BMW has unveiled the next generation 3 Series sedan, debuting the fully electric i3 built on the Neue Klasse platform alongside mild hybrid gasoline models. The flagship electric i3 50 xDrive delivers up to 912 kilometers of range on a single charge, while the combustion lineup is led by the 443 horsepower M350 xDrive. Production is split between Munich and Dingolfing facilities as the model prepares for global rollout.
BMW introduces 2 all electric models at launch, both using sixth generation eDrive hardware with 800V system architecture and cylindrical battery cells. The top electric variant is the i3 50 xDrive, which produces 345 kW (469 horsepower) and 645 Nm of torque through 2 electric motors. This model accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds and carries a 108.7 kWh battery pack delivering up to 912 kilometers of WLTP driving range. At a 400 kW DC fast charger, the battery can gain 423 kilometers of range in 10 minutes. The base electric option is the i3 40 xDrive, delivering 275 kW (374 horsepower) with an 82.8 kWh battery that covers up to 710 kilometers. A faster i3 M60 xDrive variant will join the electric roster later.
The combustion engine lineup is headed by the M350 xDrive. This performance sedan packs a 3.0 liter 6 cylinder inline petrol engine backed by a 48V mild hybrid starter generator. The setup produces 326 kW (443 horsepower), enabling a 0 to 100 km/h sprint in 4.1 seconds and reaching a top speed of 250 km/h. A new software setting called Drift Moment allows drivers to disengage front wheel power and route 100% of the torque directly to the rear axle. Alongside this 6 cylinder flagship, BMW will offer 2 variants with 4 cylinder turbocharged engines, with plug in hybrid options scheduled for release later. Handling on the electric i3 is governed by the Heart of Joy computing unit, which integrates all traction and chassis control software into 1 central processor.
The exterior adopts Neue Klasse styling with flush door handles, a short front overhang, and a unified front panel that merges the kidney grilles with the headlights. Wheel sizes range from 18 inches on combustion cars up to 21 inches on the electric i3. Inside, the cabin introduces the BMW Panoramic iDrive operating on BMW Operating System X. This interface pairs a 17.9 inch angled center touchscreen with a wide Panoramic Vision display projected along the lower edge of the windshield. Drivers also get an optional 3D Head Up Display and an updated steering wheel with physical multifunction buttons.
BMW splits production across several European facilities. The fully electric i3 will roll off the line at the main Munich plant, marking a total shift toward battery electric vehicle manufacturing at the location. Dingolfing will assemble the combustion engine models, while the Steyr plant in Austria supplies the mechanical drive units and petrol engines. High voltage battery assemblies are sourced from the factory in Irlbach Straßkirchen.
