Taking its cues from the BMW i3 Concept that debuted in 2011, the battery-powered car looks like it’s driven straight off a designer’s computer screen, even ten years on.

Tall and narrow proportions give the i3 the look of an MPV rather than a family hatch, but you could argue it stands in a class of its own. Lightweight plastics are used for the heavily sculpted body panels, while the bonnet and glass tailgate get a distinctive gloss black finish. Other highlights include the angular window line, swept-back headlamps and metallic blue trim for the faired-in grille and lower sills.

Electric cars

The futuristic feel continues inside. Access is easy thanks to the rear-hinged doors and lack of a B-pillar – although you have to step over the wide sill. Once in, you’ll be able to enjoy the cleverly packaged and imaginatively designed layout that’s easy to use and beautifully finished. Rear passengers might find it difficult to get into the rear but the front seats do fold forward to make access easier.

Climb into the high-set driver’s seat and the first thing you’ll spot is a pair of large infotainment screens – one ahead of the driver and one that appears to ‘float’ above the centre of the dashboard. These units display everything from speed to sat-nav info, and are controlled via a dial on the centre console. A choice of tactile wooden, metallic, cloth and leather trims are available, bundled into what BMW calls ‘interior worlds’, while the low-set dashboard and vast windscreen create a bright and airy feel.

Because the motor is mounted on the rear wheels and the battery is tucked away in the chassis, the floor is flat. There’s no transmission tunnel dividing the front occupants, leaving just an open space.

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Sat-nav, stereo and infotainment

BMW decided not to give the i3 its own bespoke infotainment system, which is good because the standard iDrive is plenty good enough here. The 10-inch screen is set quite far back on the dash, but the graphics are still clear and the response from the iDrive controller on the centre console is crisp.

Elsewhere, there’s a DAB radio, hands-free Bluetooth plus access to a variety of social media, music and email apps. You can also upgrade with a Harman Kardon sound system. Apple CarPlay preparation is included on later cars as well, although you need to register for a free BMW ConnectedDrive account in order to access it.