I did a 3 day test drive of the original BMW i3 rex and got to test drive the Bolt ONCE at the Dallas auto show (they aren't available here in Texas yet). As a "car guy" (but one who is getting old), I want a combination of fun, performance and comfort. I really liked a lot about the i3 (see my review in the BMW section from a few years back) - the performance and lightweight are really its defining qualities Indeed, I argued then, as now, that it was really a "hot hatch" play from BMW. It was the "most fun" of any EV I've driven.
Having said that, it also had a number of downsides. The short wheelbase and a bit too firm suspension gave it a mediocre ride quality and darty freeway handling - I really believe BMW simply got both the shock damping and steering calibration wrong (note: the skinny tires don't help). As a reference, I've owned a few BMWs including two M cars, so I'm familiar with BMW's usual ride quality. My comments here were seen often in reviews and on the BMW i3 Facebook page (the best source for all things i3). Once you add in the additonal compromises like the suicide doors (cool while showing them off to your friends and then a pain in almost every other use case), odd looks, higher sticker price, and pesky check engine lights (early models especially, but man that has continued WAY too long), the shine starts to wear off. The 2017 models are heavier and slower across the board, but owners seem to indicate the ride quality has improved and freeway dartiness is better. I'm not sure if this is because of the weight or improved suspension calibration - probably both. I still have a soft spot for the i3 because of its fun factor. It kind of "sticks with you".
Now, as to the Bolt EV, my test drive had three of us in the car, was about 10 minutes long and was in city streets. I may have gotten up to 60 mph for a second or two - take all of that into account. My INITIAL impression was (as Jupitermoon notes) that it just felt much softer off the line. Indeed, I nailed the throttle on at least 4 seperate occassions, the last 2 in sport mode, and just didn't feel that initial hit of EV torque. I did notice, however, that as I eclipsed 50 it just kept on pulling (unlike my old gen 1 Volt where power fell off a cliff at 45 mph or so). Honestly, I can't explain it. I have Car and Driver's test results for both cars right here in front of me and the Bolt EV is quicker in, well, every measure: 0-30, 30-50, and 50-70 (the latter by a full second). It may be the "Miata" effect here with the i3. Lighter cars often "feel" faster than heavier cars and, as a result, can be "more fun" to drive. I plan on test driving the Bolt again though and giving it a good thrashing! Having said all that, the Bolt seemed to have really decent ride quality compared to the (early, but I suspect even current) i3. We drove over some rougher patches and the car remained composed, with good road feel and little of the "head toss" experienced in the i3. I even commented to the sales rep and the end of the drive that I felt GM had really nailed the ride/ handling balance (at least at lower speeds...but that's where it is often most noticeable). The car was plenty roomy and way more usable in the rear seating area. The Bolt seats aren't great, but I also felt the i3 cloth seats were marginal (BMW leather were fine) - still, BMW cloth seats were more comfortable than Bolt cloth and BMW leather were more comfortable than Bolt leather.
I would have some trouble recommending the early i3's because of their issues and ride quality. It also appears BMW is changing direction with regard to the whole i series (doesn't look like we'll see much more from that division...maybe one more i3 and the i8 spyder and that's it).
I do actually prefer smaller cars (am currently driving a - NOT small - Model S P85+) so I look forward to my next Bolt EV test drive (hopefully a longer one on the freeaway and over some more marginal road surfaces).
I'm sorry, what was the question again?
