BMW has taken the cover off the much-awaited i3 electric sedan. The i3 is based on the Neue Klasse platform, the same as the iX3 electric SUV. Expected to launch in the Middle East by next year, the i3 offers quick charging and top-notch features. Read below for all the details.

Meanwhile, you can also find the best used BMW cars with Cars24 UAE.

Also read: Honda 0 Alpha SUV road testing starts, Honda’s EV future still on track?

Everything to know about the new BMW i3

Design, platform, and dimensions

The all-new i3 is based on the Neue Klasse platform. BMW claims that the design of the i3 is based on the new ‘2.5-box’ layout, which divides the car into three pieces.

The front part is equipped with a closed grille that features an illuminated surround and the fang-like DRLs. The integrated LED headlights resemble the iX3 SUV, while the lower part of the bumper features vertical air dams for increased efficiency.

The side profile is dominated by the retractable door handles, flared wheel arches, and aerodynamically designed alloy wheels with a dual-tone outlook. Meanwhile, the rear is equipped with a vertical boot, a protruding bumper, and sleek LED lights, again similar to the iX3.

The dimensions of the new BMW i3 are as follows:

• Length - 4,760 mm
• Width - 1,865 mm
• Height - 1,480 mm
• Wheelbase - 2,897 mm

Interior and features

On the inside, the i3 features a light Ivory White theme with silver and black contrasts. The leather upholstery is designed from recycled materials, thus sustaining the company’s goal to become carbon neutral.

The dashboard has an identical design to the iX3, as it features the unique hexagonal steering wheel, a diagonal 14.9-inch infotainment screen, and a full-width Panoramic Display running between both A-pillars. The latter displays all the information related to the car’s driving and infotainment.

The i3 has fewer physical buttons, and only the central console features the physical controls for the hazard lights, electronic parking brake, window defogger, and more.

The i3 electric sedan is equipped with modern features, which include the powered front seats with ventilation, Level 2 ADAS safety features, wireless charging, AI-assisted voice commands, a panoramic sunroof, and more.

Battery specs and range

The i3 sedan is based on an 800V architecture, which supports up to 400 kW DC charging. Powering the i3 is the 108.7 kWh battery pack, which develops 469 bhp and 650 Nm, via dual-electric motors.

BMW will offer the i3 in a single, fully-loaded variant, called i3 50 xDrive, and it will offer a WLTP-claimed 900 km range. This is 95 km higher than its SUV counterpart, the iX3.

When will it launch?

The new BMW i3 is scheduled to hit the production line by August 2026. The brand has announced that the European market will get the i3 by September-November 2026, while the rest of the markets will get it next year.

What cars does it rival?

The all-new BMW i3 primarily rivals the Tesla Model 3 in the global market. Other rivals include the Chinese EVs like the BYD Seal and the Mercedes-Benz CLA EV.

Cars24 UAE says

The new BMW i3 offers hi-tech architecture and powerful performance, along with high efficiency. It is suspected to launch in the Middle East next year, and its primary target will be to take over the Tesla Model 3 sales.