BMW appears to have a welcome challenge on its hands. Following stronger-than-expected interest in its next-generation electric vehicles, the German automaker is reportedly bringing forward the launch of the all-new BMW i3 electric sedan to capitalize on growing customer demand.
According to a report from German publication Automobilwoche (in German), BMW will begin accepting orders for a special “1st Edition” version of the i3 in Germany this week—months earlier than originally planned. The company had previously intended to open order books in autumn, but enthusiasm surrounding the new electric 3 Series has prompted a faster rollout.
The BMW i3 is the second model built on the automaker’s dedicated Neue Klasse EV platform, following the recently unveiled iX3 electric SUV. Interest in the sedan has reportedly been exceptionally strong since its debut in March, with demand coming not only from Europe but also from China, where the model was showcased during its global premiere.
BMW i3 50 xDrive Leads the Launch
At launch, BMW is expected to offer a single variant: the i3 50 xDrive. The all-wheel-drive electric sedan features a dual-motor setup producing 469 horsepower (345 kW) and 476 lb-ft (645 Nm) of torque.
Power comes from a battery pack with a usable capacity of approximately 107-108 kWh. Thanks to BMW’s sixth-generation electric drivetrain technology, including newly developed cylindrical battery cells and an advanced 800-volt architecture, the i3 promises impressive performance and efficiency.
Preliminary estimates suggest the i3 50 xDrive could deliver around 440 miles (708 km) of EPA-rated range. BMW has also indicated a maximum range figure of up to 900 kilometers under less stringent testing standards, though final homologated figures have yet to be confirmed.
Ultra-Fast 400 kW Charging
One of the i3’s standout features is its charging capability. The 800-volt system supports DC fast charging at up to 400 kW, enabling the battery to recharge from 10% to 80% in approximately 21-22 minutes.
BMW says its sixth-generation EV technology delivers substantial improvements in charging speed, energy efficiency, and overall driving performance compared to current-generation models.
The i3 will also feature vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality as standard, allowing owners to power external devices such as tools, appliances, and electronic equipment directly from the vehicle’s high-voltage battery. Output through the charging port is rated at up to 3.7 kW.
More Variants Expected Later
While the i3 50 xDrive will be the first version available, BMW is expected to expand the lineup with additional variants in the future. These are likely to include rear-wheel-drive models with smaller battery packs, offering lower pricing and even greater efficiency.
Production Begins in Munich This August
Despite the earlier order launch, production timing reportedly remains unchanged. BMW plans to start manufacturing the i3 in August at its historic Munich plant, long associated with production of the conventional 3 Series.
For North American customers, the new electric sedan will arrive with a Tesla-style NACS charging port as standard, while a CCS adapter will also be included. U.S. sales are expected to begin in 2027, although pricing details have not yet been announced.
With strong demand already building ahead of production, the BMW i3 is shaping up to become one of the most important launches in the company’s transition to its next generation of electric vehicles.
