The BMW 3 Series has been the benchmark sports saloon for almost five decades. Now it goes fully electric — and the numbers are extraordinary. The new BMW i3 Neue Klasse delivers up to 559 miles of WLTP range, making it the longest-range electric car announced anywhere in the world. That is not a typo. Five hundred and fifty-nine miles on a single charge.

This is not a conversion of an existing petrol car with a battery bolted underneath. The i3 is built from the ground up on BMW's Neue Klasse platform — the most significant reinvention of the brand since the original 3 Series launched in 1975. New battery technology, new motors, new architecture, new software, new design language, new interior, new everything.

Production begins at BMW's Munich plant in summer 2026. First UK deliveries are expected in autumn 2026. Here is everything we know.

Design: The Neue Klasse Look Comes to the 3 Series

The i3 brings BMW's Neue Klasse design language — first seen on the iX3 SUV — to the saloon body shape. The result is the cleanest, most modern BMW saloon in decades.

BMW i3 Neue Klasse — Driving Dynamics | Source: BMW

The front end features what BMW calls a "shark nose" profile — a low, forward-leaning stance that replaces the controversial oversized kidney grilles of recent BMWs. Two slim black bands span the full width of the front bumper, housing the headlights, sensors, and a digital interpretation of the kidney grille. The optional Iconic Glow package adds illuminated grille elements with customisable welcome and goodbye light animations.

In profile, the i3 is unmistakably a sports saloon. Short overhangs at both ends, flared wheel arches, and a roofline that tapers toward the rear give it a dynamic, planted appearance. Standard 21-inch alloy wheels fill the arches convincingly. The entire underbody is completely smooth — a requirement for aerodynamic efficiency that directly contributes to that record-breaking range figure.

At the rear, horizontal three-dimensional tail lights extend into the car's shoulders with an L-shaped light signature that is distinctive from any angle. The overall design is divisive in the way that every significant BMW has been at launch — the E60 5 Series, the original iDrive, the F30 3 Series. History suggests the initial shock will settle into appreciation.

Dimensions

The i3 measures 4,760mm long, 1,865mm wide, and 1,480mm high. That makes it slightly larger than the current G20 3 Series in every dimension — 47mm longer, 38mm wider, and 40mm taller. The extra size translates into more interior space, particularly in the rear seats and boot.

Powertrain: Gen6 eDrive Technology

The first variant available in the UK is the BMW i3 50 xDrive. It uses two electric motors — a primary drive unit on the rear axle and a secondary unit on the front axle — delivering a combined 469hp (345kW) and 645Nm of torque.

BMW's new Gen6 eDrive technology reduces energy loss by 40% and motor weight by 10% compared to the previous generation. The system intelligently prioritises the rear motor for efficiency during normal driving, only engaging the front motor when additional grip or performance is demanded. In practice, you are driving a rear-wheel-drive car most of the time, with near-instant all-wheel drive available when conditions require it.

No 0-62mph time has been officially confirmed, but the iX3 with the identical 469hp powertrain manages it in 4.9 seconds. The lighter, lower i3 saloon will almost certainly be quicker — expect a figure around 4.5 to 4.7 seconds.

BMW's Heart of Joy system manages all driving dynamics in real time. Working alongside BMW Dynamic Performance Control, it coordinates the electric motors, braking, stability systems, and optional adaptive suspension to deliver what BMW describes as a new level of driving precision. The adaptive suspension adjusts to both driving style and road conditions — a welcome option for UK roads.

Additional variants with less power, smaller batteries, and lower price tags will follow after launch. A Touring estate version and an M3 with both electric and petrol powertrain options are confirmed for development.

Battery and Range: The Headline Number

The i3 uses BMW's sixth-generation cylindrical battery cell technology — the same fundamental architecture as the iX3 but optimised for the saloon's lower, more aerodynamic body shape. The usable battery capacity is 108.7kWh using lithium-ion NMC (nickel manganese cobalt) round cells that offer a 20% increase in energy density over the previous generation.

The battery is structurally integrated into the body of the car, acting as a load-bearing component that increases torsional rigidity. This is not a battery pack sitting under the floor — it is part of the car's structure.

The result is a WLTP range of up to 559 miles for the i3 50 xDrive. BMW's official model range spans 503 to 562 miles depending on specification and wheel size. These figures are provisional and not yet officially homologated, but even with a conservative real-world reduction of 20-25%, that suggests 420 to 450 miles of actual driving range in mixed conditions. That is enough for London to Edinburgh without stopping. London to the Scottish Highlands with one brief charge. Dover to Paris and back without plugging in.

