If you're looking for a new electric vehicle (EV) to make your day-to-day commute more efficient, you may need help deciding which model suits you best. With so many high-quality options, finding the right choice for your needs can take time and effort. To help you with your EV search, we've stacked the 2022 BMW i3 against its chief rival, the Nissan LEAF.
Engine and Performance
The BMW i3 comes with a 42.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and an electric motor rated at 168 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. It accelerates smoothly from zero to 60 mph in about seven seconds, and its speed tops at 93 mph.
The BMW i3 has four driving modes:
- Comfort: This is the default driving mode.
- Eco Pro: This increases your driving range by about 12% compared to Comfort mode by desensitizing the throttle pedal. Â
- Eco Pro+: This increases your driving range by about 24% from Comfort mode by providing maximum efficiency.
- Sport: This is the most responsive driving mode. Â
In contrast, the Nissan LEAF only has a 147-horsepower electric motor, which gets its power from a 40 kWh battery, while the long-range LEAF e+ comes with a 62 kWh battery. When accelerating, the Nissan LEAF can go from zero to 60 mph in about eight seconds. The LEAF e+ is quicker, as it can go from zero to 60 mph in about seven seconds.
The Nissan LEAF only has two driving modes:Â
- Eco mode: This limits the electric motor's output while slightly boosting braking to help improve the vehicle's overall range.Â
- B Mode: This enhances the car's regenerative braking efficiency, which helps to charge the battery and provide a more extended range.
Battery and Charging Speed
The BMW i3 comes with a 42.2 kWh lithium-ion battery, which gives you a long driving range. The 2022 version of the standard 168-horsepower i3 returns up to 190 miles of range, while the i3s configuration with its 181 horsepower returns around 175 miles.
As for its charging time, it can take up to 20 hours to fully charge the vehicle using a standard 120V three-pin plug and regular wall socket. However, by using BMW's Flexible Fast Charger or Wallbox in your home, you can cut that down to about six hours. When out on the road, simply plug it into any DC fast charger found in many roadside service stations, and you can get an additional 100 miles of range in just about half an hour.
In contrast, the Nissan LEAF has two battery sizes: 62 kWh and 40 kWh. The 40 kWh delivers an estimated range of 150 miles, coming in slightly lower than that of the BMW i3. The 62kW, however, provides an estimated range of about 226 miles. So if you're planning a long trip or regularly visiting family far away, consider choosing the bigger battery. The 40 kWh battery can take around 8 hours to charge, while the 62 kWh battery takes about 11.5 hours.
Interior
Around 80% of the BMW i3's visible interior is made from recycled and renewable materials, making it more ecologically friendly than its competitors. You'll find natural fibers, recycled plastics, and unbleached eucalyptus wood grown and responsibly sourced for the instrument panel. In addition, the EV has plenty of luxury upgrades, including the Carum Spice Grey headliner and Dark Truffle leather upholstery. You'll also find two screens inside the vehicle. The first is a 5.7-inch TFT-LCD digital cluster. The second is a larger 10.25-inch central display screen used for the infotainment system, iDrive operating system, and BMW navigation system.
The Nissan LEAF interior has several features, including standard black cloth seats, keyless entry, power windows with automatic climate controls, and a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel. The entertainment is provided by a standard six-speaker sound system connected through an 8-inch display that comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Navigation is an additional option.
Safety
The BMW i3 is equipped with multiple safety features, including:
- Anti-lock braking system.
- Six airbags. Â
- Electronic stability control.
- Active cruise control with stop-and-go function. Â
- Front and rear parking sensors.Â
- Driving Assistant Plus package (includes a rearview camera). Â
- Collision and pedestrian warning (with city braking function).
- A traffic-jam assistant.
You'll also have access to BMW ConnectedDrive services, including concierge services, intelligent emergency calls, and remote services.
In contrast, the Nissan LEAF comes with the following features:
- Anti-lock braking system. Â
- Six airbags. Â
- Electronic brake force distribution.Â
- Hill-start assist. Â
- Vehicle dynamic control.
The LEAF offers Nissan's Safety Shield 360 suite of driver-assistance technologies. This includes features such as rear emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, blind-spot warning, and a 360-degree view monitor with moving object detection.
Exterior
The BMW i3 looks futuristic. From the front, it has a chunky, nearly aggressive stance and is clearly recognizable as something out of the BMW stable. The carbon-fiber structure is rigid, and it makes for a lightweight yet protective build. Overall, the BMW i3 does have plenty of distinctive styling touches, and it comes with some sporty two-tone paint options. It's a vehicle that was always designed for a niche market of drivers or car enthusiasts to highlight their unique style while choosing to go electric.
In contrast, the Nissan LEAF seems no different from the previous year's model. However, look a little closer, and you'll notice a revised front fascia with refreshed headlights, grille, and bumper molding. The Nissan badge on the grille has also been updated, and it's now illuminated when you're out on the road at night.
Likewise, the shape of the LEAF's tire deflectors at the four corners, the rear diffuser, and the rear spoiler have been completely modified to improve the vehicle's aerodynamics. The new Nissan LEAF also comes standard with 17-inch five-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels.