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 a nameplate already rich in history: i3. But forget the futuristic compact car with gull-wing 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 Series 3 in history. With an announced range of up to 900 km WLTP and charging at 400 kW, the Bavarian hits hard, very hard.

One name, two destinies

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

For 2026, BMW recycles the nameplate 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 release, BMW claims visual lineage not with the old i3, but with the Series 3 coupes E21 (1975-1983) and E30 (1982-1994): sloping hood, taut profile, vertical rear. A love letter to its roots.

The second pillar of the Neue Klasse

Following the iX3 SUV launched in late 2025, the i3 sedan is the second manifestation 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 (20% higher energy density according to BMW), and a new software integration approach, articulated around four supercomputers and a control unit called Heart of Joy.

On board, BMW deploys its new Panoramic iDrive: a panoramic display band projected across the entire windshield width, 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 uncompromising 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 competes in the same league as the Tesla Model 3 and Mercedes CLA (both at 4.72 m). Flush handles, concealed joints, fully aerodynamic underbody: everything is designed to chase drag coefficient. The dual-kidney grille optionally receives Iconic Glow lighting to make a statement at night.

The 50 xDrive version sets the tone

For launch, BMW highlights the top-spec i3 50 xDrive version. Two electric motors, all-wheel drive, 469 hp (345 kW) combined and 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 charging, the 800V architecture allows this i3 50 xDrive up to 400 kW direct current, or 400 km recovered in 10 minutes at a compatible high-power charger (per ISO 12906 standard, WLTP cycle — preliminary values). Alternating charge 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 an i3 M60 dual-motor targeting 620 hp and previewing the future electric M3 (project code ZA0). On pricing, BMW has not officially communicated, but the entry-level is expected 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: serious business begins

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

A new era for Munich

The new BMW i3 doesn't just plug into the Series 3. It introduces a platform, an interface, a philosophy — and dares 900 km of range to challenge Tesla on its own turf. It remains to be seen whether, in real conditions, the "joy of driving" dear to Munich survives the shift to electrons. On paper, the ingredients are there.

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