Driving the BMW i3, the electric 3 Series rival, with up to 912 km of range

The BMW i3 has gone on its first test drives as the third model in the Neue Klasse family, after the iX3 and iX5. According to first impressions from Auto Express and CarExpert, the i3 is positioned as the electric counterpart to the 3 Series and will replace the outgoing i4. Its rivals include the Mercedes C-Class Electric, Lexus ES, Tesla Model 3, Hyundai Ioniq 6 and Polestar 2.

BMW i3 specifications and range

There are two all-wheel-drive versions. The entry-level 40 xDrive has an 82.8 kWh battery and is rated at 5.4 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h. According to the British publication, this version produces 386 hp and has a range of up to 436 miles. CarExpert gives it 275 kW of power and a maximum range of 710 km.

The top-spec 50 xDrive's battery capacity is listed as 112 kWh by the British publication and 108.7 kWh by CarExpert. The gap between the two figures may come from the difference between gross and net capacity, but the sources do not explain it. The 50 xDrive produces 345 kW and 645 Nm of torque and takes 4.7 seconds to reach 100 km/h. CarExpert puts its range at 912 km, while Auto Express gives 566 miles. In Auto Express's test, the car achieved 4.7 miles per kWh on the motorway. Mixed driving brought that down to an average of 3.7 miles per kWh, which gave an estimated range of 414 miles.

All i3 models use an 800-volt electrical architecture. DC fast-charging power is 300 kW for the 40 xDrive and 400 kW for the 50 xDrive. In both versions, charging from 10 to 80 percent takes 21 minutes. AC charging is 11 kW as standard, with 22 kW available as an option.

Driving and interior

Both sources say the i3 feels very close to the 3 Series to drive. The steering is described as natural in weight and precise. The test cars had passive suspension, and ride comfort was rated well. Auto Express says the car's kerb weight of 2,205 kg is noticeable on rough surfaces, while CarExpert lists it at 2,280 kg. At the limit, the car pushes wide at the front. For drivers who want something sharper, CarExpert recommends the petrol-powered M350, and an M60 performance version is also reportedly under consideration.

Inside, the car has a Panoramic iDrive layout, a 17.9-inch central screen and a strip display that spans the area below the windscreen. Placing the climate controls on the screen has drawn criticism. Rear legroom is tight, and boot capacity is 420 litres. According to CarExpert, the car measures 4,760 mm long, 1,865 mm wide and 1,480 mm high, with a wheelbase of 2,897 mm.

Price

In the UK, the i3 40 xDrive starts at GBP 47,975, and the 50 xDrive costs GBP 5,500 more. In Australia, prices start at AUD 96,900 and AUD 112,900, excluding taxes. Neither source gives a price for Turkey.

Key points:
- The i3 50 xDrive offers 345 kW of power, 645 Nm of torque and a 4.7-second 0-100 km/h time
- The 800-volt architecture allows a 10 to 80 percent charge in 21 minutes
- Drivers found the ride close to the 3 Series, and boot capacity is 420 litres