BMW’s next-generation i3 electric sedan is shaping up to be a serious long-distance machine. Built on the company’s new Neue Klasse EV platform, the upcoming model could deliver as much as 440 miles of range, putting it among the longest-range electric sedans announced so far.
Despite the familiar name, this isn’t related to the quirky carbon-fiber city car BMW sold in the 2010s. The new i3 is essentially the brand’s electric 3 Series replacement, designed from the ground up as a dedicated EV.
The first version expected to launch, the i3 50 xDrive, will feature dual motors producing roughly 463 horsepower and 476 lb-ft of torque, sending power to all four wheels. That puts it squarely in sports-sedan territory while still delivering exceptional range.
Charging performance is another highlight. Thanks to its 800-volt architecture, the new i3 should support DC fast charging speeds up to 400 kW, potentially adding hundreds of miles of range during a short charging stop. Combined with the long-range battery, that makes the i3 a compelling option for road trips.
The i3 will also showcase BMW’s broader Neue Klasse technology stack, including a new centralized computing platform designed to dramatically speed up vehicle processing and software responsiveness.
If the production numbers hold up, BMW’s electric i3 could become one of the most capable long-distance EV sedans on the market when it arrives later this decade.
See more about the new BMW i3 on BMW’s website.