For context, the current longest-range EVs in the UK market — the Mercedes EQS and the Tesla Model S — top out around 400 miles WLTP. The i3 exceeds them by over 150 miles. This is not an incremental improvement. It is a generational leap.

Charging: 248 Miles in 10 Minutes

The i3 features 800-volt electrical architecture, enabling ultra-fast DC charging at up to 400kW. At a compatible high-power charger, 10 minutes of charging adds approximately 248 miles of range. That is enough for most people's entire daily driving in the time it takes to buy a coffee.

Charging from 10% to 80% — the range most owners will use — takes approximately 20 to 25 minutes at a 350kW+ charger. Home charging on a 7kW wallbox will take significantly longer given the battery size, but overnight charging will comfortably deliver a full battery every morning.

The i3 also supports bidirectional charging: Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) for powering external devices and appliances, Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) for feeding energy back into your household supply during peak tariff hours, and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) for supplying energy back to the national grid. This makes the i3 not just a car but a mobile energy storage unit — a feature that will become increasingly valuable as smart energy tariffs evolve.

Interior: Panoramic iDrive and a Complete Rethink

The i3's interior represents the biggest leap in BMW cabin design since the introduction of iDrive over two decades ago.

The centrepiece is BMW Panoramic iDrive — a system that projects key information across the full width of the windscreen. Speed, navigation directions, media controls, and driving assistance information appear directly in the driver's line of sight without looking away from the road. This is not a traditional head-up display limited to a small rectangle. It spans the entire windscreen, with information positioned contextually where it is most useful.

A central touchscreen handles secondary functions — media, settings, vehicle configuration — while physical buttons are retained for frequently used controls like climate and volume. BMW has listened to the criticism levelled at brands that moved everything to touchscreens and has struck a sensible balance between digital innovation and physical usability.

The cabin layout follows the same minimal, driver-focused design as the iX3. High-quality materials throughout, with around 30% of the car built from recycled or secondary materials — including recycled aluminium in the chassis and recycled textiles in the seat fabrics. The driving position is low and sporty, befitting a 3 Series.

BMW Symbiotic Drive debuts in the i3, marking what BMW describes as a new era in assisted driving. While full details of the system's capabilities are still emerging, it builds on the sensor suite and processing power that impressed in the iX3.

Estimated UK Pricing

BMW has not confirmed UK pricing, but based on the iX3's positioning and market analysis, the i3 50 xDrive is expected to start at approximately £55,000. That places it in the same territory as the Tesla Model 3 Performance, the Polestar 2 Long Range, and the upcoming Audi A4 e-tron.

For company car drivers — historically the largest 3 Series buyer group — the i3's zero-emission status means significantly lower Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) tax compared to equivalent petrol or diesel models. A 2% BIK rate on a £55,000 car results in annual tax of £440 for a 40% taxpayer, compared to over £4,000 for a comparable petrol 3 Series. This makes the i3 considerably cheaper to run as a company car despite the higher list price.

Lower-specification variants with rear-wheel drive, smaller batteries, and reduced power will likely arrive in 2027 with prices starting closer to £45,000 to £48,000, though this is not confirmed.

How It Compares to Rivals

The i3 enters a competitive segment, but the range figure alone sets it apart.

BMW i3 vs Tesla Model 3

The Tesla Model 3 has defined the electric saloon segment since 2017. The i3 challenges it directly with significantly more range (559 vs approximately 390 miles WLTP for the Model 3 Long Range), a more premium interior, and BMW's chassis tuning expertise. Tesla's advantages remain its Supercharger network, software update cadence, and lower starting price. The i3 is the more premium, longer-range option. The Model 3 is the more accessible, tech-forward alternative.

BMW i3 vs Mercedes EQE / Electric C-Class

Mercedes is expected to reveal its electric C-Class shortly. The EQE is a larger, more expensive alternative. BMW has struck first with the Neue Klasse platform, and the range advantage is substantial. Mercedes will need to match or exceed the i3's efficiency to compete on the metric that matters most to EV buyers.

BMW i3 vs Polestar 2

The Polestar 2 offers a sporty driving experience and Scandinavian design but cannot match the i3's range, charging speed, or the depth of BMW's dealer network. The Polestar appeals to buyers who want something different from the mainstream. The i3 is the mainstream elevated.

