Image: BMWWith the BMW i3 50 xDrive First Edition, the fully electric BMW 3 Series is now available for order ahead of its official market launch in autumn 2026—priced from £57,905. BMW has also revealed the price for the later base version, the i3 50 xDrive. The entry-level variant of the electric 3 Series will start at £53,005.Earlier this week, Automobilwoche reported that BMW planned to bring forward the order launch for the i3 in response to high demand. That report has now been confirmed.“The new BMW i3 is a groundbreaking car for us. As a fully electric model, it will be competing in a high-volume segment and is therefore extremely significant for the BMW Group. At the same time, we can already tell from the high level of interest in this model that it will be very well received by our customers,” said Jochen Goller, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG and responsible for Sales, among other areas. “The start of orders on 18 June in First Edition form – ahead of the official market launch – is an important next step here.”The official market debut will still take place in autumn, with regular versions expected to be available for order from then onwards. The German manufacturer unveiled the design of the new i3 in March. The new 3 Series model is a mid-size battery-electric saloon based on BMW’s proprietary electric architecture, Neue Klasse. Following the iX3, the i3 is the second model in BMW’s new electric generation.Technical details of the model were already largely known. The i3 50 xDrive features a 345 kW all-wheel-drive system and a 108 kWh battery, enabling a range of up to 900 kilometres. BMW has now released more precise figures: the i3 50 xDrive First Edition achieves a WLTP range of up to 906 kilometres, while the slightly lighter standard i3 50 xDrive reaches up to 912 kilometres.The electric saloon is based on an 800-volt architecture and supports DC charging at up to 400 kW. According to BMW, the battery can be charged from 10 to 80 per cent in 21 minutes. “800V technology significantly reduces charging times, enabling up to 263 miles of range to be added in just 10 minutes when connected to a 400 kW DC rapid charger,” the company stated. The new BMW i3 also supports bidirectional charging functions. Image: BMW Image: BMW Image: BMW Image: BMW Image: BMW Image: BMW Image: BMW Image: BMW Image: BMW Image: BMW Image: BMW Image: BMW Image: BMW Image: BMWThe new BMW i3 is powered by the sixth generation of BMW’s electric drivetrain technology and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds. The dual-motor all-wheel-drive system delivers a maximum torque output of 645 Nm. BMW does not differentiate between the standard i3 50 xDrive and the First Edition in terms of performance or drivetrain specifications.The First Edition instead stands out through its enhanced equipment package. Compared with the standard model, it comes with the M Sport Package, the ‘BMW Iconic Glow’ exterior package and a 3D Head-Up Display as standard.The M Sport Package adds a range of visual and functional upgrades, including an aerodynamic body package, blue M Sport brakes and exterior mirror projection featuring the M logo. Inside, the package is complemented by exclusive upholstery. The ‘BMW Iconic Glow’ exterior package adds illuminated contour lighting to the signature BMW kidney grille.Additional standard equipment on the First Edition includes electrically adjustable multifunction front seats, automatic tailgate operation, three-zone automatic climate control, solar control glazing, a heated steering wheel, a Harman Kardon sound system and the 3D Head-Up Display. BMW has also upgraded the model’s AC charging capability from 11 kW to 22 kW.Several features remain optional, including a panoramic roof with climate-comfort glass, a trailer hitch with an electrically swivelling tow ball and heated rear seats. Customers can choose from six exterior colours, among them the metallic M Le Castellet Blue finish, which is exclusive to the First Edition. The interior is available in two design variants, Contemporary and BMW M. The wheel range comprises three aerodynamic wheel designs and one alloy wheel design, available in 19- and 20-inch sizes. BMW also offers a choice of steering wheel designs.Production of the i3 is set to begin in August at the Munich headquarters. Deliveries are therefore not expected to start before late summer.press.bmwgroup.com
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