The all-new BMW i3 is a mid-size electric saloon that will sit alongside the iX3 as part of BMW’s next-generation EV lineup. While the name may sound familiar, this is a completely new car, unrelated to the original i3 city car.

Instead, this i3 takes on a much bigger role. It’s effectively the electric equivalent of the 3 Series, designed to bring BMW’s core driving experience into the fully electric age.

Slightly larger than today’s 3 Series, with increased width, height and wheelbase, the new i3 promises more space, more technology and a significant leap forward in capability with some serious range.

Performance & Driving Technology

BMW is using the i3 to showcase a major step forward in both performance and in-car technology. The range will be led by the i3 50 xDrive, featuring dual electric motors and all-wheel drive. Combined output is expected to be in the region of 460hp+, delivering strong performance alongside the smooth, instant response you’d expect from an EV.

What really sets the i3 apart, however, is what’s happening behind the scenes. BMW has introduced a new architecture built around four high-performance computing units, often referred to as “superbrains.” Each one controls key areas of the car, from driving dynamics to infotainment and battery management.

This setup delivers significantly more processing power than previous models, allowing the car to respond faster, learn over time and deliver a more seamless driving experience.

At the core of this is BMW’s latest sixth-generation eDrive technology, alongside new systems like the “Heart of Joy”, which integrates steering, braking, regeneration and suspension into one coordinated system.

The result should be a car that feels both precise and intuitive to drive, very much in keeping with BMW’s reputation. We’ll look forward to taking it out for a full review in the coming months!

Range, Charging & Next-Gen Efficiency

Range is one of the headline figures for the new i3, and it’s impressive. BMW is targeting up to 900km (WLTP) on a single charge, putting it among the longest-range EVs expected to arrive on the market.

This is achieved through a combination of improved aerodynamics, more efficient motors and a new cell-to-pack battery design, which reduces weight while improving energy density.

The i3 also moves to an 800-volt electrical architecture, enabling ultra-fast charging speeds of up to 400kW, future-proofing the car as charging infrastructure continues to improve. In real terms, BMW claims the i3 could add up to 400km of range in around 10 minutes on a sufficiently powerful charger.

While chargers of that capability are still limited in Ireland today, the technology ensures the i3 is ready for the next generation of public charging.

Additional features include Bidirectional charging, and advanced battery management systems for long-term efficiency.

Interior & Technology Experience

Step inside, and it’s clear this is a major departure from BMW’s current interiors. The centrepiece is the new BMW Panoramic iDrive, which replaces traditional instrument clusters with a wide display that runs across the base of the windscreen.

Key driving information is positioned directly in front of the driver, while other sections can be customised depending on preferences. This is paired with a large central touchscreen (almost 18 inches), designed to keep key controls within easy reach.

A head-up display is also available, further reducing the need to take your eyes off the road. The steering wheel design is unconventional, with a more open structure, although a sportier alternative is available for those who prefer a more traditional layout.

Overall, the cabin focuses on simplicity, digital integration and ease of use, with a clear move towards a more software-driven experience.

Exterior Design

While the technology is all-new, BMW has made sure the design still feels familiar.

The i3 retains key brand elements such as the twin kidney grille (now illuminated) and distinctive headlight signature, though both have been reinterpreted with a more modern look.

The front end features a subtle forward-leaning stance, a nod to BMW’s classic “shark nose” design from past decades.

This balance between heritage and modern design signals a broader shift in BMW’s styling direction, with the Neue Klasse set to influence future models across the range.

Nevo Verdict

The new BMW i3 represents one of the biggest steps forward we’ve seen from the brand in years.

It combines class-leading range, next-generation charging capability and a completely new digital experience, all wrapped in a package that still feels true to BMW’s DNA.

For Irish drivers, the headline figure will undoubtedly be the potential 900km range, alongside faster charging and improved efficiency, key factors as the EV market continues to grow

While we’ll need to wait for final production models and pricing to fully assess its position in the market, early signs suggest the i3 could set a new benchmark for electric saloons.

This isn’t just another EV, it’s a clear statement of where BMW is heading next.