BMW i3 EV Is the Neue Klasse Sedan We’ve WantedBMW
When BMW chose to launch the iX3 as the first vehicle to sit on its Neue Klasse EV architecture, we were a little disappointed. The original Vision Neue Klasse concept from 2023 had been a cool looking sedan, so expectations had been that we would see a production version of that car rather than—with all respect to the iX3—yet another crossover.
Now the wait is over and the production i3 has been unveiled, a “2.5-box” sedan which has kept the tightly wrapped proportions and much of the shape of the Vision Neue Klasse. It’s less radical than the concept car, to no surprise, but it is also handsome in a way that most BMWs have not been for a long time. Although the new i3 shares its name with the part-carbon EV hatch that was sold between 2013 and 2022, it is completely different—essentially being an all-electric equivalent to the 3-Series.
BMW
The better news, having seen it in the metal, is that I can confirm the i3 is a much better-looking car than most of BMW’s recent products. The company’s extra-large “kidney grille” graphic has reached its logical conclusion—extending fully to both sides of the car – but this is actually just formed of narrow running lights, with a smaller “radiator” style shape marked out inside them. This isn’t actually an aperture, with the i3’s needs for cooling air dealt with by the intake below the front bumper.
The i3’s rear end also builds on the iX3’s design with an almost full-width light bar running across the trunk lid, but the sedan’s styling is more harmonious than that of the taller crossover. The most striking angle is definitely side-on, where the i3 marks a welcome return to the tightly-wrapped proportions which used to be a trademark of BMW’s elegant sedans. The i3 has an identical 114.1-inch wheelbase to the iX3, this sitting beneath an overall length of 187.4 inches, which is just 0.9 less than the crossover. Overhangs at both ends are minimal, and despite the need to accommodate an underfloor battery pack, the i3’s 58.3-inch height is only 1.3 inches more than the current 3-Series. The i3 even has a version of BMW’s trademark “Hofmeister kink” at the trailing edge of the rear side window, albeit one shaped from dark plastic rather than glass.
BMW
Like other Neue Klasse EVs, the i3 will use an 800-volt battery to support higher speed recharging. Official capacity is unconfirmed at this point, but BMW engineers at a preview event said the i3’s pack is shared with the iX3, and will presumably have a similar 109-kWh storage. This is also borne out by the range, one of the numbers that has been released. The i3’s lower profile mean it has an estimated 440-mile EPA range, 40 miles more than the iX3. Both cars will have identical peak DC fast charging capabilities supporting rates of up to 400 kW. Vehicle-to-load reverse charging will also be offered, allowing the i3 to act as a vast powerbank, but only as a paid upgrade.
The powertrain is also shared, with the first-to-launch i3 M50 xDrive version using an externally excited synchronous rear motor and a conventional permanent magnet front motor. System peaks are quoted at 463 hp and 478 lb-ft of torque, those figures near-identical to those of the iX3. Other versions will follow, including an M version with quad motors. Also, BMW executives suggest, at least one rear-wheel drive model. BMW’s “Heart of Joy” dynamic control system will regulate power delivery and regeneration.
BMW
One interesting technical detail did slip out at the preview event; the i3 will come with the option of active dampers, while the taller (and presumably heavier) iX3 is only offered with passive suspension. This is strongly suggestive that the i3 will have a sportier tune than its crossover sibling.
The i3’s cabin architecture is very similar to that of the iX3, featuring the same canted-over central touchscreen with a narrower panoramic display positioned behind this and effectively functioning as an extended digital instrument pack. It also gets the option of the slightly bizarre four-spoked steering wheel that I experienced when I drove the iX3; the extra spoke doesn’t serve any functional purpose.
BMW
Within the BMW range, the i3 is set to overlap heavily with the i4 in terms of both positioning and probably also pricing. Given the i4 is an electrified 4-Series Gran Coupe built on what was originally a combustion engine platform, it would make sense for BMW to retire it before introducing this spiffy new model. Company executives also say that the next 3-Series will bear a strong resemblance to the i3, although both cars will be built on different architectures.
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