BMW has officially opened the order books for the new i3 50 xDrive First Edition, the second model built on its all-new Neue Klasse platform and arguably the most important car the company has launched in years.
Why? Because this isn’t some niche EV experiment. This is BMW taking aim at the heart of the premium saloon market with a fully electric replacement for the traditional 3 Series formula. Big job, then.
The numbers are certainly attention-grabbing. Twin electric motors produce 469bhp and 645Nm of torque, enough for 0-62mph in 4.7 seconds.
A huge 108.7kWh battery promises up to 563 miles of WLTP range in First Edition trim, while BMW says its new 800-volt architecture can add up to 263 miles of range in just 10 minutes on a suitable rapid charger.
Inside, there’s a futuristic new dashboard built around BMW’s Panoramic Vision display, while clever software, AI-powered voice controls and the intriguingly named “Heart of Joy” control system promise to make the car feel as smart as it is fast.
The i3 50 xDrive First Edition is available to order now from £57,905, with the standard i3 50 xDrive arriving in autumn 2026 priced from £53,005.
And here’s the awkward bit. While £53,005 may sound reasonable in BMW-land, the market has changed dramatically. Chinese manufacturers are arriving with increasingly sophisticated electric saloons offering huge batteries, long ranges, premium interiors and cutting-edge technology for noticeably less money.
Cars from brands such as BYD and XPENG are putting serious pressure on established European players. BMW will argue that driving dynamics, brand value and engineering justify the premium.
Buyers, however, may wonder whether a £50k-plus starting price still looks competitive in a market where the newcomers are getting better with every model launch.
First Edition models add M Sport styling, a 3D Head-Up Display, Harman Kardon audio, heated multifunction seats and upgraded 22kW AC charging.
BMW says the new i3 represents the next chapter in the 3 Series story, bringing the brand’s sporting saloon heritage into the electric era.
