BMW Unveils New i3 Electric Sedan with 900km Range and Advanced Features

BMW has revealed the new i3 electric sedan, which serves as the sedan counterpart to the iX3 electric SUV launched last year. The i3 name was previously used for an all-electric hatchback sold from 2013 to 2022. This new i3 previews the next-generation BMW 3 Series and is the second model to feature BMW’s Neue Klasse design language.

Key Highlights

• BMW unveils new i3 electric sedan as counterpart to the iX3 SUV
• i3 offers 900km WLTP range and 469hp with dual-motor 50 xDrive powertrain
• Supports 400kW DC charging for a 400km range top-up in 10 minutes
• Production starts August 2026 at Munich plant with global deliveries from autumn 2026

Exterior and Design Highlights

The front of the i3 features two sleek sections with integrated headlights and fang-like daytime running lights, surrounded by LED bands. The air dam cut-out and front splitter form a hexagonal opening, flanked by vertical air intakes with gloss black trim. Flared front fenders add a sporty appearance.

The i3’s side profile follows a '2.5-box' design, closer to traditional sedans rather than the aerodynamic shapes of many electric vehicles. The body panels are flat and smooth, with retractable door handles and intricately designed alloy wheels. At the rear, the bootlid is cliff-faced with a protruding bumper. Slim LED tail-lamps are not connected, and gloss black detailing appears lower down.

The i3 measures 4,760mm in length, 1,865mm in width, 1,480mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2,897mm. BMW also teased a 'Touring' estate version, expected to be revealed later in the year.

Interior, Features, and Technology

Inside, the i3 shares several elements with the iX3. These include a unique steering wheel with vertical twin spokes, a 17.9-inch rhomboidal infotainment touchscreen, and a Panoramic Vision display that serves as the driver’s display and projects additional information. The dashboard has minimal physical controls, but the central tunnel houses buttons for hazard lights, defoggers, electronic parking brake, audio mute, and a rotary drive selector.

Key features include powered front seats, ambient lighting, Level 2 advanced driver assistance systems, a wireless charging pad, a new AI assistant, and an optional 3D heads-up display. The i3 is built on the 800V Neue Klasse platform and uses the iX3’s 108.7kWh battery and dual-motor '50 xDrive' powertrain. This is the only version available at launch.

Performance and Launch Details

The i3 delivers 469hp and 645Nm of torque, with a WLTP-tested range of 900km, 95km more than the iX3. The vehicle supports up to 400kW DC charging, enabling a 400km range boost in just 10 minutes. AC charging is supported up to 22kWh.

The i3 features a new ECU called the 'Heart of Joy,' which manages drivetrain, braking, charging, regeneration, and steering. It operates ten times faster than previous BMW ECUs. Production will begin at BMW’s Munich plant in August 2026, with deliveries starting globally from autumn 2026. The iX3 will launch in India by early 2027, but BMW has not confirmed if the i3 will be available in India.

BMW has also confirmed an all-electric M3 for 2027, expected to feature a quad-motor setup, simulated gearshifts, and synthetic engine sounds.