900 km of single-charge range realised by the innovations and technologies of the Neue Klasse.
Sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology with 800-volt architecture and 400 kW rapid charging (up to 400 km in 10 minutes).
Class-leading driving dynamics elevated by a new “superbrain” digital architecture and the Heart of Joy driving dynamics system.
Driver-oriented cockpit featuring BMW Panoramic iDrive and BMW Operating System X.
A holistic approach towards sustainability from product development and supply chain to production and use phase.
Built at the home of BMW Group, Plant Munich which has undergone a significant expansion for the Neue Klasse.
Production commences in August 2026, with first UK customer deliveries expected in Autumn.
The BMW 3 Series is the very essence of the BMW brand and, for five decades, has stood for consistent progress, distinctive design and sheer driving pleasure. Arriving as the second model of the Neue Klasse, the new all-electric BMW i3 builds upon this legacy while taking a technological quantum leap into a new era.
Raising the benchmark for all-electric range, the new BMW i3 is capable of covering of up to 900 km1 (in accordance with the WLTP test cycle) on a single charge thanks to the innovations of the Neue Klasse. Simultaneously, these technologies are harnessed to further elevate the class-leading driving dynamics that the BMW 3 Series is renowned for. Handling is precise, assured and effortless thanks to the Heart of Joy superbrain – responsible for all driving functions. It combines with three additional high-performance computers – covering automated driving, infotainment and comfort-enhancing functions – culminating in a new digital nervous system, developed completely in-house by BMW. These superbrains offer up to 20 times more processing power than those utilised by previous BMW models.
The BMW i3 launches with the 50 xDrive model variant, which is powered by two electric motors which drive the front and rear axle to develop a combined system output of 469 hp1 and 645 Nm1 of torque. Alongside its impressive range, the BMW i3 can be charged at speeds of up to 400 kW at an 800-volt DC charging station to drastically reduce charging times. The result is up to 400 km1 in just 10 minutes. This capability is enabled by sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology, which teams highly efficient electric motors, 800-volt technology and new high-voltage batteries with energy-dense cylindrical cells.
Instantly recognisable as a 3 Series, the BMW i3 offers a modern interpretation of hallmark BMW Saloon design with its new 2.5-box silhouette. Reduced to the essentials, its design is characterised by a long wheelbase with short overhangs, precise lines and a sloping roofline. Below which sits expansive glass surfaces to flood the cabin with natural light. The front-end is sculpted in a sporty shark-nose design and centred around a reimagined horizontal kidney grille, where twin headlights merge with an innovative light signature for a powerful appearance. The side profile features pronounced wheel arches, retractable flush door handles that extend automatically, and bold lines that flow to the rear. Here, sweeping horizontal taillights in an L-shaped design flank the refreshed BMW roundel and extend far into the shoulder area to emphasise the vehicle’s wide stance. Eleven exterior paint finishes are available from launch, including new M Le Castellet Blue – exclusive to the BMW i3.
Inside, there is an immediate sense of space, thanks to the BMW i3’s purpose-built all-electric architecture. Sporty and contemporary, the cockpit is optimised around the driver. Positioned front and centre is the BMW Panoramic iDrive, which consists of four key components: the BMW Panoramic Vision display, the optional BMW 3D Head-Up Display, the driver-oriented Central Display and the new multi-function steering wheel – helping drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. Stylish and sustainable materials are used for the upholstery, including Econeer seat covers, which consist of a recyclable textile composite made from 100 per cent recycled polyester. Customers will be able to customise the interior and exterior of their BMW i3 with different trim levels, including M Sport, following its success within the UK market.
The new BMW i3 is equipped with a comprehensive portfolio of driver and parking assistance systems, which operate in synergy with the driver to provide increased safety and convenience for everyday driving. This includes Soft-Stop, offering the smoothest stopping process in BMW history.
With the new BMW i3, a holistic approach was implemented towards sustainability, with a focus on decarbonisation along the entire life cycle – from product development, supply chain to production and use phase. The result, depending on the drive variant, annual mileage and generation of the electricity used for charging, is an overall carbon footprint similar to a comparable model with an internal combustion engine2 after just 1–2 years of use.
The new BMW i3 will be built at the home of BMW Group, Plant Munich, which has been producing premium vehicles for over a century. Over the last four years, the production plant has seen significant modernisation with the construction of a new body shop, cutting-edge assembly facility and logistics space. Now in its final stages of expansion, Plant Munich will commence BMW i3 production in August 2026, with first UK customer deliveries expected in autumn. A year later, Munich’s production portfolio will switch exclusively to fully electric vehicles of the Neue Klasse.
