The BMW i3 nameplate has gone through quite a bit, hasn’t it? First, it was a 5-door supermini for nearly a decade, and then it was introduced as an electric version of the 3 Series for the Chinese market. Now, though, it has returned as a second Neue Klasse model, following the iX3 we saw last September. Production will commence in Munich in August 2026, followed by European sales in late September.
The i3 Sedan we’re seeing here is essentially the production version of the Vision Neue Klasse concept we saw in September 2023. Personally, I think it looks fairly clean and minimalistic, but for some, this so-called 2.5-box design may take a li’l longer to grow. The front fascia merges the kidney grille and headlights into a single unit, which I think can be a very polarising design decision for many. But either way, that’s the direction the new 3 Series is heading.
The example shown in the photos here is the i3 50 xDrive, which, as the name suggests, is a dual-motor AWD variant. Powered by the so-called Gen6 eDrive technology, i3 50 xDrive offers combined figures of up to 345 kW (469 metric hp) and 645 Nm (476 lb-ft). A 108.7 kWh battery pack is claimed to offer a WLTP range of up to 900 km (559 mi) on a single charge, but remember, this is a preliminary figure and not based on official WLTP data. But thanks to 800-volt architecture, the battery pack can be DC fast-charged with up to 400 kW. A 10-min fast charging is claimed to deliver a range of up to 400 km (248 mi).
Bi-directional charging, also known as V2L, is also possible. Which means your i3 can double as a giant power bank.
Inside, the narrow band of full-width display you see on the dashboard is the so-called BMW Panoramic Vision, which combines the gauge cluster as well. A 3D Head-Up Display is optionally available, which, of course, is an unnecessary option given the position of that Panoramic Vision. The options list also includes adaptive suspension, which adjusts itself to your individual driving style and road conditions.
There’s some interesting ambient lighting going on, to I guess compensate for a boring, soundless driving experience. But anyway, BMW is targeting to switch its entire portfolio to Neue Klasse BEVs in the coming years.
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