BMW i3 with in excess of 900m range ready to order
Published on 19th June 2026 at 11:54
A car to aspire to, a car drivers love, BMW’s 3-Series has won the hearts of many
driveways. And now in full-electric mode, it is set to magnetise a whole new cohort of
adoring eyes, hands and bums on seats.
BMW’s second Neue Klasse model, their new all-electric, BMW i3, which was
unveiled in March, has already generated strong customer demand, is now available
to order, ahead of its autumn launch. The First Drive Edition of the new BMW i3 50
xDrive, (WLTP, combined [EnVKV]: energy consumption 16.1–13.5 kWh/100 km;
CO₂ emissions: 0 g/mile; CO₂ class A) and offers a range of 758 – 906 km).
Jochen Goller, Board of Management of BMW AG, Customer, Brands,
Sales, said:
“The new BMW i3 is a ground-breaking car for us. As a fully electric model, it will be
competing in a high-volume segment and is therefore extremely significant for the
BMW Group. At the same time, we can already tell from the high level of interest in
this model that it will be very well received by our customers. The start of orders on
18 June in First Edition form – ahead of the official market launch – is an important
next step here.”
Building on the BMW i3 50 xDrive’s comprehensive standard specification, the First
Edition adds further standard-fit equipment. Based on the M Sport model, it
includes;
M Sport exterior and interior design elements
BMW Iconic Glow
BMW 3D Head-Up Display
AC Charging Professional – increasing the AC charging rate from 11 kW to 22
kW.
The BMW i3 50 xDrive First Edition is available to order from BMW retailers now,
priced from €72,855 OTR.
At its official market launch in autumn 2026, the BMW i3 50 xDrive (WLTP,
combined [EnVKV]: energy consumption 16.1 – 13.4 kWh/100 km; CO₂ emissions:
0 g/mile; CO₂ class A) will be priced from €66,685 OTR, offering a single-charge
range of up to 912 km 1 (WLTP).
Mike Reichelt, Head of Neue Klasse BMW, commented: “The BMW 3 Series
has been an icon of our brand for seven generations and therefore more than five
decades. It encapsulates pure driving pleasure, innovation and timeless design. With
the Neue Klasse and its technology clusters, we are literally skipping a vehicle
generation. This is the DNA of our sporting saloon in a completely new vehicle
concept as we write the next chapter in the BMW 3 Series success story.
The BMW i3 exemplifies the new BMW design language:
With its 2.5-box design, the new BMW i3 offers a modern take on hallmark BMW
saloon proportions and is immediately recognisable as a BMW 3 Series. Its silhouette
is characterised by a long wheelbase, glasshouse set well back and short overhangs.
The BMW-typical four-eyed face receives a modern interpretation, while the Neue
Klasse design language guides a fresh front end. The BMW kidney grille and twin
headlights merge as an innovative light signature into a single stylistic piece. The
horizontal rear lights feature an L-shaped design in a new, abstract form which
extends far into the shoulder area. Prominently flared wheel arches amplify the
model’s broad, sporty stance.
Taking BMW’s hallmark driver focus to a new level.
Inside, the new BMW Panoramic iDrive with BMW Operating System X offers a
unique display and operating system optimised around the driver. At its heart is the
BMW Panoramic Vision, which projects content across the entire width of the lower
area of the windscreen. The multimodal operating logic of BMW Panoramic iDrive
combines touch, haptic and voice-based interactions. The BMW Intelligent Personal
Assistant plays a key role, enabling numerous vehicle functions, as well as navigation
and media content, to be controlled using natural language. The introduction of large
language model technology (LLM, Alexa+) results in a dialogue-based verbal
interaction, enabling intuitive and intelligent exchanges.
BMW i3 - Sixth-generation electric drive system.
The BMW i3 50 xDrive is powered by two electric motors, one on each axel, resulting
in a combined system output of 469 hp, a peak torque of 645 Nm. The First Edition
features identical motors and performance figures.
In the new BMW i3, their efficient sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology teams
with the Heart of Joy control computer and BMW Dynamic Performance Control
software stack to provide precise, effortless and assured driving characteristics. The
Heart of Joy responds ten times faster than previous systems and reduces the
number of control interventions necessary. Meanwhile, the Soft Stop function
ensures the smoothest stopping action in the history of BMW, bringing the vehicle to
a complete stop without any jerking or braking noises through precise control of the
electric motors.
The assisted driving experience also enters a new dimension in the BMW i3 with
BMW Symbiotic Drive, enabling a seamless interaction between assistance functions
and the driver. With driver assistance activated, drivers can respond to situations in
their own style by accelerating, steering or braking without deactivating the active
assistance system. The optional Motorway Assistant enables hands-free assisted
driving on the motorway at speeds of up to 130 kph (or the national speed limit) with
automated lane changes after confirmation by eye signal 2 . Clear operating logic and
displays ensure that assisted driving in the BMW i3 is always intuitive and
controllable, enabling safe use of the highest SAE Level 2 automation.
Long range, shorter charging times- 423km in 10 minutes, plus
bidirectional charging.
The BMW i3 50 xDrive is powered by a high-voltage battery with new cylindrical
cells and a net capacity of 108.7 kWh. The pack-to-open-body design of the battery
housing turns it into a structural component of the new BMW i3. 800V technology
significantly reduces charging times, enabling up to 423 km of range to be added in
just 10 minutes when connected to a 400 kW DC rapid charger. Bidirectional
charging is also supported. In First Edition specification, the BMW i3 50 xDrive
offers a range of up to 906 km 1 (WLTP).
The First Edition brings additional standard features inside the cabin.
The BMW i3 50 xDrive First Edition includes;
Electrically adjustable front multifunction seats
Three-zone automatic climate control
Sun protection glazing
Steering wheel heating.
BMW 3D Head-Up Display is also standard fit
Harman Kardon surround sound system
Automatic tailgate operation
AC charging Professional – increasing the AC charging rate from 11 to 22 kW.
Optional equipment for the BMW i3 50 xDrive First Edition.
Rear seat heating
Panoramic glass sunroof with climate comfort glazing
Electrically operated tow bar
Owners opting for BMW Digital Premium can bring additional BMW Maps
functionality, the Security Assistant and data for a wide range of entertainment.
Additional driving and parking functions offered include Parking Assistant Plus,
Parking Assistant Professional and the Motorway Assistant.
A wide range of exterior colours, alloy wheels, interior designs and
steering wheels.
Six exterior paint finishes are available for the BMW i3 50 xDrive First Edition,
including M Le Castellet Blue.
The alloy wheel portfolio comprises three aerodynamic options and a light-alloy
variant with sizes of 19- and 20-inches available.
Inside, customers can choose from Contemporary and BMW M themed interior
designs in a variety of colours. A range of steering wheels offer further scope for
customisation, including a white BMW Individual steering wheel (only in
conjunction with the Contemporary interior design, Bicolour Digital White).
1. All values are provisional.
2. Available in most European countries, USA and Canada by the end of 2026.
3. The added range after ten minutes of high-power charging was determined in
accordance with ISO12906 in the WLTP cycle.
