autonomy up to 900 km, 469 HP and charging at 400 kW

The version released now is called BMW i3 50 xDrive and is equipped with two electric motors, one on each axle, for all-wheel drive. Total power reaches 345 kW, the equivalent of 469 hp, and maximum torque is 645 Nm. BMW says the new model uses the sixth generation of eDrive technology and introduces a completely new architecture designed to offer greater efficiency, better performance and a driving experience closer to what customers expect from a real BMW.

One of the most important innovations is the 800V electrical system. It allows fast DC charging at up to 400kW, and BMW says the car can recover up to around 400km of range in just 10 minutes of charging in ideal conditions. Also officially, the Germans announce a range of up to 900 km in the WLTP cycle for some versions of the range, which clearly demonstrates the ambition of the new i3 to become a point of reference in the premium electric sedan segment.

In terms of positioning, the new BMW i3 is exactly the car that many fans of the brand have been waiting for: a true electric 3 Series, not just an experimental interpretation. The international automotive press describes it as a completely new model compared to the old i3, with classic sedan proportions, a dedicated platform and a technical package that places it squarely in the league of more serious rivals in the electric vehicle market. For BMW, this model is not only an important launch, but a strategic one, as the Neue Klasse will redefine the core of its electric range for years to come.

And inside, change is important. The new i3 adopts the new iDrive Overview concept, with information projected across the entire base of the windscreen and a large central screen facing the driver. Additionally, the model introduces new integrated computer systems that BMW says will handle dynamic, infotainment and assistance functions more efficiently. In short, the new i3 promises to be not only faster and more efficient, but also much more digitally advanced than any 3 Series known so far.

At this moment, BMW has not made an official price announcement for Europe. However, global media report that the new i3 will likely hit the market with a price around 60,000 dollars, which is about 55,000 euros as a rough estimate, considering differences between regions and equipment options. This clearly indicates that the new BMW i3 will not be an inexpensive electric vehicle, but a high-end model aimed at buyers who are interested in performance, long range, and advanced technology.

For the Romanian market, the new BMW i3 is very likely to be one of the most anticipated premium electric debuts. It has a strong reputation, but it also offers exactly what many buyers are searching for now: long battery life, quick charging, excellent performance, and a fresh, cleaner, more refined design. If BMW can provide that unique driving experience, then the i3 could be one of the most attractive electric choices compared to traditional premium sedans of this time.

The conclusion of the first impression is straightforward: the new BMW i3 does not intend to imitate the character of the old i3, but aims to redefine the name in a whole new category. Larger, more powerful, more sophisticated, and notably more adult-like, the new model seems designed specifically for the period when BMW does not just want to be part of the electrification trend, but actively shape it. And that makes the new i3 one of the key automotive launches of 2026.