BMW has launched a new all-electric model, and it's the first saloon model to use the Neue Klasse design language. Plus, the car in question brings back a familiar name: the i3.
The i3 was one of two original electric models from BMW launched in 2013, and alongside the i8, formed the beginnings of ‘project i’. Despite being shelved in 2022, it has remained a popular choice for electric fans as a premium small car.
The new i3 looks very different from the old model, which had an individual style to it. This design feels closer to the existing 3 Series models, tying it into the range in the same way the i4 and i7 models have with the 4 Series and 7 Series.
Following the Vision
The design of the new i3 is very close to the original prototypes for the Vision Neue Klasse back in 2023, and even the original iVision Dee. This feels like a progression of the existing 3 Series, but much cleaner and with a new face, merging the grille with the twin headlights, mirroring that of the recent iX3.
It’s a modern interpretation of the classic BMW 2.5-box design, with a long wheelbase, short overhangs and that shark-nose to give the sporty character. Door handles are flush-mounted, there’s a new blue metallic paint finish, 21-inch aero wheels, and a new three-dimensional light signature on the rear gives it a unique look.
Inside, like the BMW iX3, the i3 features the new Panoramic iDrive system. This offers a unique display along the length of the windscreen in addition to the centre screen. This combines driving information – kept in line of sight for the driver – with customisable widgets that can be transferred from the 17.9-inch central screen. There’s also an optional 3D head-up display that sits above this.
The BMW Operating System X offers a full range of customisation and features the BMW Personal Assistant powered by Amazon’s Alexa+ AI technology for natural language communication.
Powering the i3
The BMW i3 features 800-volt technology and a cell-to-pack design to offer up to 559 miles (900km) of range and 400kW charging to achieve 10% to 80% in just 21 minutes, or 249 miles (400 km) of range with just a 10-minute charge. The battery supports bi-directional charging for Vehicle-to-Home or Vehicle-to-Grid delivery. It also supports the faster 22 kW AC home charging in some markets.
With dual motors (one on each axle), the BMW i3 produces 469hp (345kW) and 645 Nm of torque. There's also the option to have adaptive M suspension, BMW M Sports seats and the M Sport package, which includes blue M Sport brake callipers, a sports steering wheel and an M logo projection from the wing mirror.
The Heart of Joy is the super brain behind the driving dynamics in the new i3, while separate computers are dedicated to the automated driving and infotainment. Driver assistance systems include a Level 2 autonomous system with steering and braking assistance, plus parking as part of the Driving Assistant Plus package.
A new Soft Stop system also uses the precise control from the electric motors to slow the car more smoothly, without any jerking or brake noise. This is all taken care of through recuperation braking with the physical brake pads only being used for emergency braking or more extreme driving.
Production of the BMW i3 will start in BMW’s Munich plant in August 2026. Final price and delivery dates are still to be confirmed.
