VehiclesSeptember 29, 2026

The electric BMW i3 boasts a range of 900 kilometers.

With the new BMW i3, today sees the debut of the first all-electric BMW 3 Series. For this Munich-based manufacturer, this mid-size model is essential — especially because it transitions the traditional 3 Series into the electric era. It also represents BMW’s strategy for scaling up its new vehicle class: following the E-SUV iX3, the electric i3 is the second model from BMW’s entirely new platform generation featuring an 800-volt architecture. The four-door vehicle is produced at BMW’s main plant in Munich, where mass production began as early as August.

The current presentation is somewhat outdated anyway: BMW moved up the start date for i3 orders earlier this spring. Since June, a “First Edition” of this electric midsize sedan has been available for ordering at 75,340 euros. BMW has also already set the price for the customizable i3 50 xDrive at 65,900 euros. We’ve known what the BMW 3 Series looks like since a design reveal in March. With mass production beginning just under two months ago, it’s high time for BMW to release its specifications as well.

The electric BMW i3 will initially be available only with all-wheel drive

And this is what has happened now: Initially, the i3 will be available to dealers in two electric versions — the i3 40 xDrive and i3 50 xDrive — alongside new mild-hybrid combustion engine versions of the 3 Series, and a plug-in hybrid starting in 2027. But that’s just a side note, as this piece focuses solely on the pure electric models, as is usual with electrive. It’s clear that the “xDrive” in the electric model names refers to BMW’s all-wheel drive system. The company accordingly does not announce a single-motor electric version. Since the technically related iX3 offers an RWD version, it’s at least likely that a similar model variant will eventually be available for the i3 as well.

BMW lists the electric midsize sedan’s dimensions as 4.76 meters long, 1.87 meters wide, and 1.48 meters high, with a wheelbase of 2.90 meters. The powertrain features BMW’s sixth-generation system using the well-known induction synchronous motor (with a peak output of 240 kW) at the rear axle, and in the case of all-wheel drive, an additional asynchronous motor (123 kW) at the front axle. This setup combines with 800-volt technology and an NMC battery now composed of cylindrical cells.

Image: BMW

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The new BMW i3 50 xDrive comes equipped with this tech package, delivering a system power of 345 kW and a maximum torque of 645 Nm. The battery is a 108.7-kWh high-voltage storage unit (net). Overall, this five-seater accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds — slightly faster than the similarly powered iX3 — largely due to its aerodynamic design. BMW claims an impressive WLTP range of 912 kilometers, which is over 100 kilometers more than the iX3. Once again, the sedan’s low air resistance likely plays a significant role here. With such a range, the i3 also outperforms its competitors.

It takes 21 minutes to charge from 10% to 80%.

In terms of charging performance, both debut models in the new class are once again comparable: the DC charging capacity reaches up to 400 kW, with a charging time of 21 minutes to go from 10% to 80%. For AC charging, options of 11 kW and 22 kW are available. The charging time to 100% is estimated at 11 hours or 5:30 hours respectively. Additionally, this electric sedan 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 65,900 euros, BMW also offers a less expensive AWD version at launch that is 6,000 euros cheaper: the i3 40 xDrive features a smaller battery and a weaker engine, but it is listed for less than 60,000 euros. Specifically, the i3 40 xDrive has a 195-kW motor at the rear axle combined with the asynchronous motor from the front used in the i3 50 (123 kW), resulting in a system output of 275 kW. The battery used is the same 82.8 kWh net capacity battery introduced in the single-motor iX3, which is said to provide a range of up to 710 kilometers in the i3.

