Head to head
Bentley S3 vs BMW i3
The Bentley S3 is a v8 luxury saloon built between 1962 and 1965. The BMW i3 is a compact electric hatchback (2013-2022).
Last reviewed 13 September 2026
Specifications side by side
| Bentley S3 | BMW i3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 215hp at 4,000rpm | 125kW/135kW electric motor |
| Top speed | 115mph | 93mph (150km/h), electronically limited |
| Engine | 6,230cc V8, pushrod overhead valves | - |
| Years produced | 1962-1965 | - |
| Body styles | 4-door saloon, 2-door coupe, 2-door drophead coupe | - |
| Battery | - | 42.2kWh (120Ah, later cars) |
| Range | - | up to 192 miles (309km) BEV (WLTP) |
| Kerb weight | - | from 1345kg |
Sources: Bentley S3, BMW i3. Figures vary by model year and options, so check with the supplier before you commit.
Buy or hire the S3 if...
The last of Bentley's separate-chassis S-series saloons, and the first Bentley with a V8 engine. Wedding and chauffeur hire firms use it for its formal, old-money look rather than performance.
Listed by
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 S3 and the BMW i3?
The Bentley S3 is a v8 luxury saloon built between 1962 and 1965; the BMW i3 is a compact electric hatchback (2013-2022).
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