BMW has opened order books for the First Edition of its upcoming all-electric i3 sedan ahead of the model’s official market launch later this year, while also confirming a driving range of more than 900 kilometres under the WLTP testing standard.
The BMW i3 50 xDrive First Edition is now available to order in the UK starting at £57,905. The automaker also disclosed pricing for the standard i3 50 xDrive, which will enter the market at £53,005.
The move follows reports earlier this week that BMW planned to accelerate the order launch in response to strong customer interest in the vehicle.
BMW Sees Strong Early Demand
Jochen Goller, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Sales, said the new model represents a key addition to the company’s electric vehicle portfolio.
“The new BMW i3 is a groundbreaking car for us. As a fully electric model, it will be competing in a high-volume segment and is therefore extremely significant for the BMW Group. At the same time, we can already tell from the high level of interest in this model that it will be very well received by our customers,” Goller said.
“The start of orders on 18 June in First Edition form – ahead of the official market launch – is an important next step here.”
BMW is expected to begin accepting orders for the regular production variants when the vehicle officially launches in autumn 2026.
Second Neue Klasse Model
The new i3 is the second production vehicle built on BMW’s Neue Klasse electric vehicle platform, following the introduction of the iX3.
Unveiled in March, the mid-size electric sedan forms part of BMW’s next-generation EV lineup and is based on the company’s dedicated electric vehicle architecture.
The i3 50 xDrive is powered by a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system producing 345 kW and 645 Nm of torque. BMW says the vehicle can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds.
Range Exceeds 900 Kilometres
BMW has now provided detailed range figures for the model equipped with its 108 kWh battery pack.
According to the company, the i3 50 xDrive First Edition delivers a WLTP driving range of up to 906 kilometres, while the slightly lighter standard version can travel up to 912 kilometres on a single charge.
The figures place the model among the longest-range electric passenger vehicles currently announced by major global automakers.
800-Volt Platform Enables Fast Charging
The i3 utilizes an 800-volt electrical architecture and supports DC fast charging at rates of up to 400 kW.
BMW says the battery can be recharged from 10% to 80% in approximately 21 minutes under optimal conditions.
“800V technology significantly reduces charging times, enabling up to 263 miles of range to be added in just 10 minutes when connected to a 400 kW DC rapid charger,” the company said.
The vehicle also supports bidirectional charging functionality, allowing energy to flow both to and from the battery.
First Edition Adds Premium Features
BMW said the First Edition shares the same powertrain and performance specifications as the standard i3 50 xDrive but includes a broader range of standard equipment.
Additional features include the M Sport Package, BMW Iconic Glow illuminated kidney grille, and a 3D Head-Up Display.
The package also adds aerodynamic styling elements, blue M Sport brake components, M-branded exterior mirror projection, and exclusive interior upholstery.
Other standard features include electrically adjustable multifunction front seats, three-zone climate control, automatic tailgate operation, solar-control glazing, a heated steering wheel, a Harman Kardon audio system, and upgraded 22 kW AC charging capability.
Production Begins in August
Customers will be able to choose from six exterior colours, including the M Le Castellet Blue metallic finish available exclusively on the First Edition.
Interior options include Contemporary and BMW M design themes, while wheel options range from aerodynamic 19-inch and 20-inch designs to alloy wheel variants.
Production of the new i3 is scheduled to begin in August at BMW’s Munich plant. Deliveries are expected to start later in the summer, ahead of the broader market rollout in autumn.
