BMW has opened orders for the i3 50 xDrive First Edition, a fully electric variant of the 3 Series, with pricing starting at £57,905. According to the BMW Group, the standard i3 50 xDrive will follow with a base price of £53,005. The vehicle utilizes the brand’s Neue Klasse electric architecture and is expected to reach customers following a production start in August.
How does the i3 50 xDrive perform?
The i3 50 xDrive utilizes BMW’s sixth-generation electric drivetrain, featuring a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system. According to official company specifications, the model produces 345 kW of power and 645 Nm of torque, allowing for a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time of 4.7 seconds. While both the First Edition and standard models share these performance metrics, they differ in their aerodynamic efficiency. The standard i3 50 xDrive offers a WLTP-rated range of up to 912 kilometres, compared to 906 kilometres for the more heavily equipped First Edition.
What defines the First Edition package?
The First Edition distinguishes itself through a premium equipment list that is not standard on the base model. As reported by BMW, this variant includes the M Sport Package, which features an aerodynamic body kit, blue M Sport brakes, and exclusive interior upholstery. Additional standard features for the First Edition include a 3D Head-Up Display, the ‘BMW Iconic Glow’ illuminated kidney grille, and an upgraded 22 kW AC onboard charger, doubling the 11 kW capacity of the standard version.
Why is the Neue Klasse architecture significant?
The new i3 represents the second model, following the iX3, to be built on BMW’s proprietary Neue Klasse electric platform. This architecture supports an 800-volt system, which BMW states allows for DC fast charging at up to 400 kW. Under these conditions, the battery can reach an 80-percent charge from 10 percent in 21 minutes. This technology enables drivers to recover up to 263 miles of range in just 10 minutes of charging, addressing a primary consumer concern regarding long-distance electric vehicle travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When will the BMW i3 be available? Orders for the First Edition opened on 18 June, with general market availability and standard model orders starting in autumn 2026.
- What is the maximum range of the new i3? The standard i3 50 xDrive offers a WLTP range of up to 912 kilometres.
- Does the First Edition have better performance? No, the First Edition shares the same dual-motor 345 kW drivetrain as the standard model.
- Can the i3 use ultra-fast chargers? Yes, the 800-volt architecture supports DC charging speeds of up to 400 kW.
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