Introducing the BMW i3
The BMW i3 name originally belonged to a small carbon-fibre city car built between 2013 and 2022. This i3 could not be more different: a proper electric saloon built to take on the 3 Series itself.
As the second model of BMW’s Neue Klasse era, following the iX3, the i3 sits at the heart of BMW’s saloon range: an all-electric take on a familiar formula, built on completely new architecture rather than an adapted version of the ever-popular 3 Series.
For drivers who want an executive saloon capable of covering serious distances without sacrificing the dynamics BMW is known for, the new i3 sets a benchmark.
Design and Practicality
The i3 wears BMW’s Neue Klasse design language with confidence: a long wheelbase, short overhangs and a sloping roofline give the saloon a noticeably sportier stance than the combustion engine 3 Series. At the front, a redesigned kidney grille merges with twin headlights in a shark-nose design, while flush door handles extend automatically as the driver approaches.
A wide variety of colour options are available, including M Le Castellet Blue, a metallic finish exclusive to the i3.
A flat battery pack mounted low within the floor, part of the purpose-built electric platform, frees up space throughout the cabin. A 31-litre storage compartment under the bonnet provides a dedicated home for charging cables, keeping the boot clear for luggage. A separate storage compartment built into the front door uses material made partly from recycled fishing nets and rope, pulled from the sea rather than a factory production line.
Material choices range from recycled Econeer upholstery as standard to Veganza and Merino leather options. Ambient lighting and an optional panoramic roof add to the sense of space, too.
Technology and Safety
At the centre of the cabin sitsBMW Panoramic iDrive, a four-part display and control system built around the new BMW Operating System X. The i3's four onboard 'superbrain' computers together offer up to 20 times the processing power of any previous BMW model.
BMW Panoramic Vision projects key information across the full width of the windscreen, complemented by a 17.9-inch Free-Cut Design Central Display and an optional 3D Head-Up Display for navigation and assistance cues. A redesigned multifunction steering wheel uses Shy Tech buttons that illuminate only when relevant. The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant responds to natural language via the 'Hey BMW' prompt and draws on Amazon’s Alexa+ generative AI technology for more natural conversations. Up to seven BMW IDs can be stored for personalised settings, while BMW Digital Key Plus turns a compatible smartphone or smartwatch into the car’s primary key.
On the safety side, BMW Symbiotic Drive governs the Level 2 driver assistance suite, reading steering input and the driver's line of sight so that functions such as lane departure warning are only engaged when necessary.
Range and Performance
The i3 comes equipped with Two electric motors, one on the rear axle and one on the front, power all four wheels with a combined output of 469bhp and 476lb ft of torque. The closely related iX3 covers the 0 to 62mph sprint in 4.9 seconds with the same dual-motor powertrain, so the lighter i3 saloon is likely to be quicker still.
Underpinning the driving experience is the Heart of Joy, a dedicated control computer that manages braking, steering and recuperation up to ten times faster than previous BMW systems. The result is a notably more composed and predictable feel through corners.
A low-mounted battery pack lowers the centre of gravity, while an optional adaptive M suspension is available for drivers who want sharper responses without compromising the long-distance comfort that BMW saloons are known for.
Charging
Sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology brings 800-volt architecture to the i3, supporting DC rapid charging at up to 400kW. At a suitably equipped public charger, this allows up to 248 miles of range to be added in just ten minutes. This makes the i3 a realistic option for drivers who need to cover long distances with minimal downtime. Adding to the convenience, an intelligent charging flap opens automatically once the car detects it is approaching a known charging point.
For everyday use, the i3 can be charged at home via AC at speeds of up to 22kW. This is the simplest way to start each day with a full battery. BMW Maps calculates charging-optimised routes whenever a journey exceeds the car's range and automatically preconditions the battery ahead of each stop for faster charging on arrival. Bidirectional charging is also supported, letting the i3 act as a mobile power source away from the road — for a portable espresso machine or a cool box at a rural event, for example.
Discover the BMW i3 at Stratstone BMW
The new BMW i3 brings the Neue Klasse's most significant innovations to the 3 Series, the saloon that has defined BMW's reputation for driving pleasure for five decades. Generous range, rapid charging and a driving experience shaped by the Heart of Joy system combine in a saloon built for daily use as much as long-distance driving.
If you are interested in experiencing the new BMW i3, please get in touch with your nearest Stratsone BMW retailer and our team will arrange an appointment once the model officially launches.
