BMW has revealed the primary latest details of its 560-mile range i3 saloon, marking a brand new electric saloon era for the German premium brand.
While the iX3 was the primary SUV to introduce BMW’s Neue Klasse technology, the i3 is arguably the more vital automobile commercially.
The three Series has long been one in all BMW’s defining models and a core volume model, so the arrival of an all electric i3 marks a brand new era for BMW saloons.
BMW is positioning the i3 as the worldwide electric counterpart to the three Series formula, combining latest design language, a fresh digital architecture and sixth-generation electric drivetrain technology in one in all its most recognisable bodystyles.
Production is resulting from begin at BMW’s Munich plant in August 2026, with first UK customer deliveries expected within the autumn.
UK pricing has yet to be confirmed, however the launch version is predicted to sit down across the £55,000 mark. An estate version is more likely to follow.
An important Neue Klasse launch
The i3 is the second production model to reach under BMW’s wide ranging Neue Klasse programme, which reshapes the brand’s design, software and EV engineering.
BMW said the brand new i3 will offer as much as 900km of WLTP range, similar to around 560 miles, making it some of the significant electric saloon launches yet on range alone.
The launch model, the i3 50 xDrive, uses twin electric motors to provide 469hp and 645Nm of torque. BMW’s latest 800 volt architecture enables charging at as much as 400kW, which the corporate said can add as much as 400km of range in 10 minutes.
In design terms, BMW said the brand new saloon keeps familiar 3 Series proportions while introducing a brand new search for the Neue Klasse era.
The corporate said: “The BMW 3 Series is the very essence of the BMW brand and, for five a long time, has stood for consistent progress, distinctive design and sheer driving pleasure.
“Arriving because the second model of the Neue Klasse, the brand new all-electric BMW i3 builds upon this legacy while taking a technological quantum leap right into a latest era.”
More details on the UK range and pricing will follow closer to launch.
This Article First Appeared At www.am-online.com
