3. BMW i3
The BMW i3 burst onto the scene in 2013, boasting a lightweight carbon-fiber-reinforced body and a fully electric drivetrain—features that predicted the direction of urban transportation. Its eco-friendly materials and compact footprint were tailored for city life, while its quirky design set it apart from traditional BMWs.
However, the i3 arrived before electric vehicles truly went mainstream. Limited charging infrastructure and range anxiety kept many buyers away, even as its bold sustainability message resonated.
Today, the i3 is hailed as a pioneer in the EV movement. Learn more at Car and Driver.