BMW presents the i3

New Models World Premiere: BMW Unveils the i3

2026-03-19 From Thomas Günnel | Translated by AI 2 min Reading Time

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BMW has unveiled the first fully electric 3 Series. Range: 900 kilometers (560 mi). The car will hit dealers starting in the fall.

BMW has presented the i3. The electric 3 Series comes with a considerable range.(Image: BMW) — BMW has presented the i3. The electric 3 Series comes with a considerable range.
(Image: BMW)

BMW has unveiled the i3 - the first all-electric 3 Series. The car is the second model in the Neue Klasse. The "i3 50 xDrive" has one electric motor on the front axle and one on the rear axle. The system output is 345 kilowatts (469 hp) and the maximum torque is 645 Newton meters.

Particularly impressive: according to the manufacturer, the i3 can travel up to 900 kilometers (approx. 560 mi) on a single charge; measured in the WLTP cycle. With up to 400 kilowatts of charging power at the DC charger, electricity for up to 400 kilometers (approx. 250 mi) should flow into the batteries in ten minutes. The 6th generation of E-Drive technology supports 800-volt and high-voltage batteries with new round cells. The cells are integrated directly into the battery housing, which is correspondingly flat. The housing cover is also the vehicle underbody, completely closed and smooth.

Technology and Equipment of the iX3

The i3 shares its technology with the iX3 SUV. This means, among other things: Panoramic I-Drive, Panoramic Vision, an optional 3D head-up display, a multifunction steering wheel with Shy-Tech controls, a voice assistant or smartphone and smartwatch as vehicle keys. The i3 can charge bidirectionally: vehicle-to-load, vehicle-to-home and vehicle-to-grid are possible.

On the technology side in the background, four high-performance computers also control all functions in the i3. The models will receive new functions after purchase by means of over-the-air updates.

Flexible Assistance Systems in the i3

A level 2 assistance system supports drivers. This is not about the highest possible level of automation in every situation. This means that drivers can accelerate, steer or brake without immediately deactivating the respective system, even when driver assistance is activated.

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BMW has presented the first purely electrically powered 3 Series, the i3.(Image: BMW)

The i3 will arrive at dealerships in fall 2026. The price list is expected to start at around 65,000 euros.(Image: BMW)

There is space for the charging cable in the frunk under the front hood.(Image: BMW)

The i3 will be launched as a saloon, with a Touring model to follow.(Image: BMW)

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Sensors detect the driver's intention based on their steering behavior and direction of vision. The system only intervenes with a warning and steering intervention if the driver actually deviates from their own lane unintentionally or if the system detects an imminent collision.

Loading Flap Opens and Closes Automatically

The charging flap above the charging port opens automatically as soon as the system recognizes that the driver wants to charge. If the user approaches a known or learned charging point, the movement path reveals the charging intention - the flap opens. If no charging cable is subsequently connected, the charging flap closes automatically. This also happens at the end of the charging process or when the system recognizes that the driver wants to continue driving the car.

The i3 Will Arrive at Dealerships in Fall 2026

BMW will build the i3 at its main plant in Munich from August 2026. The first models are due to roll out to dealerships in the fall. BMW has not yet officially announced any prices. The iX3 starts in Europe at 70,900 euros (approx. USD 81,000), and the i3 is likely to be slightly lower.

An estate version is also to follow. From fall 2027, BMW plans to build exclusively all-electric Neue Klasse vehicles at its Munich site.

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Date: 08.12.2025

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