BMW has slashed the pricing of its i3 electric car to ensure customers can still take advantage of the Government’s plug-in grant.

The base i3 now has an on-the-road price of £33,805 (before grant), a reduction of £5,880.

Sportier i3s models have been cut even further, with prices starting at £34,805 before incentives – a saving of almost £7,500.

BMW says there are no changes to the car’s specification levels. All models come with heated seats, parking sensors, LED lights and sat-nav as standard.

Earlier this month, the Government has cut the electric car grant from £3,000 to £2,500 and excluded models that cost more than £35,000. With its new pricing, the i3 is still eligible for the grant.

Using a 42.2kWh battery, the 170PS i3 offers a range of up to 190 miles. The 184PS i3s has a range of up to 173 miles.

Since launching in 2013, more than 22,000 i3 models are now on British roads.