BMW ZX. The Mazda MX 5 is just better to me anyway.
buy the i3s
The Mazda anyday, better looking, quality, design....and its way more safe in a head on crash according to Euro NCAP. The old BMW is a no-go
The upcoming mazda with the wankel rex is the perfect EV , it has no downside , i cant wait...
Mazda wins for me.
The i3 shares components with the Mini? Which ones??
The motor for one. And I know this as when I was at the Mini Electric launch I sat next to the head engineer on the project and he told me a lot of components were readily available as they came from the i3.
RX8 came out in 2003
Just about every review I’ve ever seen has praised the I3 cabin but it is very dependent upon spec. I sat in an I3 recently and it was simply AWFUL because the seats,dash and door cards were a dreadful shade of chocolate/blackcurrant- the faux leather seats were particularly hideous. I’m sure it would’ve driven very well but I couldn’t bring myself to remain in it for more than 2 minutes. Has anyone else seen this spec?
How is the air conditioning?
Very effective and can be turned on in advance with the app
You can’t put the cables you use to charge IN THE RAIN in the frunk in case they get lightly splashed? Have you been smoking crack?
We’ve taken Bryan outside and had him whipped vigorously with a type 2 cable for being so silly…..
I wondered what Frankie Boyle was doing.
The rear bumper lets the Mazda down
Rear seat passengers in the i3 of prisoners as they are known...they cant open the doors or windows so one can hear them scream ...... i made the mistake of buying an i3 the road noise and hard suspension with an unsettled ride with bump steer i avoid driving now ....
I've done all the research I need to do. The Mazda is constructed using steel. Given the company's woeful history in being able to protect their cars from corrosion, I will never be buying an MX-30.
Seems like Mazda has really lost direction
For me, the MAZDA MX-30 is one of the most endearing of designs. Its an awful pity they did not increase the battery size a little - maybe 45KwHrs ?... That would have solved a lot of problems. Better still, they should have made it rear wheel drive and leave a big frunk space up front. But its wild expensive and I suspect Mazda are not really taking EVs seriously.
Mazda are not really interest on full EV. Looking at their new cars, they still not fully into the EV thing. CX60 is PHEV and the new MX-30 is EV/Petrol (similar to REX i believe). I've recently reserved a used 2021 i3 120ah that had done 4k miles, I did consider the MX-30 but the battery is too small.
"What would you rather have ?" A Honda e.
Sorry for this bad taste joke, but, then again, what have you done, Mazda? And why? You could have given us a competitor to the Honda e and envious Europeans could have enjoyed a mesmerizing duel between two proud disciples of the kei car tradition. Instead, an SUV...sorry, a crossovery blob. Why, Mazda? Why?
There are some great parts to the i3. It looks great at the curb. But for me, on the road, because of the narrow height and skinny tires it looks like a circus clown car.
Absolutely love it! So many people seem to lose their shit when they see the car and it amuses me. I'd gladly be the clown taking a piss to the innocent bystanders eyes 🤣
Ohhhh… CoRk 😅
Toyota ice
nooo .... neither if possible ... but take the bimmer ... the mx30 is overpriced, poor range, stupid rear doors with no windows for rear passengers and cheap material interior ...
A bigger battery will impact performance? That's BS. Kyle over at OutofSpec tested the MX-30 and it underperformed AS IS.
Well if you think about it, it is logical. A bigger battery will weigh more, and more weight will impede the car’s performance. That’s just a fact I’m afraid. Adding additional weight to any car, BEV or ICE will have an affect on its performance. But thank you for watching and taking the time to comment.
I3 every time. A car with an 80 to 100 mile range and a bonnet big enough to fit a V8 under yet having virtually nothing in it is verging on the pointless. I think both these manufacturers are in trouble, but the Mazda is a poor car, leave alone a poor EV.
The latest i3 has actually a decent battery size and a decent range. The MX-30 is just crap...
Except that it isn’t, it’s actually a really good car and a great drive.