Liputan6.com, Jakarta - BMW, the German luxury automaker, is once again disrupting the global electric vehicle market with the launch of the new BMW i3.
Mass production is scheduled to begin in August 2026, with first deliveries expected in the fall of that year, bringing innovation and high performance to the road.
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The new i3 is designed completely differently from the previous hatchback version and the China-only i3 eDrive35L, making it the first global electric sedan of the 3 Series.
Built on the "Neue Klasse" platform dedicated exclusively to electric vehicles, the BMW i3 promises unprecedented efficiency, fast charging, and a driving experience.
Production of the next-generation BMW i3 is scheduled to begin in August 2026 at the BMW Group plant in Munich, Germany.
Design Revolution and the "Neue Klasse" Platform
The new BMW i3 is the first fully electric 3 Series sedan for the global market and the second model in BMW's "Neue Klasse" range.
It fundamentally differs from the existing i3 hatchback and the China-exclusive i3 eDrive35L, demonstrating BMW's commitment to innovation.
The car is built on the "Neue Klasse" platform specifically designed for electric vehicles.
A choice of 11 exterior paint colors is available at launch, including the M Sport package with M Le Castellet Blue metallic and 21-inch M 1067 M aerodynamic wheels.
The vehicle's dimensions are also slightly larger than the current petrol 3 Series, measuring 4760mm in length, 1865mm in width, 1480mm in height and with a wheelbase of 2897mm.
Superior Performance and Impressive Range
The initial variant to be available is the BMW i3 50 xDrive, which features a dual-motor All-Wheel Drive (AWD) setup for optimal performance.
This system produces a combined output of 345 kW (463 hp / 469 PS) and peak torque of 645 Nm, promising a powerful driving experience.
The vehicle also utilizes BMW's highly efficient sixth-generation (Gen6) eDrive technology, contributing to its exceptional range.
Equipped with a 108.7 kWh battery pack, similar to the iX3 50 xDrive, the BMW i3 utilizes new cylindrical battery cells with a "cell-to-pack" design for increased energy density and efficiency.
Meanwhile, the EPA-estimated range is 440 miles (708 km).
Advanced Charging Technology
The new BMW i3 is designed with an 800V electrical architecture, which is key to its extremely fast charging capabilities and superior energy efficiency.
This architecture enables DC fast charging at up to 400 kW.
With this charging speed, users can add up to 400 km of range in just about 10 minutes, ideal for long-distance trips.
Additionally, the BMW i3 will support bidirectional charging, including Vehicle-to-Load (V2L), Vehicle-to-Home (V2H), and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G).
AC charging is available at up to 22 kW, suitable for charging at home or at slower public charging stations.
BMW also ensures convenient charging in North America by equipping the i3 with a NACS (North American Charging Standard) charging port, enabling access to the extensive Tesla Supercharger network.
Estimated Price and Variants
While the official price for the new BMW i3 has not yet been announced, several estimates are circulating in the market.
In the United States, the estimated starting price is estimated to be between $50,000 and $60,000, placing it in the premium segment of electric vehicles.
This price range reflects the advanced technology, high performance, and luxury offered by the BMW i3.
For the Australian market, pricing will be released closer to the official launch, but initial estimates suggest a starting price of around AUD 100,000.