BMW i3, the electric version of the 3 Series
The Bavarian brand presents the new i3, an aspirational sedan with 469 hp and a range of 900 kilometers.
The BMW 3 Series has historically been the backbone of the Munich-based brand. However, the passage of time and electrification have led BMW to take the step of establishing a parallel commercial offering to its flagship vehicle in a 100% electric version, called the i3.
One of the most striking features of this new i3 is its aesthetics. The new i3 is the brand's second model to employ the new Neue Klasse design language, a style that retains some iconic elements such as the twin front grilles, a stylized lighting signature, and pronounced character lines, very similar to those of the classic BMW 3 Series. The result is a 4.76-meter-long, three-box sedan that is both elegant and sporty, keeping the legacy of the Bavarian brand's sedans alive.
The interior of the new i3 stands out for its technological and functional approach, highlighted by a large 17.9-inch touchscreen and a superb multifunction steering wheel with Shy Tech controls. Its buttons illuminate to indicate the various available functions, and the steering wheel boasts a rational and ergonomic design. The other major technological advantage of this i3 is its... head-up display optional feature that projects the required information directly onto the windshield.
The new i3 will coexist with the 3 Series models with combustion engines or plug-in hybrid (PHEV) technology and, therefore, will not bear the heavy burden of upholding the brand's legacy. This is a smart strategy, adapted to the demands and preferences of European buyers, who are not yet fully committed to electric cars, especially in the sports sedan segment.
A powerful engine with great autonomy
The first i3 model that BMW will market will be the 50 xDrive version, with two motors (one on each axle) that add up to a total combined power of 469 hp and 645 Nm of torque, compatible with an 800-volt charging power, a charging speed 30% faster than the 0m2 WTLP version.
The other major innovation of this i3 is the so-called Heart of Joy, a computer system up to ten times faster than previous systems, which allows combining various vehicle elements such as driving mode, traction system, braking feel or the vehicle's power delivery system to offer an enhanced driving experience with dynamic criteria.
The new i3 is determined not to compromise on the dynamic qualities that have always defined BMW's sports sedans. It utilizes an adaptive M suspension system specifically designed for electric models, and boasts a lower center of gravity than usual thanks to the lithium-ion batteries being mounted directly above the chassis. If all this weren't enough, BMW has developed a five-link rear suspension architecture, designed to deliver that exciting, fun, and sporty edge that characterizes BMW vehicles.
The new BMW i3 will arrive on the market in late 2026 or during the first quarter of 2027 at a price yet to be confirmed, but which will certainly be around €50,000 for the entry-level versions. The Bavarian automaker has also not confirmed whether there will be more powerful versions with larger batteries (and therefore greater range) of this electric sedan.