BMW i3

Range of up to 900 km (WLTP) – a record
Revolutionary design, ground‑breaking technology
Soon also a Touring version

Are you also looking forward to BMW’s long‑awaited electric 3 Series? The wait is almost over, because the BMW i3 will arrive in showrooms in the second half of 2026. This BMW i3 “Neue Klasse” has nothing to do with the original i3 city car from 2013 – let that be absolutely clear. Except for one thing: just like its predecessor, it is aesthetically and technologically revolutionary, setting new benchmarks on multiple fronts. One striking example is its impressive range of up to 900 km from a 108.7 kWh battery.

BMW i3: ground‑breaking design

The i3 is the second BMW model developed on the high‑tech Neue Klasse architecture. It shares many components with the recently launched BMW iX3, yet its appearance is completely different. BMW returns to its classic design principles: a clean three‑box saloon with a short front overhang, a muscular wheelbase and a long rear overhang. The result is a perfectly balanced and timeless silhouette.

Even as a fully electric car, the BMW i3 exudes power. The bonnet is shorter than on combustion‑engine models, yet retains strong visual presence. A more steeply raked windscreen adds extra dynamism to the profile, while the subtly sculpted front end places even more emphasis on the BMW badge. At the centre sits a sleek panel housing the sensors for driver assistance systems, flanked by the iconic illuminated BMW kidney elements. The cleanly designed bumpers improve aerodynamics, while at the rear the characteristic BMW L‑shaped light clusters give the i3 a wider and sportier stance.

Boundary‑pushing technology

The Neue Klasse platform is built around an 800‑volt architecture. This enables DC fast charging at up to 400 kW, allowing up to 400 kilometres of additional range in just 10 minutes. At home, AC charging is possible at 11 kW, or optionally at 22 kW.

The BMW i3 is not only capable of charging, but also of supplying power. With Vehicle‑to‑Load (V2L) at up to 3.7 kW, you can power external devices, while Vehicle‑to‑Home (V2H) and Vehicle‑to‑Grid (V2G) support your home or the public electricity grid with up to 11 kW three‑phase power.

Initially, the BMW i3 will be launched as the powerful i3 50 xDrive, just like the iX3. With two electric motors – one on each axle – it delivers 345 kW (469 hp) and 645 Nm of torque. The 108.7 kWh (net) battery brings total weight to around 2.1 tonnes, but still enables acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in under five seconds. The brand claims a WLTP range of nearly 900 kilometres for the i3 50 xDrive – more than 100 kilometres more than the BMW iX3 and also ahead of its key rival, the Mercedes‑Benz CLA 250+.

Minimalist yet futuristic interior

As with the iX3, BMW has created a futuristic, minimalist driver‑focused cockpit that prioritises ergonomics and innovation. At its heart is the BMW Panoramic iDrive interface: a seamless combination of Panoramic Vision (a wide, customisable display strip beneath the windscreen for driving and navigation information), a sharp head‑up display, and a 17.9‑inch central touchscreen angled towards the driver and perfectly within reach.

The striking steering wheel with two vertical spokes is also carried over from the iX3. It may take some getting used to, but in practice it proves surprisingly comfortable. Another notable change is the removal of physical climate control buttons. All functions are now controlled via the central screen using a clear ‘one‑layer’ interface – no deep menus, everything immediately accessible. AI‑supported voice control makes operation even more intuitive.

Performance

Built for the modern lease driver

With its long range, fast‑charging capability and efficient use of interior space, the BMW i3 is clearly designed with professional and high‑mileage drivers in mind. This makes it particularly attractive as a future‑proof electric company car within the premium mid‑size segment.

Design

New front design

Instead of large illuminated kidney grilles, the new BMW i3 features a sleek black panel that conceals sensors and cameras, combined with slim, high‑tech LED headlights set into sculpted corners. Easy on the eye and beneficial for aerodynamics.

Space

Beautiful and functional

Designed from the ground up as an electric vehicle, the BMW i3 makes optimal use of every centimetre of its platform. Expect a practical boot that can be expanded by folding down the rear seats, as well as a front luggage compartment (frunk) that neatly accommodates charging cables.

Interior

Clear and ergonomic

The cockpit also breaks with traditional BMW layouts, placing innovation and ergonomics centre stage. A full‑width information strip spans the base of the windscreen, driving data is projected onto the glass, and a large central display acts as the primary control interface.

Saloon or Touring

For now, BMW has only released images of the four‑door i3 saloon, but the brand has confirmed that a Touring version will also follow. Estate cars remain popular in this segment, particularly as company and lease vehicles. The saloon is expected in late summer 2026, while the Touring is likely to arrive in 2027.

Frequently asked questions

When will the BMW i3 be available? The BMW i3 saloon is expected to arrive in showrooms in the **second half of 2026**. The Touring version is likely to follow in 2027.What is the range of the BMW i3? BMW has a WLTP driving range of **nearly 900 kilometres** for the i3 50 xDrive, thanks to its 108.7 kWh battery. How fast can the BMW i3 charge? Thanks to its 800‑volt architecture, the BMW i3 supports DC fast charging at up to 400 kW, adding **up to 400 km of range in around 10 minutes**.

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