The BMW i3 gets a new cheaper version, but still with excellent range.

Building on the launch of the new thermal Series 3, BMW has confirmed the introduction of new versions of the i3, its electric counterpart. This model is crucial for the Bavarian brand as it represents its first sedan based on the new Neue Klasse platform, which made its debut last year with the iX3, which has seen very high initial demand. Apparently, the same is true for its sibling sedan.

To date, the i3 lineup consisted of a single variant called the 50 xDrive. Its propulsion system features two electric motors capable of producing 469 horsepower (345 kW) of power, enough to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds. Its massive battery with a capacity of 108.7 kWh grants it an WLTP range of 912 km.

This makes it one of the electric cars with the longest range in the market, only behind the Lucid Air and Mercedes-Benz EQS, which are two categories above it. Regarding charging, BMW claims a peak of 400 kW in DC, with it taking approximately 21 minutes to go from 10% to 80% charge.

The i3 lineup has now been expanded with the new 40 xDrive variant. Although it still uses two electric motors, its power is lower, with the combined output being 374 hp (275 kW). The battery is much smaller: with a capacity of 82.8 kWh, its range remains very competitive at around 710 km WLTP.

The BMW i3 M60 xDrive will arrive in 2027

On the other hand, the company has confirmed that in 2027 a variant positioned one tier above the 50 xDrive will be added: the new M60 xDrive M Performance, which will focus more on performance. Additionally, BMW is finalizing the development of the electric M3, which will feature an advanced propulsion system with four motors (one per wheel).

"With the fully electric BMW i3, we bring together what must be combined: the Series 3 represents BMW better than almost any other model, and the Munich plant represents our brand better than almost any other factory," said Raymond Wittmann, BMW’s Board Member in charge of Production, recently.

The BMW i3 began production a few weeks ago at the company’s flagship plant in Munich, Germany, where over 9 million Series 3 models have been produced since 1975. The facility was recently renovated to accommodate the production of electric vehicles based on the Neue Klasse platform. In an area covering approximately one-third of the plant, a new body shop and a new assembly line have been built.

Source | BMW