The new BMW i3 is coming, and it's a big deal
BMW has just pulled back the curtain on the new i3... and no, not that i3. This is an entirely different beast. The all-new BMW i3 is a full-size electric saloon, the spiritual successor to the legendary 3 Series, and it's arriving as the second model of BMW's next-generation 'Neue Klasse' platform. Think of it as BMW pressing the reset button on what a driver's car can be.
So what's the headline? Up to 900 km of range on a single charge (WLTP). That's not a typo. BMW's sixth-generation eDrive technology, paired with a brand new 800-volt architecture and cylindrical battery cells, has pushed EV range into genuinely new territory.
And when you do need to top up, it charges at up to 400 kW – meaning around 400 km of range in just 10 minutes at a compatible DC rapid charger. For context, that's roughly the distance from London to Edinburgh, added in the time it takes to grab a coffee.
What's under the skin?
The launch variant is the i3 50 xDrive, with twin electric motors producing 469 hp and 645 Nm of torque across all four wheels. A new 'Heart of Joy' driving system acts as the car's central brain for all driving dynamics, responding ten times faster than previous BMW systems. There are actually four high-performance computers in total, covering driving, automated parking, infotainment, and comfort functions – offering up to 20 times more processing power than older BMW models. It's a lot of silicon.
The suspension has been thoroughly rethought too, with a new five-link rear axle and optional adaptive M suspension. BMW's new 'Soft-Stop' tech promises the smoothest braking in the brand's history. No more nose-dip at traffic lights.
The inside story
Inside, the cabin is built around BMW's new Panoramic iDrive system, a display that stretches across the entire lower windscreen from A-pillar to A-pillar, complemented by a 17.9-inch central touchscreen and an optional 3D head-up display. It's genuinely different from anything BMW has done before, and it looks stunning. There's also Amazon Alexa+ baked into the voice assistant and over-the-air updates to keep things fresh long after delivery.
For those spec'ing up, particularly business customers, there's a decent range of interior options to choose from. The standard Essential trim uses Econeer seat covers made from 100% recycled polyester, which is a nice sustainability tick. Step up and you get Veganza (a high-quality leather-like material) in colours including Agave Green, Digital White, Castanea and Black, or full Merino leather in the Individual version. M Sport seats are available too, with firmer bolstering for those who like their saloon to feel like it means business.
Charging, and a trick up its sleeve
The i3 charges at up to 400 kW at an 800-volt DC rapid charger, around 400 km in 10 minutes. Route planning is baked into BMW Maps, which factors in charging stops, pre-conditions the battery for faster charging on the way, and even shows nearby restaurants and facilities at charging locations. The charging flap opens automatically when you approach a known charge point. It's all very sorted.
There's also bidirectional charging, which sounds technical but is genuinely useful. In plain terms, the i3's battery can power things beyond just the car itself. Via the Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function, you can plug in devices or appliances directly from the car's battery. Think powering tools on a job site, running equipment at an event, or even acting as a backup power source at home. BMW is also offering a new Multifunction Charger that handles both charging and discharging, with adapters for household sockets, public charging, and V2L use.
Smart access and everyday convenience
One feature that doesn't get enough attention: BMW Digital Key Plus lets you use your phone or smartwatch as your car key, compatible with Apple, Samsung and Google devices. More usefully, you can share access with other people directly through a messaging app, and set individual permissions for each person. So if you need to lend the car to a family member or colleague, you don't need to hand over a physical key. You can also operate the tailgate remotely through your phone's wallet app. It's one of those features that sounds small until you actually use it.
When can I get the new BMW i3?
On sustainability, BMW has done solid work here too – around 30% secondary materials throughout, recycled polyester seat covers, and a carbon footprint that breaks even against a comparable combustion car after just one to two years of use.
Production kicks off at BMW's Munich plant in August 2026, with first UK deliveries expected in Autumn 2026. It's also worth noting that a year after the i3 launches, Plant Munich will switch exclusively to fully electric Neue Klasse production, so this isn't a brand dipping a toe in. This is BMW's direction of travel, full stop.
Pricing and full UK spec details are still to come, but M Sport trim will be available, always a safe bet for UK buyers. It comes in 11 colours at launch, including the exclusive M Le Castellet Blue.
This one is genuinely worth getting excited about. If you're thinking about your next electric car or company vehicle, it's a strong contender for the shortlist.
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