After the BMW iX3 caused a stir, BMW has launched a more traditional saloon body style with an even longer range.
The new BMW i3 saloon is a glimpse of the future – in a conventional small executive saloon body style. Being much sleeker than the freshly launched BMW iX3, the i3 goes even further on a charge.
Rivals to the BMW i3 include the Tesla Model 3, Polestar 2 and BYD Seal, but none come close to the i3’s class-leading range.
New BMW i3 range and charging
The headline figure is 559 miles to a charge. That is truly revolutionary.
It helps that this version of the i3 has a vast battery pack, at 112kWh (108kWh usable). But many premium EVs have a similarly large battery pack without getting close to BMW’s figure.
The saloon is more efficient than the 500-mile iX3 SUV, so it cuts through the air with less resistance and that boosts efficiency.
Regenerative braking takes care of slowing down in almost all circumstances, with the proper brakes only being used in ‘sporty driving’ or in emergency braking. Even when you press the brake pedal, the car’s numerous on-board computers work out how to bring the car to a smooth stop without relying on the discs.
BMW’s new battery cells are 20% more energy-dense than its previous ones, and the battery pack forms an integral part of the chassis to save weight and space. There are further weight savings in the cabling network, too.
The motors are lighter, more efficient and cheaper to produce than BMW’s previous-generation motors.
Four computers make up the ‘Heart of Joy’ stack, and this streamlines every electrical process into one. BMW says the car has 20 times more processing power than previous systems.
The charging system is arguably just as impressive as the range figures. A maximum charging capacity of 400kW enables almost 250 miles of battery power to be added in just 10 minutes – if you find a powerful enough charger. Vehicle-to-Load and Vehicle-to-Grid charging are fitted to send electricity from the car to other electricals or back to the grid.
Performance
The launch model, the i3 50 xDrive, comes with an electric motor on each axle. Combined, they produce a massive 469hp and 645Nm of torque, which should enable a fast 0-62mph time.
There are more powertrains due to follow, including an iM3 with four motors and a hypercar-matching horsepower figure. Cheaper versions of the i3 will also appear with less range and less performance.
Alongside the electric i3, the new-generation 3 Series will also be available with petrol engines down the line.
Interior
The i3’s interior will be broadly the same as the iX3’s, with a 17.8-inch angled touchscreen on the dashboard and BMW’s new Panoramic iDrive system beneath the windscreen. You’ll need to use the touchscreen for most features because there’s no rotary iDrive controller any more.
Thankfully, the new infotainment system promises to be a lot easier to use than BMW’s outgoing iDrive system, with a greater focus on the placement of regularly used features and more configurability of the home screen.
Inside and out, the i3 uses a lot of recycled materials in its construction, while some of the plastics used have been chosen because they’re easy to recycle at the end of the car’s lifespan.
Up to seven driver profiles can be stored, with each one remembering that person’s preferred vehicle settings, recent destinations, seat settings and infotainment configuration.
Your phone will be used as the main key, with a physical key only meant for backup or for when dropping the car off at a service station or valet parking area. You can share the ‘key’ link via messaging apps, and you can add features such as remote tailgate opening to your phone’s card wallet.
BMW i3 Touring
Continuing the 3 Series' lineage, the new i3 will be available as a Touring estate model as well as the saloon in our pictures. This is likely to come a little later than the saloon, and will have a larger boot opening and increased luggage capacity.
A new generation of the i4 coupe-saloon is on the horizon, too. The current i4 is likely to bow out when the new i3 goes on sale.
Price and release date
The i3 will begin production in August and first deliveries are expected in autumn 2026.
A starting price of around £55,000 is likely for the i3 50 xDrive launch model, with cheaper versions coming later. But that price would still be excellent value given the range, charging and overall capability of the car.
As well as the popular M Sport trim, there'll be other trims to choose from, too.
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