BMW has officially unveiled the i3 Neue Klasse, the company’s first fully electric Series 3 sedan. The vehicle marks a significant milestone in BMW’s electrification strategy and sets a new benchmark for performance and efficiency in the premium electric sedan segment.
Dual Motor and up to 900 km range
The i3 50 xDrive launches as the first variant, featuring a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup that delivers serious numbers. The combined output reaches 345 kW (469 HP) with maximum torque of 645 Nm. This electric architecture is supported by BMW’s sixth-generation eDrive technology and an innovative 800-volt electrical architecture—the foundation of the vehicle’s impressive performance and charging capabilities.
Perhaps most impressive is the claimed range of up to 900 km (559 miles) under the WLTP cycle, achieved through a new cell-to-pack battery design featuring round cylindrical cells. This configuration delivers higher energy density while maintaining a flatter battery pack compared to previous generations.
The fast-charging performance is equally remarkable: the i3 supports DC charging at up to 400 kW, enabling drivers to recover 400 km of range in just 10 minutes according to ISO 12906 standards. This puts the i3 among the fastest-charging production sedans currently available. The vehicle also supports bidirectional charging capabilities through V2L (Vehicle-to-Load), V2H (Vehicle-to-Home), and V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) technology.
Advanced computing and driver experience
The i3 introduces BMW’s new “Heart of Joy” performance computer, which manages driving dynamics with response times ten times faster than the previous generation. This high-performance system anchors the Neue Klasse’s fresh software and electronics architecture alongside three additional supercomputers.
The interior showcases BMW’s commitment to electric-first design, with the new BMW Panoramic iDrive infotainment system serving as the centerpiece of a driver-focused cabin. The flat floor architecture, enabled by the electric platform, maximizes interior space—a key advantage of ground-up EV development.
The i3 introduces BMW’s new design philosophy, characterized by 2.5-box proportions: an extended wheelbase, a rear-sloping greenhouse, and compact overhangs. The front fascia features integrated quad headlights connected by a continuous light signature, while the rear displays horizontal tail lights. Pronounced wheel arches emphasize the model’s assertive stance.
Production timeline and future plans
Production begins in August 2026 at BMW’s Munich-Milbertshofen facility, with customer deliveries expected in autumn 2026. The production plant, recently modernized over four years with new body shop, assembly areas, and integrated logistics, will transition to exclusively producing Neue Klasse electric vehicles within one year of the i3’s launch.
The BMW i3 Neue Klasse represents a bold statement in the premium electric sedan market, combining practical range, rapid charging, and cutting-edge technology to compete with the best of global EV offerings.
