BMW has developed the first all-electric 3 series vehicle. However, the series will only be available in China.
The BMW i3 eDrive35L model uses the BMW 5th generation eDrive powertrain which is also found in the BMW iX3, BMW i4 and BMW iX.
The four-door sedan will also be the first 3 Series car with the OS8 operating system and its features, including a Digital Key, which turns the owner’s smartphone into a key for their vehicle.
BMW also shared some important data about Electric Vehicles (EVs), including a maximum power of 281 horsepower and a maximum torque of 295 pound-feet.
The design allows the car to go from zero to 62 mph in just 6.2 seconds and the battery can reach an 80 percent charge within 35 minutes of being plugged in.
When the battery is fully charged, it can reach an approximate range of 327 miles, which is longer than the standard BMW i4 range.
This latest series will only be issued for the Chinese market which is planned for May 2022.
The automaker says the 3 Series leads the premium-compact segment in China in 2021, so releasing an electric version in China makes sense for the company.
BMW is even refining and adapting the EV suspension system for Chinese road conditions and will assemble the vehicle at the plant located in Lydia, Shenyang.
The i3 eDrive35L EV is BMW’s sixth all-electric model. Similar to rival automakers aiming to make a complete shift towards electric vehicles over the next 10 to 20 years.
