BMW’s electric i3 priced from $128,900, with up to 912km of range
The electric i3 50 xDrive joins the new 3 Series range in New Zealand from early 2027, priced at $128,900 plus ORC.
BMW’s new electric 3 Series sedan, the i3 50 xDrive, will cost $128,900 plus on-road costs when it arrives in New Zealand in the first quarter of 2027.
It is the only electric model in the eighth-generation 3 Series launch range, and BMW claims a WLTP range of up to 912km. It sits alongside two petrol models, the $99,900 320 and the $140,900 M350 xDrive, putting the i3 $29,000 above the entry car and $12,000 below the six-cylinder.
BMW says it is the first time New Zealand buyers will have petrol and electric versions within the same generation of 3 Series.
The all-wheel-drive i3 50 xDrive produces 345kW and 645Nm, making it the most powerful car in the launch range, and runs 0-100km/h in 4.7 seconds.
It is built on BMW’s sixth-generation eDrive technology with an 800-volt electrical system. DC charging runs at up to 400kW and AC charging at 22kW. BMW has not yet given New Zealand battery capacity or 10 to 80 per cent charging time figures. There is also a storage compartment under the bonnet.
Standard equipment includes 19-inch wheels, adaptive M suspension, M Sport brakes and M Sport trim, heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, Harman Kardon audio, a panoramic sunroof, and BMW’s Driving Assistant Plus and Parking Assistant Plus packages. It also gets BMW’s Heart of Joy vehicle dynamics control system.
Inside is BMW’s new Panoramic iDrive cockpit running Operating System X, with Panoramic Vision, a 3D head-up display and a central touchscreen.
An M Sport Pro package adds M seat belts, an M steering wheel, M Sport seats and a black rear spoiler for $4200.
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