I recently switched from my 2013 Leaf to a 2014 i3 w/REX solely for the extended range capability. I am/was very happy with the Leaf overall, consider it to be a good car with a clearly well designed use case. I posted this in the i3 forums and I thought it may be of use for those of you considering the i3.
------
I have had the i3 for over a week now and my impressions compared to the LEAF:
1) The interior is much nicer than the LEAF, specially with the technology package display, but the LEAF touch screen is much more usable,
2) The exterior is more "unique" than the LEAF and not necessarily in a good way!
3) The ride is more sporty and the car is much faster, but much more bouncy and less relaxing than the LEAF. This is specially true of the aggressive accelerator/regen, and this is from someone who is used to aggressive regen from Tesla Roadster. I think they missed the mark, this car should not have been tuned to be sport,
4) The efficiency (miles/KWHR) is almost identical to LEAF, which is surprising considering all the technology,
5) Which brings me to electric only range, which is a good 5-10 miles LESS than the LEAF. This is the biggest disappointment.
So all in all I have to say bang for buck definitely goes to the LEAF, the quality/experience (interior) definitely goes to the BMW, and the purity of purpose goes to LEAF (a very useable and comfortable daily commuter), where the i3 is I am afraid a little confused. And if you need people in the back seat the LEAF is much better for room, but the i3 wins in seats down cargo as the seats go flat.
Only saving grace is the REX, I honestly could never recommend the BEV i3 over the LEAF.
And one last nit: who thought the key fob needed a "frunk" opener over the hatch, and why the heck does the hatch not unlock with other doors on stop? That is a constant source of irritation.
------
I have had the i3 for over a week now and my impressions compared to the LEAF:
1) The interior is much nicer than the LEAF, specially with the technology package display, but the LEAF touch screen is much more usable,
2) The exterior is more "unique" than the LEAF and not necessarily in a good way!
3) The ride is more sporty and the car is much faster, but much more bouncy and less relaxing than the LEAF. This is specially true of the aggressive accelerator/regen, and this is from someone who is used to aggressive regen from Tesla Roadster. I think they missed the mark, this car should not have been tuned to be sport,
4) The efficiency (miles/KWHR) is almost identical to LEAF, which is surprising considering all the technology,
5) Which brings me to electric only range, which is a good 5-10 miles LESS than the LEAF. This is the biggest disappointment.
So all in all I have to say bang for buck definitely goes to the LEAF, the quality/experience (interior) definitely goes to the BMW, and the purity of purpose goes to LEAF (a very useable and comfortable daily commuter), where the i3 is I am afraid a little confused. And if you need people in the back seat the LEAF is much better for room, but the i3 wins in seats down cargo as the seats go flat.
Only saving grace is the REX, I honestly could never recommend the BEV i3 over the LEAF.
And one last nit: who thought the key fob needed a "frunk" opener over the hatch, and why the heck does the hatch not unlock with other doors on stop? That is a constant source of irritation.