BMW i3 Unveiled; Range Tops 900km

BMW unveiled the new i3 electric sedan. This model is the second car based on the Neue Klasse platform. The first model was the iX3. The i3 follows the BMW 3 Series tradition. Production starts in August 2026 at the Munich plant. Deliveries begin in autumn 2026. The plant switches to electric Neue Klasse vehicles by 2027. 

BMW equips the i3 50 xDrive with dual electric motors. System power output reaches 345 kW and torque 645 Nm. Range measures up to 900 km on the WLTP cycle. DC charging supports up to 400 kW. This adds up to 400 km range in 10 minutes. 

The sixth-generation eDrive uses 800-volt technology. Round cell batteries increase energy density. The Heart of Joy computer processes data ten times faster than before according to BMW and the Panoramic iDrive includes a vision display across the windscreen. 

The i3 design keeps 3 Series proportions. Length is 4,760 mm, wheelbase 2,897 mm. The front features merged grille and headlights. The rear has horizontal lights while the interior offers driver-focused controls and optional M Sport seats.

This launch marks BMW's push into electric sedans. Neue Klasse brings new software architecture with four superbrains. Bidirectional charging supports vehicle-to-home and vehicle-to-grid functions. Sustainability uses 30 percent secondary materials.

For BMW, the i3 expands the electric lineup. It targets the premium electric sedan segment. Production in Munich reinforces the site's role. Rivals include Tesla Model 3 and for now the Mercedes-Benz CLA EV.