In terms of charging capabilities, the i3 40 xDrive offers a slightly lower DC charging power of 300 kW, but thanks to its smaller battery, it charges just as quickly as the 50 model—also reaching 80 percent in 21 minutes from 10 percent. For AC charging, 11 kW is the standard capacity with 22 kW available as an option. This should allow the battery to be fully charged in 8:15 hours or 4:15 hours respectively. According to BMW, this i3 version is also fully Bidi-compatible. The table below provides an overview of the key technical specifications:

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

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

| Drive type | 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 speed | 300 kW | 400 kW |

| DC charging time | 21 min | 21 min |

| Price | starting at 59,900 euros | starting at 65,900 euros |

In addition to these two versions, BMW is already announcing a third variant at this debut — one that’s quite unexpected: the electric i3 is set to launch in 2027 as a “highly powerful” M version, named the BMW i3 M60 xDrive. The manufacturer describes this new top model of the series as “an exceptionally dynamic variant in the portfolio of the new BMW i3.” At the other end of the spectrum, entry-level versions are likely to follow as well, but there are still no definite indications regarding potential single-motor variants, as mentioned earlier.

Visually, it’s dominated by the four-eye design

The common feature of all three versions across different powertrains is BMW’s aim to position the model as a mid-range all-rounder with athletic performance, precise handling, and comfort suitable for long distances. The electric variants are designed to exhibit an especially “agile and confident driving experience” thanks to a new drive control unit called the “Heart of Joy.” According to the company, this control unit operates ten times faster than previous systems, setting “new standards for driving dynamics.”

With its already revealed design, the i3 remains very close to the “Vision Neue Klasse” concept car, as reported, in many of its key design elements — a concept introduced at the IAA in 2023. Examples include the headlights, which form an optical unit with BMW’s kidney grille. BMW refers to this design approach as the “four-eyes face” and describes it as a reinterpretation that is innovative yet familiar. The design of the horizontally positioned taillights at the rear is also inspired by this concept car: the lights extend almost all the way to the central BMW logo.

Brand hallmark: Strong presence on the road

Typically i3, the model features a long wheelbase, short overhangs, and well-defined fenders. However, the door handles are now integrated flush with the surface, and the wheel options for the electric versions range from 19 to 21 inches. Customers can optionally add the M Sport package and the M Sport package Pro for a more sporty appearance. Regarding exterior colors, BMW is introducing a new blue-metallic shade to its lineup — and throughout 2027, numerous custom paint options will be added alongside the standard color choices.

Inside, there are few surprises following the world premiere of the BMW iX3. Typical of this new class is a simplified design language, though the steering wheel is quite striking, along with a central touchscreen featuring sloped sides and the BMW Panoramic iDrive, which is the continuous display strip at the bottom of the windshield. The operation logic relies on touch surfaces, tactile control elements, and voice-based interaction. The latter is set to become more “dialog-oriented” in the future through the integration of Amazon’s Alexa+ AI technology.

Image: BMW

Notably, there is also a large panoramic roof with climate-controlled glass, which BMW claims, when combined with the window areas, creates an “especially airy and well-lit atmosphere.” The seats installed as standard already come with electric adjustment options, including a memory function and Travel & Comfort System, according to BMW. Optionally, multifunctional seats and M Sports seats are available. The rear seats can also be heated as an option. The manufacturer states that the trunk volume is 420 liters, with an additional 31-liter frunk area under the hood. The maximum towing capacity (12%) is 1.8 tons when braking, or 750 kg without braking, while the allowable roof load is 75 kg.

Unrestricted highway driving up to 130 km/h

Regarding driving assistants, BMW claims to be integrating more advanced technologies and artificial intelligence into its vehicles. Specifically, this includes SAE Level-2 driver assistance systems such as the BMW Symbiotic Drive highway assistant, which allows hands-free driving up to 130 km/h in many countries. New functions for partially automated driving in urban areas are also set to be introduced next year.

The i3 is manufactured at the main plant in Munich as a symbol of hope: reportedly, in just over a year, only fully electric vehicles from the new class will roll off the assembly line there. As a result, internal combustion engine production at this site will cease. Currently, in the state capital, in addition to the electric i3 and i4, conventional-powered models from the 3 Series and 4 Series are also produced, including the 3 Series Touring, 4 Series Gran Coupé, and M3. With this corporate policy, Munich will become the group’s second purely electric vehicle factory after the entirely new plant in Debrecen, Hungary, where the BMW iX3 is manufactured. More models from the new class are set to follow soon—to “ensure the long-term viability of the Munich plant for decades to come,” according to BMW.