I01 · i3

What the BMW I01 Chassis Is

The BMW I01 is the chassis code for the first-generation i3, BMW's groundbreaking entry into purpose-built electric vehicles. Unlike converted internal-combustion platforms, the I01 was engineered from the ground up around its battery, using a revolutionary architecture BMW branded "LifeDrive." This split the car into an aluminum "Drive" module housing the powertrain and battery, and a carbon-fiber-reinforced-plastic (CFRP) "Life" module forming the passenger cell. The result was an exceptionally light, rigid, and forward-thinking small car that signaled where BMW's electric future was headed. It remains a milestone in the brand's history, which you can trace further through BMW DNA.

Models and Body Styles in This Generation

Sold in the U.S. market from 2014 through 2017, the I01 arrived in three configurations, all sharing the same distinctive tall five-door hatchback body with rear-hinged "coach" doors:

• i3 — the standard battery-electric model.
• i3 60 Ah — the early battery specification defining the car's usable range.
• i3 with Range Extender — added a small gasoline engine to charge the battery on the move and calm range anxiety.

The cabin embraced sustainable materials, from open-pore eucalyptus wood to recycled fibers, giving the I01 an interior unlike anything else in the BMW lineup. If you're verifying a specific build, run the number through our VIN decoder to confirm equipment and configuration.

Engines and Drivetrains Offered

Every I01 is rear-wheel drive, with a rear-mounted electric motor delivering instant torque that makes the i3 remarkably brisk in city traffic. The Range Extender (REx) variant paired that electric motor with a compact two-cylinder gasoline engine—derived from BMW motorcycle technology—that acted purely as a generator rather than driving the wheels. This flexibility let buyers choose between a pure EV and a hybrid-style safety net without sacrificing the electric driving character.

What It's Like to Own and Buy

On the road, the I01 feels quick, nimble, and endlessly practical for urban duty, with a tight turning circle and superb visibility. Buyers should focus on battery health and remaining range, as the earliest cars offer modest range by modern standards. CFRP construction keeps the body immune to rust, but repairs can require BMW-certified shops. The narrow, low-rolling-resistance tires wear differently than conventional rubber, so budget accordingly.

The I01 stands apart from BMW's traditional lineup—those exploring the brand's more conventional performance history might compare it against combustion-era platforms like the E60 5 Series or the flagship E65 7 Series to appreciate just how radical this electric city car truly was.