2014 BMW i3

BMW’s electrified “i” brand is now very much a reality, and fresh off of our quick spin in the 2014 i3, we can say that it is impressive despite its odd styling. And more importantly, it still drives like a BMW.

Two modules join together to make the car: a passenger cabin made of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic, and an all-aluminum drive module that houses the battery, motor, suspension and structural components. All told, the i3 registers a curb weight of just under 27-hundred pounds.

A 22kWh lithium-ion battery provides power for an electric motor capable of 170 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Range is estimated between 80 and 100 miles through three drive modes.

GREG CARLOSS: …one of the biggest things is the fact that I still feel like I’m driving a BMW, which is what I was concerned about. There’s that BMW quality that you’ve come to expect. As far as driving it, like every other electric vehicle, there’s tons of torque right off line. It’s available immediately. The thing that takes some getting used to, though, is that when you let off the accelerator, as its feeding energy back to the battery, you start braking. And it’s a little weird at first, but once you get used to it, you realize it’s extremely useful. You can come to a complete stop and not even touch your brake pedal.

JOHN DAVIS: On sale in the second quarter, the 2014 BMW i3 will start around $42,000. A small-gasoline generator is available for 4 grand more that nearly double the range.