TechnologySeptember 29, 2026

Electric BMW i3 shines with 900 km range

Today marks the premiere of the new BMW i3, the first all-electric BMW 3 Series. For the Munich-based manufacturer, this mid-size model is essential – primarily because it ushers the traditional 3 Series into the electric era. It is also pivotal for BMW, as the electric saloon represents the scaling of the Neue Klasse: following the iX3 electric SUV, the electric i3 is the second representative of BMW’s completely new platform generation, including 800-volt architecture. The four-door model rolls off the production line at the main plant in Munich, where series production began in August.

In any case, today’s presentation is somewhat behind schedule: BMW had already moved the order start for the i3 forward in early summer. Since June, a “First Edition” of the electric mid-size saloon has been available to order – starting from €75,340. BMW has also already released the price for the individually configurable i3 50 xDrive (from €65,900). We have known what the BMW 3 Series looks like since a design preview in March. Combined with the start of series production nearly two months ago, it is high time for BMW to publish the technical specifications.

Electric BMW i3 only available with all-wheel drive – for now

So, here they are. Initially, the i3 will reach dealerships in two all-electric variants: the i3 40 xDrive and i3 50 xDrive. These will be joined by new mild-hybrid combustion variants of the 3 Series and, from 2027, a plug-in hybrid. But that is beside the point; our focus is solely on the pure electric models. It is clear that the ‘xDrive’ in the electric model names stands for BMW’s all-wheel-drive system. The company has not announced a single-motor electric variant. However, since the technically related iX3 offers a rear-wheel-drive variant, a similar single-motor version for the i3 is at least likely.

BMW specifies the dimensions of the electric mid-size saloon as 4.76 x 1.87 x 1.48 metres, with a wheelbase of 2.90 metres. The drivetrain features BMW’s sixth-generation technology, including the familiar current-excited synchronous motor (240 kW peak power) at the rear axle and, in the case of the all-wheel-drive system, an additional asynchronous motor (123 kW) at the front axle. This is combined with 800-volt technology and an NMC battery now composed of round cells.

Image: BMW

1/10
2/10
3/10
4/10
5/10
6/10
7/10
8/10
9/10
10/10

The new BMW i3 50 xDrive uses this modular technology to achieve a system output of 345 kW and a maximum torque of 645 Nm. The battery is a 108.7 kWh high-voltage unit (net). Overall, the five-seater accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds – slightly faster than the identically powered iX3, largely due to aerodynamics. BMW states an impressive WLTP range of 912 km, which is over 100 km more than the iX3. Here, too, the saloon’s favourable air resistance likely plays a significant role. With this range, the i3 leaves the competition behind.

Charging from 10 to 80 per cent in 21 minutes

When it comes to charging performance, both debut models of the Neue Klasse are on par: DC charging power is up to 400 kW, and the charging time is specified as 21 minutes for the 10 to 80 per cent range. For AC charging, 11 kW and 22 kW options are available. Here, the charging time to 100 per cent is estimated at 11 hours or 5:30 hours, respectively. Additionally, the electric saloon supports the full range of bidirectional charging (V2L at 3.7 kW, as well as V2H and V2G at 11 kW).

While the i3 50 xDrive will cost from €65,900, BMW is also launching a more affordable AWD variant at the same time: the i3 40 xDrive features a smaller battery and less powerful motors, but it is already listed at under €60,000. Specifically, the i3 40 xDrive has a 195 kW unit at the rear axle combined with the same asynchronous motor at the front (123 kW) as in the i3 50, resulting in a system output of 275 kW. The battery is the same 82.8 kWh (net) unit already introduced in the single-motor iX3, which in the i3 delivers a range of up to 710 kilometres.

