If you search for an electric BMW 2017 today, you’ll mostly find the futuristic BMW i3 and a couple of plug‑in hybrids that were early steps in BMW’s electrification push. Eight model years later, these cars can be great value, if you understand their batteries, range and running costs before you buy.
2017 was a turning point for BMW EVs
For 2017, BMW upgraded the i3 with a higher‑capacity 94 Ah (33 kWh) battery and expanded its “iPerformance” plug‑in hybrid line. That makes this model year a sweet spot for shoppers who want BMW tech without new‑car prices.
Electric BMW 2017 lineup overview
When people talk about an electric BMW 2017 model, they usually mean one of three vehicles sold in the U.S. at the time:
- 2017 BMW i3 – a purpose‑built all‑electric hatchback (with an optional gasoline range extender).
- 2017 BMW 330e – a plug‑in hybrid version of the 3 Series sedan with around 14 miles of electric range.
- 2017 BMW X5 xDrive40e – a plug‑in hybrid midsize SUV with roughly 14–15 miles of electric range before the gas engine takes over.
The i3 is a true battery‑electric vehicle (BEV), while the 330e and X5 xDrive40e are plug‑in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). The right choice depends on how much you drive, whether you can charge at home, and how comfortable you are relying solely on electricity versus keeping a gas backup.
Quick specs: 2017 electric BMW models at a glance
2017 BMW i3: key specs and real‑world range
The 2017 BMW i3 is the only fully electric BMW of that model year. It rides on a carbon‑fiber reinforced body, has rear‑wheel drive, and offers surprisingly quick acceleration around town thanks to its instant torque.
2017 BMW i3 battery and range options
Two battery packs and an optional gasoline range extender
60 Ah i3 (early 2017)
- ~22 kWh battery pack
- EPA range around 80–81 miles
- Sold alongside 94 Ah version for part of 2017
94 Ah i3 (33 kWh)
- Larger 33 kWh battery
- EPA combined range up to 114 miles
- Most desirable 2017 i3 for range
Range Extender (REx)
- 650 cc 2‑cyl gasoline generator
- Maintains battery charge once low
- Total range roughly ~180 miles when tank and battery are full
In the real world, many owners report around 80–100 miles of electric range on the 94 Ah i3, depending on weather, speed and use of climate control. The REx version sacrifices some electric range and adds weight, but it removes most range anxiety if your charging options are limited.
Which 2017 i3 should you target?
If you’re shopping used, prioritize a 2017 i3 with the 94 Ah battery. You’ll get noticeably more range than the older 60 Ah pack with almost identical packaging and similar charging times.
2017 BMW 330e and X5 xDrive40e plug-in hybrids
If you like the idea of electrification but need traditional BMW flexibility, the 2017 BMW 330e and 2017 BMW X5 xDrive40e may fit better. Both are plug‑in hybrids: they can run on electricity alone for short trips, then behave like conventional gasoline BMWs once the battery is depleted.
2017 BMW 330e (plug‑in hybrid sedan)
- 2.0‑liter turbocharged 4‑cyl plus electric motor
- Combined output around 248 hp and 310 lb‑ft
- Electric‑only range of roughly 14 miles on a full charge
- 0–60 mph in about 5.9 seconds
- Battery capacity around 7.6 kWh
2017 BMW X5 xDrive40e (plug‑in hybrid SUV)
- 2.0‑liter turbo 4‑cyl plus electric motor
- Combined output in the mid‑300 hp range
- Electric‑only range in the mid‑teens (miles), depending on conditions
- Standard all‑wheel drive and SUV practicality
- Also uses a modest‑sized lithium‑ion pack
Think of these plug‑in hybrids as a bridge between gas and full EVs. If your commute is under 10 miles each way and you can charge at home, you can do a lot of daily driving on electricity. For longer trips, the gasoline engine gives you unrestricted highway range with quick refueling.
Know the limits of 2017 plug‑in BMWs
With electric ranges in the low‑teens, 2017 BMW plug‑in hybrids are best for short‑trip electric driving, not long EV‑only road trips. If you want to avoid gas almost entirely, the i3 is the better fit.
Battery health and degradation on 2017 BMW EVs
By now, every 2017 electric BMW has eight model years behind it. That makes battery health the single most important factor to understand before you buy.
What to expect from an eight‑year‑old BMW battery
High‑quality packs, but age and usage matter
Robust chemistry
Heat & fast charging
Real‑world capacity
Plug‑in hybrid packs in the 330e and X5 xDrive40e are smaller, but the same principles apply: look for consistent charging habits, limited exposure to extreme heat, and no history of battery warning lights or failures.
Don’t skip an objective battery report
A visual inspection can’t tell you much about EV battery health. Use diagnostics, like the Recharged Score battery report offered on every vehicle at Recharged, to see measured capacity, predicted range, and any fault codes before you commit.
