2016 Electric BMW Models: What You Need to Know About BMW's EV and Plug-In Lineup

By 2016, BMW had moved well beyond concept cars and into serious electric and plug-in hybrid production. The brand's "i" sub-brand — launched to house its electrified vehicles — was a few years old and offered real, purchasable options. If you're researching a 2016 electric BMW, here's how the lineup worked, what distinguished each model, and what factors shape ownership today.

What Electric and Plug-In BMW Models Were Available in 2016?

BMW offered two distinct electrified vehicles under its i series in 2016, plus plug-in hybrid variants of its mainstream models.

BMW i3 (2016) — Battery Electric Vehicle

The i3 was BMW's primary fully electric offering. It used a rear-mounted electric motor producing approximately 170 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, driving the rear wheels only. The 2016 model year brought an upgraded battery pack — 33 kWh (usable) — up from the earlier 22 kWh pack, pushing the EPA-estimated range to roughly 114 miles on a full charge.

The i3's construction was unconventional. Its passenger cell was made from carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP), making it unusually lightweight for an electric vehicle. The chassis used aluminum. This design kept curb weight low — around 2,960 lbs — which helped efficiency.

An optional Range Extender (REx) was available: a small 2-cylinder gasoline engine that acted solely as a generator to extend range by roughly 70–80 miles. The REx did not drive the wheels — it only recharged the battery. Buyers had to choose upfront; it wasn't something that could be added later.

BMW i8 (2016) — Plug-In Hybrid Sports Car

The i8 sat at the other end of the spectrum. It combined a 1.5-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder gasoline engine (producing 228 hp) with an electric motor on the front axle (131 hp), for a combined system output of 357 horsepower. The i8 could reach 60 mph in around 4.2 seconds.

Its 7.1 kWh lithium-ion battery offered a modest electric-only range of roughly 15 miles under EPA estimates — typical for plug-in hybrids of that era. The i8 was designed as a performance statement and technology showcase, not a long-range EV.

Mainstream BMW Plug-In Hybrids (2016)

Beyond the i sub-brand, BMW also offered eDrive plug-in hybrid variants of conventional models:

These vehicles operated as conventional plug-in hybrids: electric motor assists or powers the car at lower speeds and shorter distances, while the gasoline engine handles longer runs or higher-demand driving.

How Charging Worked on 2016 BMW Electric Models ⚡

The i3 supported three charging levels:

• Level 1 (120V): Slow overnight charging; practical mainly for topping off
• Level 2 (240V / J1772): Full charge in approximately 4–5 hours with a home charger
• DC Fast Charging (CCS combo): Optional on the i3; could bring the battery to 80% in roughly 20–30 minutes

The i8 and eDrive models used Level 1 and Level 2 charging only — their smaller battery packs made DC fast charging less relevant.

Home charging setup costs vary widely depending on your electrical panel, the charger hardware chosen, and local electrician labor rates.

Ownership Factors That Vary Significantly

Battery health over time is the central long-term concern for any used 2016 electric BMW. Lithium-ion batteries degrade with age and charge cycles. The 2016 i3's 33 kWh pack represented a meaningful upgrade over earlier versions, but any used example today has years of aging. Actual usable range on a specific used vehicle depends on how it was charged, stored, and driven — something that requires hands-on assessment, not generalizations.

Repair and maintenance costs are shaped by:

• Whether the vehicle is still under any transferable warranty (original BMW warranty expired years ago for most)
• Availability of independent EV-trained mechanics in your area versus BMW dealer service
• Parts availability for CFRP body components, which can be expensive and less commonly stocked
• Whether a used i3 has the REx, which adds a small combustion engine requiring its own maintenance

State-level incentives and registration differences matter for EV ownership. Some states apply reduced registration fees for EVs; others charge higher fees to offset lost fuel tax revenue. HOV lane access for EVs varies by state and sometimes by model year. Federal tax credits applied at purchase for new vehicles in 2016 — they don't transfer to used buyers under standard rules, though this is an area where federal and state policies have evolved since then.

Insurance for the i3 and i8 can differ from conventional vehicles due to the CFRP construction, specialized repair requirements, and the i8's performance classification. Rates vary by insurer, driver profile, and state.

What Made the 2016 BMW i3 Different From Conventional EVs

Most EVs use steel construction with batteries mounted in a flat floor. The i3 used a two-part architecture: the "Life" module (carbon fiber passenger cell sitting on top) and the "Drive" module (aluminum chassis below containing the drivetrain and battery). This approach was ahead of its time in using lightweight materials, but it also means collision repair is handled differently — not all body shops are equipped for CFRP work.

The i3 also used aggressive regenerative braking, meaning it slows noticeably when you lift off the accelerator. Many drivers find one-pedal driving intuitive once adjusted; others find the transition from conventional vehicles jarring at first. 🔋

The Variables That Determine Your Actual Experience

Whether you're researching a 2016 BMW i3, i8, or one of the eDrive plug-in hybrids, what the ownership experience looks like depends on factors specific to you: the individual vehicle's battery condition, your local charging infrastructure, your state's EV policies, how your insurance provider classifies the vehicle, and what independent EV service options exist near you. General specs and averages establish the baseline — but the actual numbers for any specific vehicle and situation are a different matter entirely.