Autumn delivery for new BMW i3
Published on 01st October 2026 at 10:36
The new BMW i3 brings fully electric drive to the BMW 3 Series for the first time,
this aspirational model now or more than 50 years enchanting drivers, evident by
more than 18 million examples being sold worldwide since 1975.
Now in its eighth generation, this latest 3-Series brings design and technologies of
the Neue Klasse to the core of BMW, my recent time in the new iX3 most definitely
proving that Neue Klasse is more that just fancy marketing speak.
First Irish deliveries of the BMW i3 will commence in autumn 2026, with the BMW
i3 40 xDrive priced from €60,285 OTR. Petrol-powered models will arrive in
January 2027, with BMW 320 pricing starting from €71,935 OTR.
Initially, customers will be able to choose between the BMW i3 40 xDrive and BMW
i3 50 xDrive, offering up to 912 km 1 (WLTP) of single-charge range. An all-electric M
Performance model, the BMW i3 M60 xDrive will join the lineup in 2027. Two
petrol-powered variants will also be available from launch: the BMW 320 and the
flagship, six-cylinder BMW M350 xDrive.
Model Max
Power Torque
Electric
range of
up to*
(km
WLTP)
CO 2
Emissions *
(WLTP)
(g/km)
Fuel
Consumption
Combined*
(WLTP)
(mpg)
Electric Power
Consumption
Combined * (WLTP)
kWh/100 km
Retail
Price
(OTR)
from
BMW
i3 40
xDrive
374 Bhp 520 Nm 710
0 N/A 17.9–14.3 €60,285
BMW
i3 50
xDrive
469 Bhp 645 Nm 912
0 N/A 18.0–13.4 €67,215
BMW
320 211 Bhp 330 Nm N/A 169 37.7 N/A €71,935
BMW
M350
xDrive
443 Bhp 580 Nm N/A
187 34.5 N/A €111,585
*All figures relating to output, charging capacity, performance, energy consumption
and range are provisional.
**Electronically limited.
Exterior design.
BMW kidney and twin headlights give the front a familiar face, integrated within a
single horizontal design element. When BMW Iconic Glow is specified, it is
illuminated and can be configured with three customisable light animations. The
contemporary daytime running lights are vertically arranged, while the shark-
nose front profile highlights the model’s character.
At the side are flush-fitting door handles that extend automatically when the vehicle
is unlocked, while a low character line brings the 3 Series visually lower to the
ground. At the rear, three-dimensional lights reinterpret the familiar BMW L-shape
and extend into the shoulder area, emphasising the saloon’s broad stance.
BMW M Performance vehicles are visually differentiated with unique design
features, including M Yellow Lights 3 – inspired by the brand’s racing heritage – and a
boot lip spoiler. In traditional BMW M fashion, the BMW M350 xDrive boasts a
quartet of tailpipes at the rear.
Colours
BMW 3 Series customers can choose from up to 11 exterior paint colours at launch,
including the new M Le Castellet Blue, while full personalisation through the BMW
Individual paint catalogue will be possible from 2027.
Wheels
A wide variety of alloy wheels are available, including aerodynamically optimised
designs. The BMW i3 is fitted with 19-inch wheels as standard, with sizes up to 21
inches available. The BMW 320 and BMW M350 xDrive receive standard-fit 18- and
19-inch designs respectively. 20-inch alloys are optionally available for both models.
Inside Story.
A new interior design merges clear, reduced surfaces with the traditional driver-
focused cockpit of the BMW 3 Series. Lines flowing forwards from the doors into the
instrument panel create an enveloping effect, while large windows and a panoramic
glass roof result in a light and spacious cabin.
Supportive, electrically operated seats with memory function feature as standard,
while multifunction seats offering further adjustment are available optionally.
Cabin Storage & Boot Space
Petrol-powered models provide a boot capacity of 450 litres, while the fully electric
BMW i3 offers 420 litres of space. The BMW i3 also receives an additional 31 litres of
storage space under the bonnet bringing the overall capacity to 451 litres. Split-
folding rear seats bring additional practicality and can be folded in 40:20:40 ratio.
iDrive
The new BMW 3 Series comes equipped with the latest operating concept, BMW
Panoramic iDrive, powered by BMW Operating System X. It encompasses the BMW
Panoramic Vision display, optional BMW 3D Head-Up Display, 17.9-inch Central
Display and the redesigned multifunction steering wheel. All components work
seamlessly together to help the driver to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on
the road. Intelligent voice control is provided by the self-learning BMW Intelligent
Personal Assistant, enhanced by Amazon’s Alexa+ AI technology for natural
communication.
Fully electric BMW i3 range and fast charging.
The BMW i3 features sixth-generation (Gen6) BMW eDrive technology, combining
energy-dense high-voltage batteries with cylindrical cells, highly efficient electric
motors, 800-volt technology and bidirectional charging.
The battery cells are integrated directly into the high-voltage battery using a ‘cell-to-
pack’ design. A ‘pack-to-open-body’ construction allows the battery to serve as a
structural component, significantly reducing weight while increasing the body’s
torsional rigidity for improved driving dynamics.
The BMW i3 50 xDrive produces 469 hp and 645 Nm of torque, accelerating from
zero to 100 kph in 4.7 seconds. Its 108.7 kWh high-voltage battery provides a range
of up to 912 km 1 (WLTP). At a suitable 800-volt DC rapid charging station, it can
charge at up to 400 kW and add up to 424 km 2 of range in ten minutes.
The BMW i3 40 xDrive develops 374 hp and 520 Nm of torque, completing the zero
to 100 kph sprint in 5.4 seconds. Its 82.8 kWh battery delivers up to 710 km 1 (WLTP)
of range, while a maximum DC charging rate of 300 kW can add up to 336 km 2 in ten
minutes. AC charging at 11 kW is standard for both models, with 22 kW available
optionally.