Charging an electric BMW 2017 model
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Whether you choose a 2017 i3 or a plug‑in hybrid, you’ll want a basic plan for how and where you’ll charge. The good news: hardware requirements are straightforward, and public networks have expanded significantly since these cars were new.
Charging options for 2017 electric BMWs
How long it takes to charge and when each option makes sense
| Charging type | Power | 2017 i3 (94 Ah) | 2017 330e / X5 xDrive40e | Best use case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 (120V outlet) | ~1.3 kW | 20+ hours from empty to full | 6–7 hours for full charge | Occasional top‑ups, garage without 240V |
| Level 2 (240V home or public) | 3.3–7.4 kW | About 4–5 hours from empty to full | Roughly 2–3 hours for full charge | Daily charging at home or work |
| DC fast charging (i3 only) | Up to 50 kW | 80% charge in under 40 minutes | Not available | Highway stops and road trips |
Approximate times assume typical U.S. power supplies and healthy batteries.
Home charging keeps costs low
Level 2 home charging is the sweet spot for a 2017 electric BMW. Electricity is usually cheaper than public fast charging, and regularly topping up overnight means you always leave with a full battery.
Ownership costs, depreciation and value
From a cost standpoint, a 2017 electric BMW is firmly in the value phase of its life cycle. The steepest depreciation is behind you, but there’s still plenty of usable life left, especially if the battery is healthy.
Cost picture for a 2017 electric BMW today
Insurance costs will vary by driver and region, but the i3’s small size and urban focus can sometimes translate into lower premiums than larger BMW SUVs. Plug‑in hybrids like the X5 xDrive40e may carry higher insurance and maintenance costs because you’re effectively managing both an internal‑combustion and an electric system.
Tax credits on a 2017 BMW?
Federal tax credits generally apply to new EV purchases. For a used 2017 BMW i3 or plug‑in hybrid, focus instead on current purchase price, local incentives for used EVs, and long‑term fuel and maintenance savings.
Inspection checklist for a used 2017 electric BMW
Before you buy any used 2017 electric BMW, treat it like a high‑tech appliance and a car. You’re evaluating the battery and charging hardware as carefully as the bodywork and suspension.
Essential checks for a 2017 electric BMW
1. Confirm exact model and battery
On an i3, verify whether it’s a 60 Ah or 94 Ah battery car and whether it has the range extender. On plug‑in hybrids, confirm the exact trim, battery size and options.
2. Review battery health data
Ask for a recent battery health report. At Recharged, every vehicle comes with a <strong>Recharged Score</strong> detailing usable capacity, predicted range and any battery‑related fault codes.
3. Inspect charging equipment
Make sure the original Level 1 cable is included and test it. If the car supports DC fast charging, plug in at a public station at least once during the test drive to confirm it connects and charges properly.
4. Check service and recall history
Review BMW service records, paying special attention to high‑voltage system work, software updates and any open recalls on the battery, charger or electronics.
5. Test all drive modes
In an i3, cycle through Comfort, Eco Pro and Eco Pro+ to confirm normal behavior. In plug‑in hybrids, test electric‑only mode, hybrid mode and any battery‑save or charge modes.
6. Evaluate tires, brakes and suspension
The i3 uses narrow, tall tires that are more expensive than typical economy‑car rubber. Uneven wear or vibration on a test drive can signal alignment or suspension issues.
Avoid buying on photos alone
Because battery condition and charging behavior are so critical, avoid sight‑unseen purchases without third‑party inspection or a detailed battery report. A cheap used EV with a weak pack can quickly become an expensive headache.
How Recharged helps with used electric BMWs
Shopping for a 2017 electric BMW is easier when you can actually see what you’re getting. That’s where Recharged comes in. Recharged is built from the ground up around used EVs, and every vehicle, whether it’s a BMW i3 or another electric, comes with tools designed to take the guesswork out of battery life and pricing.
Why consider a 2017 electric BMW through Recharged?
Transparency, battery data and EV‑savvy support
Recharged Score report
EV‑specialist guidance
Financing & delivery
If you already own a 2017 electric BMW and are thinking about selling, Recharged can give you an instant offer or help you list it on consignment, leveraging that battery‑health data to attract the right buyers.
Electric BMW 2017 FAQ
Frequently asked questions about 2017 electric BMWs
Bottom line: is a 2017 electric BMW worth it?
A 2017 electric BMW can be an excellent value, provided it matches your driving needs and the battery is in good shape. The i3 delivers a distinctive, efficient urban EV experience, while the 330e and X5 xDrive40e offer a familiar BMW feel with an electric twist for shorter trips.
If your daily driving fits within the i3’s practical range, or you’re comfortable leaning on a plug‑in hybrid, these cars can dramatically cut your fuel spend and introduce you to EV ownership without new‑car pricing. Just make sure you get objective battery data, verify charging hardware and review service history before signing anything. Working with a specialist platform like Recharged brings those pieces together into one transparent package, so your first (or next) electric BMW is a car you enjoy, not a gamble you regret.
