Electric BMW in 2017: What the i3 and i8 Actually Offered
In 2017, BMW's electric and electrified lineup was relatively small but technically distinct. The brand had already committed to its "i" sub-brand, which launched in 2013 and represented BMW's most serious effort at purpose-built electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Understanding what BMW offered that year — and how those vehicles differ from conventional BMWs — helps buyers researching the used market or comparing EV options across model years.
What Electric and Electrified BMWs Were Available in 2017?
BMW offered two primary "i" vehicles in the 2017 model year:
| Model | Powertrain Type | Electric Range (EPA est.) | Primary Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW i3 | Battery Electric (BEV) or Range Extender (REX) | ~114 miles BEV / ~97 miles REX | Urban commuter |
| BMW i8 | Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) | ~15 miles electric | Performance sports car |
These were not converted versions of existing platforms. Both were designed from scratch around electric powertrains, using carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) bodies to offset battery weight — a significant engineering distinction from most EVs at the time.
BMW also sold plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants of the X5 (xDrive40e) and 7 Series (740e) in 2017, which combined combustion engines with smaller battery packs for limited electric-only operation.
The 2017 BMW i3: How It Works
The i3 is a rear-wheel-drive, battery-electric city car with an unusual architecture. Its drivetrain sits in the rear, and the body is split into two layers: a carbon fiber "Life Module" (passenger cell) and an aluminum "Drive Module" (chassis and powertrain).
Key specs for the 2017 i3:
- Motor output: 170 horsepower, 184 lb-ft of torque (available immediately, like all EVs)
- Battery: 33 kWh usable capacity (an upgrade from the earlier 22 kWh pack)
- EPA range: Approximately 114 miles on a full charge (BEV version)
- Charging: Level 1 (120V), Level 2 (240V), and DC fast charging (CCS) supported
- Transmission: Single-speed fixed-ratio — no traditional gearbox
The Range Extender (REX) version adds a small 647cc two-cylinder motorcycle-derived engine that generates electricity to extend range by roughly 70–80 miles. It doesn't drive the wheels directly. Buyers in states with strict EV regulations (like California's ZEV mandate) could still qualify the REX for certain credits depending on year and trim.
What ownership looks like with an i3:
The i3 has no engine oil to change, no transmission fluid, and no spark plugs. Maintenance centers on brake inspections (regenerative braking reduces pad wear significantly), tire rotations, cabin air filter service, and battery health monitoring. BMW dealerships handle i3-specific service, though independent shops with EV experience can handle some work.
The 2017 BMW i8: Plug-in Hybrid Sports Car
The i8 is a plug-in hybrid with a very different purpose — performance rather than efficiency. It pairs a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine (powering the rear wheels) with an electric motor (powering the front wheels), creating a form of all-wheel drive.
- Combined system output: 357 horsepower
- Electric-only range: ~15 miles (EPA estimate)
- 0–60 mph: Around 4.2 seconds
- Fuel economy: ~28 MPG combined on gasoline; ~76 MPGe
The i8 is notable for its butterfly doors and its emphasis on lightweight construction over pure EV range. It's a sports car that happens to be electrified — not a commuter.
Variables That Shape the 2017 BMW Electric Experience 🔋
Anyone researching a used 2017 BMW i3 or i8 should weigh several factors that affect real-world value and usability:
Battery degradation: The i3's 33 kWh pack was rated for ~114 miles new. Used examples may show reduced capacity. BMW's battery management system includes an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty on the high-voltage battery in many markets, but coverage specifics vary by original sale date and state.
State incentives and registration: Some states offer used EV tax credits; others don't. Annual registration fees for EVs vary considerably by state — some charge higher fees to offset lost gas tax revenue, others don't.
Charging infrastructure: The i3 uses a CCS (Combined Charging System) port for fast charging. CCS availability varies by region. In areas with limited public charging, the REX version changes the math considerably.
Trim levels: The 2017 i3 came in base, Tera World, Giga World, and Mega World trims (BMW used unconventional naming). Features like heated seats, navigation, and interior materials varied across trims, affecting used pricing.
REX vs. BEV: In some states, the Range Extender version was classified differently for tax credit and emissions purposes. That distinction may affect a used vehicle's registration category depending on jurisdiction.
What's Typically Different About Owning a 2017 BMW EV vs. a Conventional BMW
The cost structure shifts. You eliminate fuel costs and most traditional powertrain maintenance, but you take on battery-related considerations — including finding technicians familiar with high-voltage systems, understanding remaining warranty coverage, and factoring in home charging installation if you don't already have it.
The i3's CFRP body panels don't rust, but they're expensive to repair after collisions, and not every body shop can work with them. Insurance repair costs can run higher than equivalent-sized conventional vehicles.
Whether a 2017 BMW i3 or i8 fits your driving patterns, charging setup, budget, and state's registration rules is a calculation that belongs entirely to your situation — not a general answer.