Used Electric BMW cars for sale

BMW was one of the first mainstream manufacturers to mass-manufacture EVs, with the i3 being its very first electric car, which was launched in 2013. The i3 remains on sale today, and remains just as futuristic-looking as it did a decade ago, while gaining a clever and high-quality interior.

It took BMW quite a long time to launch follow-up EVs, but fast-forward to 2021 and the firm launched the iX3 – a battery-electric version of its popular X3 SUV. In 2022 the range expanded yet again with the new flagship iX SUV, along with the i4 – BMW’s Tesla-rivalling electric saloon that's based on the same underpinnings as the 4 Series Gran Coupe.

Over the next few years, BMW is set to rapidly expand its EV line-up, with electric versions of the X1, 5 Series, 7 Series and X5 all expected in the coming years.

Let's kick off by looking at the prices of new electric BMWs. At the more affordable end of the spectrum sits the i3, which costs from £33,805, while the i4 comes in at £51,905. Moving on to electric SUVs, the iX3 and iX cost from £60,970 and £69,905 respectively.

As for used examples, the best value can be had by looking at the i3. Despite being on sale for a number of years, used versions are holding their value well, with the most affordable available from around £14,000. You can also look out for the i3 as a 'range-extender', when it comes with a small petrol engine to boost its range.

As the iX3, i4 and iX have not been on sale for long, prices for 'used' examples are very similar to what you'd pay for brand-new versions, though you will beat the long waiting lists.

How far an electric BMW will go very much depends on which model you choose. If long-distance runs without stopping to charge aren't a must, an early i3 will get you around 100 miles from a charge, though newer versions are kitted out with a larger battery, which takes the range up to a claimed 190 miles.

Moving on to the iX3, BMW claims a range of up to 285 miles, while the claimed distance an i4 can travel varies between 318 miles for the sporty M50 model up to 365 miles for the eDrive 40 version.

The longest range of any electric BMW comes from the flagship iX, which delivers up to 380 miles from a charge when fitted with the largest battery (xDrive 50 models). Lesser versions have a claimed range of 257 miles.

Again, this very much depends on the BMW you choose, though it's pleasing that every electric BMW comes with rapid charging capability, speeding up the amount of time you'll be waiting at a plug.

Take the i3, which – because of its relatively small battery – can be charged in under 30 minutes using a 50kW rapid charger. As for the iX3, if hooked up to a 150kW rapid charging unit, the battery can be topped up to 80 per cent in 34 minutes.

The i4 can charge even quicker, at up to 205kW, which means the battery can be topped up to 80 per cent in 30 minutes. As for the iX, this has a maximum charging rate of between 150kW and 200kW (depending on version), which allows an 80 per cent charge in around 40 minutes.

The sheer choice on offer is a great reason why you should consider a BMW EV. With many manufacturers only offering one or perhaps two electric cars, BMW offers four, with more planned imminently. So whether you have a smaller budget, which will buy a tidy i3, or more money to spend on one of the newer EVs from BMW, there is plenty of choice on offer.

Each BMW EV also delivers on the sporty driving experience, with greater enjoyment to be had behind the wheel with models like the i3 and i4 than what you'd get from rival manufacturers. BMW's sporty 'M' division is even focusing on electric cars these days, with the superb i4 M50 coming as a result of this.

All electric BMWs also continue with the high-quality interiors that this manufacturer is known for, as each model offers upmarket materials and a classy look. Even the old i3, which hasn't really had any major overhauls since its initial launch, still has a top-notch interior, particularly through its clever use of recycled materials. Moving on to the newer i4 and iX models, these come with BMW’s new 'Curved Display', featuring two screens that merge into one piece of glass, giving each model a particularly top-end feel.

If you're not quite ready to make the full switch to a BMW EV, fear not as the brand offers a particularly extensive range of plug-in hybrids. The German firm is a true leader in this field, with its 330e and 530e proving particularly popular, thanks to their eclectic ranges of around 30 miles.

Whether you're looking for a saloon, estate, MPV or SUV, there will be a hybrid BMW that will likely appeal to you.