Car and Driver tests the BMW i3 REx for 0 to 60 and quarter-mile

Car and Driver tested the BMW i3 REx, the Range Extender variant of BMW’s first fully electric car.

At 3135 pounds, the range-extender-equipped i3 is almost 300 pounds heavier than the pure-electric model. In their instrumental test, they recorded a 0 to 60 mph time in 7.0 seconds and through the quarter-mile in 15.8. That’s quick, especially considering that this is a segment in which many cars need 10 seconds to hit the mile-a-minute mark.

In conclusion, they said that the BMW i3 is still deserving of the BMW badge: “The strongest hints of BMW are found in the handling feel. The steering is quick at 2.6 turns lock-to-lock,” says the review.

In order to reduce range anxiety, BMW i3 REx comes with a rear-mounted 650cc, 34 hp, two-cylinder, gasoline- powered Range Extender generator is available, which roughly doubles the vehicle’s range. When the battery gets to a certain level, the Range Extender starts and maintains the battery’s current state of charge.

The Range Extender never directly drives the vehicle’s wheels. The Range Extender adds roughly 330 lbs. to the vehicle curb weight and has a fuel capacity of 1.9 gallons.

Read full review from Car and Driver.