Rear & All-Wheel Drive
An electrically excited synchronous motor at the rear axle provides the primary
source of drive, supported by a compact asynchronous motor at the front when all-
wheel drive is required.
Heart of Joy.
The BMW i3 uses four high-performance computers to manage driving dynamics,
automated driving and parking, infotainment and comfort functions.
The Heart of Joy controls the electric drive system, braking, energy recuperation and
steering sub-functions. Together with the BMW Dynamic Performance Control
software stack, it processes driving-related information up to ten times faster
than previous systems.
This integrated operation enables precise control of acceleration, deceleration and
steering. The Soft Stop function uses this capability to bring the vehicle smoothly and
quietly to a standstill. The forthcoming BMW i3 M60 xDrive will offer enhanced
control via steering-wheel shift paddles that enable the driver to adjust the response
of the M eDrive system to suit the driving situation at hand.
Petrol-powered engines.
The petrol-powered BMW 3 Series range will launch in Ireland with two derivatives,
both featuring the latest generation of BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and 48-
volt mild hybrid assistance. The rear-wheel-drive BMW 320 combines a 2.0-litre
four-cylinder unit with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission, producing 211 hp and
330 Nm of torque.
Meanwhile, the flagship BMW M350 xDrive pairs a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder
engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system featuring a crankshaft-driven starter
generator. Together, they produce 443 hp, an increase of 69 hp over its predecessor,
and 580 Nm of torque.
Revised front and rear axle settings sharpen handling and steering feel, while stiffer
chassis and anti-roll bar mounts improve body control and stability. The
combustion-powered models also retain near-perfect weight distribution, a
longstanding ingredient of the 3 Series’ dynamic character. Newly developed lift-
related dampers are fitted as standard, with adaptive suspension available optionally.
New Drift Moment feature for BMW M350 xDrive.
The new Drift Moment brings an additional dimension to the BMW M350 xDrive’s
dynamic character. Activated via the Central Display, this function sends power
exclusively to the rear wheels, allowing the driver to enjoy controlled oversteer
through corners – an experience previously reserved for high-performance BMW M
models. Drift Moment will become available during 2027 and can also be activated
via Software Update on cars already delivered.
Personalisation and standard equipment.
Customers in Ireland can also select from M Sport and M Sport Pro trim levels,
enabling a broad spectrum of personalisation.
The BMW i3 is equipped as standard with;
19-inch alloy wheels
Driving Assistant Plus including automatic cruise control
Heated and electrically adjustable front seats
Comfort Access
BMW Digital Premium
Rear-view camera
Econeer upholstery
Wireless smartphone charging
Under-bonnet storage
M Sport models build on this specification with 19-inch M light-alloy wheels, M
Sport brakes with blue callipers, M exterior styling, a sport steering wheel, interior
ambient lighting, M interior details and Veganza/M PerformTex upholstery. M Sport
Pro adds electrically adjustable M Sport seats, red M Sport brakes, an M-specific
steering wheel, M seat belts, black exterior mirror caps, BMW Iconic Glow and sun
protection glass.
Standard equipment for the BMW 320 includes;
18-inch alloy wheels
Panoramic glass sunroof
Heated and electrically adjustable front seats
Driving Assistant Plus
Comfort Access
BMW Digital Premium
Rear-view camera
Econeer upholstery.
M Sport models gain;
Blue M Sport brakes
M exterior styling
Sports steering wheel
Ambient lighting
M interior trim and Veganza/M PerformTex upholstery
M Sport Pro models additionally feature;
BMW Iconic Glow
Sun protection glass
Electrically adjustable
M Sport seats
Red M Sport brakes
M steering wheel
M seat belts
Black exterior mirror caps
Adaptive LED headlights.
In addition to the features offered with M Sport Pro, BMW M350 xDrive customers
receive a Harman Kardon surround sound system, adaptive M suspension and three-
zone automatic climate control.
BMW Symbiotic Drive and driver assistance technology.
A standard feature across the 3 Series range, Driving Assistant Plus controls the
speed and distance to the vehicle ahead with lane keeping assistance. BMW
Symbiotic Drive enables the driver to accelerate, steer or brake
without immediately deactivating the assistance system.
Active safety functions are designed to intervene only where the system detects an
unintended manoeuvre or risk of collision. The optional Motorway Assistant
supports hands-free SAE Level 2 driving on compatible motorways up to the national
speed limit, while requiring continuous driver attention.
Production at the historic home of the BMW 3 Series.
The first BMW 3 Series was produced at BMW Group Plant Munich in 1975. The
plant now becomes the home of the first fully electric BMW 3 Series, with production
of the new BMW i3 having commenced in August 2026. The BMW 320 and BMW
M350 xDrive will begin production at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing from November
2026, returning the 3 Series to the plant where the model was first produced in 1980.
The electric motors for the BMW i3 and highly efficient petrol engines for the
combustion-powered range are manufactured at BMW Group Plant Steyr in Austria.
Gen6 high-voltage batteries will be supplied by the newly opened BMW Group
Plant Irlbach-Straßkirchen in Bavaria.
1. The Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure is for comparison purposes. Actual electric range will vary according to vehicle
specification and equipment, battery state of charge and condition, driving style, route, use of in-car systems and ambient conditions.
2. The range added after ten minutes of high-power charging was determined in accordance with ISO 12906 using the WLTP cycle and assumes
charging infrastructure capable of delivering the vehicle’s maximum DC charging power. Actual charging performance and range added depend on
vehicle specification, battery charge level, battery condition and temperature, driving profile, auxiliary consumers, ambient temperature, charging
settings and the power supplied by the charging point.
3. M Yellow Lights: only activated at night with low-beam headlights.