BMW i3 vs Hyundai Ioniq 6

The Ioniq 6 offers exceptional efficiency and value in the electric saloon space. It will likely undercut the i3 on price significantly. But the i3 offers a more premium experience, a stronger brand, and substantially more range.

Production and Availability

Production begins at BMW's Munich plant in summer 2026 — the first Neue Klasse model to be built in Munich. Additional production will follow at plants in Mexico and China for their respective markets.

First UK deliveries are expected in autumn 2026. The i3 50 xDrive will be the only variant available at launch. Order books are expected to open in autumn 2026.

A 3 Series Touring estate with both electric and combustion powertrains is confirmed for 2027. An M3 — likely with both a high-performance electric and a petrol variant — is in development with no confirmed date.

Key Specifications at a Glance

Model: BMW i3 50 xDrive Saloon

Powertrain: Dual electric motors (front and rear)

Power: 469hp (345kW)

Torque: 645Nm

Battery: 108.7kWh usable (NMC cylindrical cells)

Architecture: 800V

WLTP Range: Up to 559 miles (provisional)

Max Charging Speed: 400kW DC

10-Minute Charge: Approximately 248 miles added

0-62mph: Not confirmed (estimated 4.5-4.7 seconds)

Length: 4,760mm

Width: 1,865mm

Height: 1,480mm

Wheels: 21-inch standard

Platform: Neue Klasse (EV-dedicated)

Bidirectional Charging: V2L, V2H, V2G

UK Price (estimated): From approximately £55,000

UK Deliveries: Autumn 2026

Should You Wait for the BMW i3?

If you are currently considering an electric saloon, the i3 deserves a place at the top of your shortlist. The range figure alone changes the conversation — 559 miles eliminates range anxiety for virtually any journey within the UK, and most journeys across Europe, without charging.

If you are a company car driver, the financial case is overwhelming. The BIK savings versus a petrol 3 Series amount to thousands per year, and the i3 delivers a premium driving experience that previous electric alternatives in this price range could not match.

If you need a car before autumn 2026, the iX3 SUV is already available on the same Neue Klasse platform with the same technology. If you specifically want a saloon, the wait for the i3 may be worth it.

Book a Test Drive

Interested in experiencing the BMW i3 for yourself? You can register your interest and book a test drive directly through BMW UK.

Visit BMW UK to configure your i3 and book a test drive →

BMW's UK dealer network will have demonstration vehicles available from autumn 2026. Registering early ensures you are among the first to drive it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far can the BMW i3 go on one charge?

The BMW i3 50 xDrive has a provisional WLTP range of up to 559 miles. The full model range spans 503 to 562 miles depending on specification. Real-world range in mixed UK driving conditions is likely to be 420 to 450 miles.

How fast can the BMW i3 charge?

The i3 supports DC fast charging at up to 400kW thanks to its 800-volt architecture. Ten minutes at a high-power charger adds approximately 248 miles of range. Charging from 10% to 80% takes roughly 20 to 25 minutes.

How much will the BMW i3 cost in the UK?

Pricing is not yet confirmed but the i3 50 xDrive is expected to start at approximately £55,000. Lower-specification variants are expected to follow in 2027 at lower price points.

When can I buy the BMW i3 in the UK?

First UK deliveries are expected in autumn 2026. Order books are anticipated to open around the same time. Production begins at BMW's Munich plant in summer 2026.

Is the BMW i3 the same as the old i3?

No. The original BMW i3 (2013-2022) was a compact city car. The new i3 is a full-size electric saloon — the electric version of the 3 Series — built on BMW's entirely new Neue Klasse platform. They share only the name.

Will there be an estate version?

Yes. BMW has confirmed a 3 Series Touring estate variant is in development, expected in 2027 with both electric and combustion powertrain options.

Will there be an electric M3?

BMW has confirmed that M3 variants are in development, with both electric and petrol high-performance versions expected. No launch date has been confirmed.

Can the BMW i3 power my house?

Yes. The i3 supports Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) bidirectional charging, allowing it to feed energy back to your home during peak tariff hours. It also supports Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) for external devices and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) for grid supply.

Last updated: March 2026. Specifications, range figures and pricing are provisional and based on BMW's published data. Official homologated figures may vary. Visit BMW UK for the latest confirmed details.