What is the difference between BMW i and li?
3 Answers
The differences between BMW i and li are as follows: 1. Different wheelbase: Generally speaking, the BMW li series are models with an extended wheelbase, while the BMW i models have a standard wheelbase. In simple terms, the wheelbase is the distance from the center of the front wheel to the center of the rear wheel on the same side, and it affects the length of the car. For cars, the longer the wheelbase, the higher the car's class, which means that the BMW li is of a higher class than the BMW i. 2. Different comfort levels: Because the wheelbase of the li series is larger than that of the i series, the li series cars offer more comfort when seated. The internal configurations of the li series cars are similar to those of the i series, but the li series is more considered by domestic consumers, making it the preferred choice for business and family cars. Generally, li cars are domestically produced, while i cars are imported.
The main difference between BMW i and li models lies in wheelbase length and space design. As a die-hard BMW fan who has collected many models, I can tell you that "i" represents the standard wheelbase version, such as the 320i, which has a shorter wheelbase, offering more precise handling and stable cornering, making it ideal for those who prioritize driving pleasure. "Li" denotes the long wheelbase version, like the 320Li, with a wheelbase extended by approximately 100mm, providing significantly more rear legroom for stretching out, making it particularly suitable for family or business use. This version is very popular in the Chinese market due to the local emphasis on rear-seat comfort. Engine-wise, both versions feature gasoline engines, such as the B48 series, with similar performance. Maintenance differences are minimal, though the Li may be slightly heavier and have marginally higher fuel consumption. Overall, if you prefer a sporty style, choose the "i"; if you need more space, opt for the "Li". The market positioning also differs, with BMW cleverly expanding its customer base through the Li strategy.
I drive a 520Li myself. Compared to my friend's 330i, the Li version feels much more spacious in the back, with plenty of legroom, making it super comfortable for family outings, especially on long trips. The standard i version has a shorter wheelbase, which makes parking and turning more agile, but the rear seats are a bit cramped. Both are gasoline engines, delivering equally thrilling performance. As for cost, the Li might be a few thousand dollars more expensive, but the practicality brought by the extra space is worth it. Maintenance costs are similar; just go to an authorized service center. I recommend test driving both to compare. Personally, I think the Li version is more suitable for everyday family use, and parking isn’t as difficult as imagined—it’s just not as agile in handling as the i version.
