Head to head
Bentley R Type vs BMW i3
The Bentley R Type is a 1950s luxury saloon, later basis of the r type continental. The BMW i3 is a compact electric hatchback (2013-2022).
Last reviewed 13 September 2026
Specifications side by side
| Bentley R Type | BMW i3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 130hp (est.) | 125kW/135kW electric motor |
| Top speed | 101.7mph (1953 test car) | 93mph (150km/h), electronically limited |
| Engine | 4.6 litre straight-6 | - |
| Production | 1952-1955, 2,323 built | - |
| Body | 4-door saloon or coachbuilt (H.J. Mulliner, Park Ward, Freestone & Webb) | - |
| Battery | - | 42.2kWh (120Ah, later cars) |
| Range | - | up to 192 miles (309km) BEV (WLTP) |
| Kerb weight | - | from 1345kg |
Sources: Bentley R Type, BMW i3. Figures vary by model year and options, so check with the supplier before you commit.
Buy or hire the R Type if...
A 1950s Bentley saloon kept today as a collector's classic rather than a daily driver. Coachbuilt examples with bodies by houses like H.J. Mulliner command the most interest and are typically kept in specialist covered storage.
Listed by
- Kent Vehicle Storage - Edenbridge
Buy or hire the i3 if...
BMW's first mass-production electric car, built on a bespoke carbon-fibre passenger cell. Specialist EV hire fleets still run i3s as a compact, characterful city car, distinct from the unrelated i3 saloon BMW launched under the same name in 2026.
Listed by
- Specialist Vehicle Hire - Portsmouth
Common questions
What is the difference between the Bentley R Type and the BMW i3?
The Bentley R Type is a 1950s luxury saloon, later basis of the R Type Continental; the BMW i3 is a compact electric hatchback (2013-2022).
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