The new BMW i3 poses a serious threat to the Tesla Model 3’s supremacy. Here’s why
Neue Klasse i3 looks like being BMW's best exec saloon yet
The BMW i3 has been unveiled as the first saloon to be built using the German carmaker’s Neue Klasse architecture. It follows hot on the heels of the well-received BMW iX3 electric SUV, which boasts a range of nearly 560 miles, and will surely give Tesla’s Model 3 a serious wake-up call once the executive set get their credit cards out.
Just like the iX3, the BMW i3 will feature a beefy 108.7kWh battery and an 800V system that allows super-fast charging at up to 400kW. That could mean adding over 250 miles in around ten minutes subject to finding the right fast charger. The battery pack will also offer bi-directional charging and use cylindrical battery cells for improved efficiency.
The BMW i3 50 xDrive’s sixth-generation eDrive powertrain will produce up to 469 horsepower and a significant 645Nm of torque via twin electric motors. There’ll be versions with adaptive M suspension, while driving dynamics are spiced up thanks to BMW’s so-called Heart of Joy – a computing superbrain that boosts the capabilities of the car.
Executive looks
BMW has distilled what made the 3 Series cars so popular over the years and reimagined it in a delicious new design. The new i3 has a 2.89-metre wheelbase, bookended by an eye-catching but instantly recognisable front grille and distinctive new horizontal light signature at the back.
As an added party trick, BMW’s Iconic Glow exterior package offers a range of customisable light effects that bring out the best of the grille and other areas. All-new 21in M 1067 M Aerodynamic wheels complete the look.
BMW showcased the car in dazzling metallic M Le Castellet Blue but solid colours, ‘frozen’ hues and metallic finishes are also on the cards come production time. Interior finishes will range from the standard Essential through three other trim options that blend a variety of materials, peaking with a black Merino leather option. BMW M Sport seats trimmed in Adelaide Grey are also offered.
Indeed, the M Sport package adds a host of other tasty extras, including the M Aerodynamic package, distinctive M Sport brake callipers, a sportier steering wheel plus exterior mirrors that project the M logo.
Digital experience
Inside, the BMW i3 comes packed with tech, incorporating four core elements under the Panoramic iDrive banner. The highlight is the infotainment screen, which is angled towards the driver as per the BMW iX3, topped only by the excellent Panoramic Vision that projects information and icons in glorious definition along the width of the windscreen. BMW’s multi-function M Sport steering wheel and optional 3D head-up display round it out to great visual effect.
The huge 17.9in infotainment screen allows for quick and easy management of digital widgets that appear along the base of the windscreen, while BMW’s Operating System X and BMW Personal Assistant – which now incorporates Amazon’s Alexa+ AI – are likely to be just as impressive as they are on the fabulous BMW iX3.
Production of the BMW i3 is set to begin in Munich in August of this year, although at the time of writing, no official pricing has been released.
Rob Clymo
