BMW i3

The BMW i3 is a fully electric compact executive sedan built on BMW’s dedicated Neue Klasse platform, sharing its market segment with the combustion-powered 3 Series. Unlike the original i3 hatchback, this generation uses a conventional sedan body with sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology.

Range and Battery of the BMW i3:

• The i3 50 xDrive uses a 108.7 kWh usable battery with an estimated WLTP electric range of 912 km.

• The smaller-battery i3 40 variant has approximately 82.8 kWh usable capacity and a reported range of 702 km.

• An 800 V electrical architecture supports DC fast charging at up to 400 kW on the i3 50 xDrive.

• DC charging from 10–80% takes approximately 21 minutes under suitable conditions.

• The structural battery pack uses cylindrical cells; DC charging can add over 400 km of WLTP-rated range in approximately 10 minutes.

Powertrain and Performance of the BMW i3:

• The i3 50 xDrive features dual electric motors producing 345 kW and 645 Nm of combined torque, with all-wheel drive.

• Acceleration from 0–100 km/h takes approximately 4.7 seconds; one reviewer recorded 0–96.6 km/h in 4.1 seconds.

• The rear axle uses an electrically excited synchronous motor, while the front uses an asynchronous induction motor.

• BMW’s Heart of Joy controller coordinates motor output, regenerative braking, traction, and chassis responses.

• Passive steel-spring suspension provides controlled cornering and ride comfort; Sport mode increases steering resistance and responsiveness.

Technology and Features of the BMW i3:

• BMW Panoramic iDrive combines a 17.9-inch central touchscreen with a windscreen-base Panoramic Vision display.

• Operating System X supports voice assistance, customizable driving settings, navigation, and digital vehicle controls.

• Optional Motorway Assistant enables hands-free driving up to 130 km/h on supported roads.

• Regenerative braking offers adjustable recovery levels, adaptive operation, and one-pedal driving through B mode.

• Available equipment includes massage seats, a panoramic glass roof, a 430 W Harman Kardon audio system, and a 58 L front storage compartment.