Kamal Ghorui
German Automaker BMW has revealed the new fully electric i3, positioned as the second model in its Neue Klasse lineup. It’s essentially the sedan counterpart to the iX3 SUV revealed last year and the i3 badge was also previously used on an electric hatchback sold from 2013 to 2022. This new iteration also serves as a preview of the next-generation 3 Series. The electric sedan will go on sale globally first; the Indian debut is expected sometime in 2027. Production will begin at BMW Group’s Munich plant in August 2026, with global deliveries scheduled between September and November.
Talking about the battery first, the new i3 will be initially offered only with a single ‘50 xDrive’ variant, built on the brand’s 800V Neue Klasse platform. It features a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup producing 469hp and 645Nm. BMW has not revealed the battery capacity, but it is expected to be similar to the 108.7kWh unit in the iX3. The sedan offers a WLTP range of up to 900km, 95km more than the SUV.The i3 supports up to 400kW DC fast charging, enabling a 400km range addition in 10 minutes, along with AC charging of up to 22kW. It also debuts a new electronic control unit, ‘Heart of Joy’, which manages functions such as drivetrain, braking, steering, regeneration and charging, and is claimed to be significantly faster than previous systems.
The BMW i3 adopts the brand’s latest Neue Klasse design language, combining familiar cues with a new, clean-sheet approach. At the front, it features a split lighting setup with headlamps and daytime running lights housed in slim, LED-outlined sections. A large hexagonal lower intake is flanked by vertical air channels with gloss-black trim, while pronounced front fenders add visual width.
In profile, the i3 follows a more conventional three-box form, described by BMW as a “2.5-box” design, with a more upright stance than typical EV sedans. Smooth body panels, flush door handles and large alloy wheels define the side view. At the rear, the car gets a flat boot section, a slightly protruding bumper and separate slim LED tail-lamps, along with gloss-black detailing. The i3 measures 4,760mm in length, 1,865mm in width and 1,480mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,897mm. BMW also previewed a Touring estate version, expected to be revealed later this year.
Moving inside, the cabin features a technology-focused layout with a 17.9-inch infotainment screen and a full-width Panoramic Vision display that doubles as the driver’s display. It also gets a twin-spoke steering wheel. Physical controls are minimal, with key functions grouped on the centre console alongside a rotary drive selector. Features include powered front seats, ambient lighting, Level 2 ADAS, a wireless charging pad, an AI-based assistant, and an optional 3D head-up display.
