It has been almost eight years since the current G20-gen BMW 3 Series was unveiled, and we’ve been told prior that its next-gen redux will start as a futuristic, all-electric sedan. And now, that electric sedan has finally arrived today, in the form of BMW’s second-ever Neue Klasse-based model, the all-new BMW i3.
Not to be confused with either the quirky, carbon monocoque-clad hatch or the China-only model based on the G20, the new, NA0-coded i3 marks a new era for the 3 Series, as everything from the way it looks to how it drives and what powers it is new for the nameplate.
A New Dawn for 3 Series
While the upcoming next-gen (G50) 3 Series will underpin a heavily updated version of BMW’s CLAR platform, this NA0-gen i3 is based around the company’s Neue Klasse EV architecture, and the promises are even greater than what we saw for the iX3.
Just like its SUV twin, the new i3 will be initially offered with a single 50 xDrive variant, whose spec closely mirrors that of the iX3 50 xDrive—a Gen6 eDrive dual-motor AWD setup that delivers a combined output of 469 PS (345 kW) and 645 Nm.
Staying true to its 3 Series roots, the rear axle of the i3 50 xDrive does most of the heavy lifting, thanks to its electrically excited synchronous motor, while the front axle gets a tamer asynchronous motor that helps to fill in the gaps and better traction control.
Pure electric powertrains apart, what truly sets the i3 Neue Klasse apart from its pure combustion predecessors is the new Heart of Joy control system that can react 10 times faster than the previous system. It is tasked to manage the drive, brakes, steering, and energy recuperation for the new i3, with BMW even claiming the new system makes the car feel sharper, more predictable, and more natural on the go.
But a supercomputer-rivaling control system is nothing without decent hardware, and BMW clearly did not skimp on this department, as the new i3 rocks a new five-link rear axle setup with standard stroke-dependent dampers and anti-roll bars with highly preloaded bearings. Not only that, there’s even an optional adaptive suspension setup, which we think might be a good idea for a two-tonne saloon to have.
An Even More ‘Usable’ EV
Another thing that sets Neue Klasse BMW EVs apart from their rivals is the high-performance 800-volt architecture with cylindrical battery cells it underpins, where its cell-to-pack construction helps to provide better energy density and more compact packaging for the new i3.
Using the same 108 kWh NMC battery pack as the iX3, the new i3 is rated with up to 900 km of WLTP range, which easily makes it the longest-ranged BMW EV yet. Mind you, this figure is based on the preliminary tests run by BMW, so take it with a grain of salt, for now.
Having said that, the new i3 can support up to 400 kW of DC fast charging, which BMW claims can add up to 400 km of travel range in just 10 minutes of charging. Its AC charging, on the other hand, is rated at up to 22 kW. And just like any other modern EV, the new i3 supports bi-directional charging, so it can not only be transformed into a giant mobile power bank but also send energy back to the grid.
Futuristic Design Inside Out
At one glance, the new i3 looks very futuristic and represents a heavy departure from the outgoing G20 model. Upon closer inspection, you can see that BMW has done some ‘compromise’ to make its design more appealing and less overtly futuristic, like the one we saw on its concept, the Vision Neue Klasse.
Somehow, BMW managed to retain its iconic kidney grille design in this futuristic sedan, where it is now part of the brand’s new visor face identity, with the car’s intricate lighting setup also being integrated here. Speaking of which, the LED headlights’ dual-slanted DRLs are a subtle yet heavily modernised homage to the iconic Angel Eyes present in many prior 3 Series models.
From the side, the new i3 looks much cleaner and purposeful over its concept twin, featuring flush door handles, muscular fenders, and even a more futuristic take on the classic Hofmeister kink on its C-pillars.
Donning the rear are a pair of slim LED taillights that almost meet at the centre, while the gloss black-hued rear bumper accent helps to break the whole tailgate into two, giving it a wider stance.
What some might not notice in these studio shots is how big the new i3 is, as this electric sedan spans 4,760 mm long, 1,865 mm wide, and 1,480 mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,897 mm. This configuration makes it 47 mm longer, 37 mm wide, and 36 mm taller than the outgoing G20 model.
Onboard, the new i3 gets the same overtly modernised cabin setup seen on its SUV counterpart, featuring a wraparound dashboard with a pillar-to-pillar 3D head-up display (HUD) being its centrepiece.
Also present here is the iX3’s quirky four-spoke multifunctional steering wheel, and while the 17.9-inch central infotainment screen is too large and hi-tech for any layman’s business, at least BMW has some sense to make it angled slightly towards the driver.
That said, the new i3 is still missing one-or-two physical controls to make the whole setup more driver-friendly, but we reserve further comments until we get behind the wheel in one.
Despite the 3 Series’ sporty nature, BMW has managed to make the new i3’s cabin quite comfortable and practical, with the former courtesy of its nicely-bolstered front seats, while the latter comes in the form of its dual-stack central console, a dedicated front trunk (frunk) space, and more.
Coming to Europe This Year—Malaysia When?
Production of the all-new, NA0-gen BMW i3 50 xDrive is slated to begin later in August this year at the company’s main Munich plant, with first deliveries set to follow suit in the second half of the year—at least in Europe.
As of now, there are no official announcements made regarding the arrival of the new i3 into the Malaysian market. Having said that, we are still expecting the BMW iX3 Neue Klasse to make its local arrival first, which is bound to happen any time this year. Excited? We certainly are.
