German automaker BMW has revealed the new all-electric i3, positioned as the second model in its Neue Klasse lineup. It’s essentially the sedan counterpart to the iX3 SUV that was revealed last year and the i3 badge was also previously used on the electric hatchback sold from 2013 to 2022. This new iteration also serves as a preview of the next-generation 3 Series. The electric sedan will be the first to be sold worldwide. The Indian debut is expected sometime in 2027. Production will begin in August 2026 at the BMW Group’s Munich plant, with global deliveries between September and November.
Talking about the battery first, the new i3 will initially only be offered with a ’50 xDrive’ variant, built on the brand’s 800V Neue Klasse platform. It has a dual-motor, all-wheel drive setup that produces 469hp and 645Nm. BMW hasn’t revealed the battery capacity, but it’s expected to be similar to the 108.7kWh unit in the iX3. The sedan offers a WLTP range of up to 900km, which is 95km more than the SUV.The i3 supports 400kW DC fast charging, adding 400km of range in 10 minutes, as well as AC charging up to 22kW. It has also introduced a new electronic control unit ‘Heart of Joy’, which manages functions such as drivetrain, braking, steering, regeneration and charging, and is claimed to be significantly faster than previous systems.
The BMW i3 adopts the brand’s latest Neue Klasse design language, combining familiar cues with a new, clean-sheet approach. At the front, it has a split lighting setup with headlamps and daytime running lights housed in thin, LED-patterned sections. A large hexagonal lower section is flanked by vertical air channels with gloss black trim, while pronounced front fenders add visual width.
In profile, the i3 follows a more traditional three-box form, described by BMW as a “2.5-box” design, with a more upright stance than typical EV sedans. Smooth body panels, flush door handles and large alloy wheels define the side view. At the rear, the car gets a flat boot section, slightly flared bumper and distinct slim LED tail lamps along with gloss black detailing. The i3 measures 4,760mm in length, 1,865mm in width and 1,480mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,897mm. BMW also previewed the Touring Estate version, which is expected to arrive later this year.
Moving inside, the cabin has a technology-focused layout with a 17.9-inch infotainment screen and a full-width Panoramic Vision Display that doubles as the driver’s display. It also gets a twin-spoke steering wheel. Physical controls are minimal, with key functions grouped together with a rotary drive selector on the center console. Features include powered front seats, ambient lighting, Level 2 ADAS, a wireless charging pad, an AI-based assistant, and an optional 3D head-up display.