In terms of charging capabilities, the i3 40 xDrive has a slightly lower DC charging power of 300 kW but, thanks to the smaller battery, charges just as quickly as the 50 – namely, 21 minutes from 10 to 80 per cent. Where AC charging is concerned, 11 kW is standard and 22 kW is optional. This should fully charge the battery in 8:15 hours or 4:15 hours, respectively. BMW also states that this i3 version is fully capable of bidirectional charging. The following table provides an overview of the key technical data:

| BMW i3 | i3 40 xDrive | i3 50 xDrive |

| --- | --- | --- |

| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |

| Power | 275 kW | 345 kW |

| Torque | 520 Nm | 645 Nm |

| Acceleration | 5.4 s | 4.7 s |

| Top speed | 200 km/h | 200 km/h |

| Net battery capacity | 82.8 kWh | 108.7 kWh |

| Range | 710 km | 912 km |

| DC charging power | 300 kW | 400 kW |

| DC charging time | 21 min | 21 min |

| Price | from €59,900 | from €65,900 |

In addition to these two versions, BMW is also announcing a third variant at today’s premiere – and it is somewhat unexpected: an “extremely high-performance” M version of the electric i3 is set to arrive in 2027, under the moniker BMW i3 M60 xDrive. The manufacturer describes this new top model in the series as “an outstandingly dynamic variant in the portfolio of the new BMW i3.” At the other end of the scale, entry-level versions are also likely to follow, but as mentioned, there are no concrete details yet on potential single-motor derivatives.

Four eyes dominate the design

Across all drivetrains, the 3 Series versions share BMW’s positioning of the model as a mid-size all-rounder with athletic performance, precise handling, and long-distance comfort. The electric variants are said to deliver particularly “light-footed and sovereign driving behaviour” thanks to a new central drive computer (called ‘Heart of Joy’). According to those responsible, this control unit operates ten times faster than previous systems, setting “new benchmarks in driving dynamics.”

In terms of the already revealed design, the i3 remains very close to the “Vision Neue Klasse” study, which was presented at the IAA in 2023. This includes the headlights, which form a visual unit with the BMW kidney grille. BMW refers to this design solution as the “four-eyed face” and a new interpretation that is innovative yet familiar. At the rear, the design of the horizontally mounted taillights is also inspired by the study: the lights extend almost to the central BMW logo.

Trademark: a wide stance on the road

Very typical of the i3, the model also features a long wheelbase, short overhangs, and shaped wheel arches. The door handles are now flush-integrated, and the wheel portfolio for the electric versions ranges from 19 to 21 inches. Optionally, customers can order the M Sport package and M Sport package Pro for an even sportier appearance. In terms of exterior colours, BMW is adding a new Blue Metallic shade to its range – and throughout 2027, numerous individual paint finishes will be available alongside the standard colour selection.

Inside, there are few surprises following the world premiere of the BMW iX3. Typical of the Neue Klasse is a minimal design language, a striking steering wheel, a central touchscreen with angled sides, and the BMW Panoramic iDrive – a continuous display band at the lower edge of the windscreen. The control logic is based on touch surfaces, haptic controls, and voice-based interaction. The latter is set to become more “dialogue-oriented” in future thanks to the integration of Amazon’s Alexa+ AI technology.

Image: BMW

Another standout feature is a large panoramic roof with climate comfort glass, which, according to BMW, combines with the window surfaces to create a “particularly airy and light-filled ambience.” The seats fitted as standard already offer electric adjustment options, including a memory function and Travel & Comfort System. On request, multifunction seats and M Sport seats are also available. The rear seats are optionally heated. The boot capacity is specified by the manufacturer as 420 litres, and there is also a 31-litre frunk under the front bonnet. The maximum towing capacity (12 per cent) is 1.8 tonnes (braked) or 750 kg (unbraked), with a permissible roof load of 75 kg.

Hands-free motorway driving up to 130 km/h

When it comes to driver assistance systems, BMW states that it has incorporated more advanced technologies and artificial intelligence into the vehicle. Specifically, these include SAE Level 2 driver assistance systems such as the BMW Symbiotic Drive motorway assistant, which allows hands-free driving up to 130 km/h in many countries. Next year, new functions for partially automated driving in urban areas are also set to follow.

The i3 is built at the main plant in Munich – and in just over a year, only all-electric vehicles of the Neue Klasse will roll off the production line there as previously reported. Combustion engine production at the site will thus be phased out. Currently, in addition to the electric i3 and i4, conventionally powered models of the 3 and 4 Series are also produced in the state capital, including the 3 Series Touring, the 4 Series Gran Coupé, and the M3. Through this corporate policy, Munich will become the second pure electric vehicle plant in the group after the completely new factory in Debrecen, Hungary, where the BMW iX3 is built. Further models of the Neue Klasse are expected to follow shortly—to “secure the future viability of the Munich main plant for the coming decades,” as BMW puts it.