900km of range! BMW pulls covers off impressive new i3

BMW has revived the i3 badge for its new electric 3 Series sedan, which the German manufacturer says will deliver up to 900km of driving range.

The new model – not to be confused with BMW’s original i3 hatchback – represents the second vehicle in BMW’s Neue Klasse electric vehicle range, following the iX3.

BMW New Zealand has confirmed it will receive one variant of the i3 in early 2027: the dual-motor 50 xDrive with all-wheel drive capability.

The local variant produces 345kW of power and 645Nm of torque, though BMW has not yet revealed acceleration figures. Performance is expected to be in the 4.5 to 5-second range for 0–100km/h.

While BMW has not specified the battery size for the i3, the model likely uses the same 108kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) unit found in the iX3 50 xDrive.

The 900km range figure, measured according to the WLTP test cycle, would make the i3 the longest-range electric vehicles available in New Zealand.

Fast charging and advanced architecture

The i3 uses 800V electric architecture, enabling DC charging rates of up to 400kW. BMW says this allows drivers to add 400km of range in 10 minutes of charging, according to ISO 12906 standards in the WLTP cycle.

The vehicle also features bidirectional charging functions, including Vehicle-to-Load, Vehicle-to-Home and Vehicle-to-Grid capabilities, though BMW says local details on these features will be announced later.

Inside, the i3 features a squared-off steering wheel and an angular 17.9-inch infotainment display. A BMW Panoramic Vision display runs from each windscreen pillar, providing driving information to the driver.

The interior design eliminates most physical buttons, with functions accessed through the display screens. Optional features include a panoramic sunroof and electronically adjustable seats.

BMW says the i3 incorporates its sixth-generation eDrive technology and features the Heart of Joy high-performance computer, which the company claims responds 10 times faster than previous systems.

Production of the new i3 will begin at BMW’s Munich plant in August 2026, with New Zealand deliveries scheduled for early 2027.

BMW New Zealand says local pricing and final specifications will be announced closer to the launch date.