BMW i3 (2026): The Series 3 Goes Electric with 900 km Range

When BMW resurrects a name, it's never trivial. On March 18, 2026, the Bavarian automaker officially unveiled a car bearing an already storied nameplate: i3. But forget the futuristic city car with gullwing doors from 2013 — this new i3 is something entirely different. It's a three-box sedan, the second model of the Neue Klasse generation, and quite simply the first fully electric 3 Series in history. With a claimed range of up to 900 km WLTP and charging at 400 kW, the Bavarian hits hard, very hard.

One name, two destinies

The 3 Series celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2025, and with over 18 million units sold across seven generations, it's BMW's commercial and sporting soul. But in 2013, BMW had already deployed the "i3" code for a pioneering city car with thermoplastic body, aluminum chassis and carbon structure — a technological manifesto that remained in production until 2022.

For 2026, BMW recycles the designation but radically changes direction. The internal project NA0 descends directly from the Vision Neue Klasse concept, unveiled at the Munich IAA in September 2023. And in its press kit, BMW claims visual lineage not to the old i3, but to the 3 Series coupes E21 (1975-1983) and E30 (1982-1994): plunging hood, taut profile, upright rear. A love letter to its roots.

The second stone of the Neue Klasse

Following the iX3 SUV launched in late 2025, the i3 sedan is the second embodiment of the Neue Klasse platform — six models are announced in total. The platform introduces an 800-volt architecture, a cell-to-pack battery with sixth-generation cylindrical cells (energy density increased by 20% according to BMW), and software integration of a new kind, built around four supercomputers and a control unit named Heart of Joy.

On board, BMW deploys its new Panoramic iDrive: a panoramic display strip projected across the entire width of the windscreen, complemented by a central touchscreen. The Soft Stop function, which brakes the vehicle smoothly to a complete stop through fine motor control, marks a rethought driving experience.

An embraced sedan silhouette

At 4.76 m long, 1.86 m wide and 1.48 m tall with a 2.90 m wheelbase, the i3 sedan plays in the same league as the Tesla Model 3 and Mercedes CLA (both at 4.72 m). Flush door handles, concealed trim, fully paneled underbody: everything is designed to chase drag coefficient. The dual-kidney grille optionally receives Iconic Glow lighting to make its mark at night.

The 50 xDrive version sets the tone

For launch, BMW leads with the top-of-the-line i3 50 xDrive version. Two electric motors, all-wheel drive, 469 hp (345 kW) combined and a maximum torque of 645 Nm. The provisional WLTP range climbs to 900 km on a full charge — a figure BMW presents as preliminary pending final homologation.

On the charging side, the 800V architecture allows this i3 50 xDrive to reach up to 400 kW direct current, or 400 km recovered in 10 minutes on a compatible high-power charger (according to ISO 12906 standard, WLTP cycle — preliminary values). Alternating charging rises optionally to 22 kW, and bidirectional charging (V2L, V2H, V2G) transforms the car into a domestic energy reserve. Note: an onboard switching matrix maintains compatibility with existing 400V DC chargers.

Other versions are expected: i3 40, more accessible i3 50 rear-wheel drive, and at the top a i3 M60 dual-motor aiming for 620 hp and previewing the future electric M3 (project code ZA0). As for pricing, BMW has not officially communicated, but the entry-level model would sit between €50,000 and €60,000, with the M60 exceeding €80,000 — compared to the €71,900 currently asked for the iX3 50 xDrive in France.

Timeline: things get serious

The first pre-production units rolled out of the Munich plant in February 2026. Series production starts in the second half of 2026, with a scheduled ramp-up in August. Orders open in autumn 2026, and first customer deliveries are planned for end of 2026. Eleven paint colors will be offered at launch, including an exclusive metallic finish named M Le Castellet Blau, a nod to the Paul Ricard circuit.

A new era for Munich

The new BMW i3 does more than just plug a 3 Series. It inaugurates a platform, an interface, a philosophy — and dares 900 km of range to challenge Tesla on its own turf. Whether Munich's cherished "joy of driving" survives the transition to electrons remains to be seen. On paper, the ingredients are all there.

To discover this new Bavarian era, find on Brochure Auto the official BMW 3 Series brochures, from historic thermal generations to the latest sedan evolutions. Users wishing to delve deeper into technical aspects can also consult BMW 3 Series owner's manuals on our dedicated site.