In mid-March, BMW launched the i3 electric sedan on the Neue Klasse platform, which will hit the U.S. market early next year, so as the fourth quarter of this year approaches, BMW has already obtained recommended prices and more precise specifications. The cruising range according to the US EPA cycle can reach 750 kilometers, and the cruising range according to the WLTP cycle can reach 912 kilometers.
The sixth-generation battery cell is cylindrical, with the diameter increased to 46 mm and the height increased to 95 mm, which can provide higher energy storage density, 20% higher than the fifth-generation prismatic battery. The mystery remains as BMW has not specified the capacity of the traction battery, which gives the i3 nearly 750 kilometers of range on a realistic EPA cycle. Through a 400 kW fast charging station, the car can replenish its 423 kilometers of range in just 10 minutes.
The rear axle of the BMW i3 uses an electromagnetic excitation synchronous motor, which is controlled by an inverter to improve energy efficiency. Its power reaches 322 horsepower. A 165-horsepower non-synchronous electric motor is installed on the front axle; combined with the rear axle, it can produce a peak power of 463 horsepower. The torque is 647 N·m.
In terms of availability, the BMW i3 can provide two-way power transmission through the charging port. If necessary, it can supply power to external consumers or to the grid at a more favorable price. The charging port cover will automatically open when approaching the car owner’s most frequently used charging station. In the United States, there are approximately 10 carrier charging stations that provide quick-start charging services.
The digital instrument panel allows you to display its content on the head-up display, and the readings can be read perfectly even if the driver wears polarized glasses. Customization of displayed information is also provided, and passengers can also participate in this process. The 17.9-inch free-form central information system display can display gadgets with frequently used functions. Navigation system guidance is displayed on a projection at the base of the windshield. Using the exclusive My BMW app, you can display your favorite photo as a background image on the center display, and the background lighting of the interior is synchronized with its color scheme.
Steering wheel controls feature interactive backlighting and tactile feedback for easy access to functions without looking at the steering wheel. For Americans, the BMW i3 will also offer integration with Amazon Alexa, which not only provides interaction with chatbots and control of the car’s service functions, but also lets you watch movies and TV shows from the Amazon Prime catalog on the stationary electric vehicle. BMW provides the mapping material itself, but integrates it with Google Places so that points of interest can be marked based on the user’s search history. The infotainment system runs Android and can receive over-the-air updates.
The all-wheel-drive BMW i3 50 xDrive will go on sale in the U.S., starting at $61,500, not including nationwide delivery charges; a sporty version of the i3 M60 xDrive sedan will also go on sale in 2027, which will come with different lighting and body kit, not to mention improved dynamic features. The price of this car has not yet been determined.
