New BMW i3
Continues iconic sports saloon in the electric age
Words by Mark Slack
The BMW 3 Series is the very essence of the BMW brand and, for five decades, has been an iconic model for the German car maker. The new all-electric BMW i3 builds upon this legacy while taking a technological quantum leap into a new electric era.
BMW claim the new i3 is capable of covering of up to 560 miles on a single charge. The range launches with the 50 xDrive model variant, which is powered by two electric motors which drive the front and rear axle to develop a combined system output of 469 hp and 645 Nm of torque.
The i3 offers a modern interpretation of hallmark BMW Saloon design with its new 2.5-box silhouette. Its design is characterised by a long wheelbase with short overhangs and a sloping roofline. The front-end is sculpted in a shark-nose design and centred around a horizontal kidney grille.
Inside, positioned front and centre is the BMW Panoramic iDrive, which consists of four key components: the BMW Panoramic Vision display, the optional BMW 3D Head-Up Display, the driver-oriented Central Display and the new multi-function steering wheel. Electrically operated door openers at the front and rear and the centre console between the driver and passenger seats includes a storage area with inductive charging function.
Customers will be able to customise the interior and exterior of their i3 with different trim levels, including M Sport, following its success within the UK market. Eleven exterior paint finishes are available from launch, including new M Le Castellet Blue – exclusive to the BMW i3.
Customers will have comprehensive options for personalisation in the areas of lighting, sound, displays and drives via My Modes with modes such as Sport, Efficient and Silent.
The new BMW i3 will continue to receive new functions, optimised performance, or AI- supported features via software updates long after purchase. All future BMW models will feature the electronics and software architecture developed for the Neue Klasse.
The new i3 will be built at the home of BMW Group, Munich, which has been producing vehicles for over a century. Over the last four years, the production plant has seen significant modernisation with the construction of a new body shop, cutting-edge assembly facility and logistics space. Now in its final stages of expansion, Plant Munich will commence BMW i3 production in August, with first UK customer deliveries expected in autumn.
Further information, including UK pricing and detailed model specifications will follow in due course.
Words by Mark Slack
