BMW has unveiled the new electric i3, the first all-electric model in the 3 Series family, with two all-wheel-drive variants at launch and a maximum WLTP range of 912 kilometres. Based on the automaker’s Neue Klasse platform, the i3 shares its core technology with the iX3 electric SUV and is produced at BMW’s main plant in Munich.
Two Electric Variants at Launch
The BMW i3 will initially be offered as the i3 40 xDrive and i3 50 xDrive. BMW has priced the i3 40 xDrive from €59,900, while the i3 50 xDrive starts at €65,900.
BMW began accepting orders for a First Edition of the electric sedan earlier this year from €75,340. The company had also previously announced pricing for the configurable i3 50 xDrive.
The electric 3 Series measures 4.76 metres in length, 1.87 metres in width and 1.48 metres in height, with a wheelbase of 2.90 metres.
Both launch versions use BMW’s sixth-generation electric drive technology, including a current-excited synchronous motor at the rear axle and an asynchronous motor at the front axle for all-wheel drive. The vehicles also use an 800-volt electrical architecture and NMC battery technology based on cylindrical cells.
i3 50 xDrive Offers 912 km Range
The i3 50 xDrive combines a 240 kW rear motor with a 123 kW front motor for a system output of 345 kW and maximum torque of 645 Nm.
A 108.7 kWh net battery provides a WLTP range of up to 912 km. BMW says the sedan can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds.
The range exceeds that of the related iX3 by more than 100 km, with the sedan’s aerodynamic characteristics contributing to its lower energy consumption.
i3 40 xDrive Starts Below €60,000
The i3 40 xDrive uses a smaller battery and less powerful rear motor. Its rear motor produces 195 kW, while the front asynchronous motor delivers 123 kW, resulting in a system output of 275 kW.
The model uses an 82.8 kWh net battery and offers up to 710 km of WLTP range.
BMW rates the i3 40 xDrive at up to 300 kW of DC charging power, while the i3 50 xDrive can accept up to 400 kW. Both models can charge from 10% to 80% in 21 minutes.
AC charging is available at 11 kW as standard, with 22 kW offered as an option. The i3 40 xDrive requires about 8 hours and 15 minutes at 11 kW or 4 hours and 15 minutes at 22 kW for a full charge.
The i3 50 xDrive requires around 11 hours at 11 kW or 5 hours and 30 minutes at 22 kW.
Both models support bidirectional charging, including vehicle-to-load (V2L), vehicle-to-home (V2H) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) functions.
BMW Plans i3 M60 xDrive for 2027
BMW also confirmed plans for a high-performance i3 M60 xDrive, scheduled to arrive in 2027.
The company has not yet disclosed detailed technical specifications for the M version. BMW also has not announced a single-motor rear-wheel-drive i3, although the related iX3 is offered with rear-wheel drive.
The broader 3 Series range will also include new mild-hybrid combustion-engine variants, while a plug-in hybrid version is planned from 2027.
Neue Klasse Design and Interior
The i3 retains many design elements from BMW’s Vision Neue Klasse concept unveiled at the 2023 IAA. The front features headlights integrated visually with the kidney grille, while the rear uses horizontally positioned taillights extending toward the central BMW logo.
The electric sedan has flush-integrated door handles and wheel sizes ranging from 19 to 21 inches. M Sport and M Sport Pro packages are available, while BMW is also adding a new Blue Metallic exterior colour.
Inside, the i3 follows the Neue Klasse design introduced with the iX3. Features include a central touchscreen, the BMW Panoramic iDrive display extending across the lower portion of the windscreen, touch and haptic controls, and voice interaction.
BMW is also integrating Amazon’s Alexa+ AI technology to provide more dialogue-oriented voice interaction.
The cabin includes a panoramic roof with climate comfort glass, electrically adjustable front seats with memory functionality and an optional Travel & Comfort System. Multifunction and M Sport seats are also available.
The sedan provides 420 litres of boot space and an additional 31-litre front storage compartment. Maximum braked towing capacity is 1.8 tonnes, while unbraked towing capacity is 750 kg.
Hands-Free Driving Up to 130 km/h
The i3 includes BMW’s latest driver assistance technology, including the BMW Symbiotic Drive motorway assistant.
The SAE Level 2 system enables hands-free driving at speeds of up to 130 km/h in many countries. BMW plans to introduce additional partially automated driving functions for urban environments in 2027.
Munich Plant Moves Toward All-Electric Production
Series production of the i3 began at BMW’s main plant in Munich in August. The facility currently produces both electric and combustion-powered models, including the 3 Series Touring, 4 Series Gran Coupé and M3.
BMW plans to transition the Munich plant to production of all-electric Neue Klasse vehicles over the coming period, making it the second BMW Group facility dedicated exclusively to electric vehicle production after the company’s new plant in Debrecen, Hungary.
The i3 is the second production model based on the Neue Klasse platform after the iX3, with additional models planned as BMW expands the new architecture across its lineup.