New BMW i3 saloon: electric next-generation 3 Series revealed

In brief, this is the battery-electric form of BMW’s most significant current and future model: the very “essence of the BMW brand”.

It is the new BMW i3 saloon, effectively an electric, next-generation BMW 3 Series.

BMW i3 design and proportions

Yes, a collective sigh of relief is in order: this electric next-generation 3 Series looks good. Very, very good. Its “2.5-box” silhouette combines short overhangs, swollen wheelarches, a softly descending roofline and low, elegant proportions. The kidney grille and four-headlight layout is neatly integrated, while the rear lighting signature looks particularly smart.

BMW i3 range, performance and charging

The drivetrain is suitably impressive, too, as the considerably larger iX3 has already shown. Initially, BMW will sell the i3 in 50 xDrive form, bringing far more efficient electric motors than earlier electric BMWs at both axles, an 800-volt electrical architecture, 463bhp, 476lb ft and an enormous 560 miles of range. Five hundred and sixty.

That is a frankly remarkable range figure. It is achieved not just through improved motors, but through a new cell-to-pack battery construction. Rather than placing cells within modules inside the battery, they are fixed directly in place, reducing weight while increasing rigidity. New battery-management software also plays its part.

BMW also says that, with a sufficiently rapid 400kW charger, it can add up to 250 miles of range in roughly 10 minutes. Such chargers remain scarce, admittedly, but it is still an impressive claim. Choosing a suitable paint colour may be your only real concern, as the i3’s four ‘superbrains’ are intended to handle virtually everything else.

One of those systems manages the battery mentioned above, while the ‘Heart of Joy’ oversees the enjoyable stuff: steering, braking, regeneration and suspension. If it proves anything like the iX3’s set-up, it should be a thoroughly polished system. Level 2 driver assistance, bidirectional charging and over-the-air updates are also included among the extensive next-generation technology.

BMW i3 interior technology

Anyone who has spent time in or around an iX3 should find the i3’s cabin familiar. Initially, though, it may feel a little daunting, because there is plenty happening. Take ‘Panoramic Vision’, which displays a vast amount of information across the entire lower section of the windscreen, from pillar to pillar.

It is joined by an optional HUD, a 17.9in central display, a multifunction steering wheel and, naturally, AI, because that genie certainly is not going back into the bottle. Want to find out how well all of this operates and, more importantly, feels? Read our iX3 review.

“The BMW 3 Series is the essence of the BMW brand,” said… BMW. “For five decades, this icon has stood for sporty driving pleasure, unmistakably attractive design and consistent progress.” As we said: this is an important car.