The new i3 isn't a city runabout anymore — BMW has turned the 3 Series into an EV

BMW has opened orders in Ireland for the i3 50 xDrive First Edition — the new electric 3 Series. 469 hp, 4.7 seconds to 100 km/h, 906 km WLTP and 400 kW DC charging.

BMW has opened orders in Ireland for the new i3 50 xDrive First Edition — an early version of the new electric «three». The model's official launch is scheduled for autumn 2026, but the First Edition is already available at dealers from €72,855.

The standard i3 50 xDrive will arrive later, priced from €66,685. The roughly €6,170 gap is explained by the standard equipment: the First Edition is based on M Sport and comes with BMW Iconic Glow, the 3D Head-Up Display, a Harman Kardon sound system, power-adjustable multifunction front seats, three-zone climate control, heated steering wheel, sun protection glazing and AC Charging Professional at 22 kW instead of 11 kW.

Technically this is no longer the descendant of the old urban i3, but the electric version of the new-generation BMW 3 Series. Two motors deliver 469 hp and 645 Nm, and the xDrive all-wheel drive sends the saloon from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds. The battery uses cylindrical cells, has a usable capacity of 108.7 kWh, runs on an 800-volt architecture and supports charging up to 400 kW: BMW promises up to 423 km of added range in 10 minutes.

The headline figure is range. The First Edition covers up to 906 km on the WLTP cycle, while the standard i3 50 xDrive reaches up to 912 km. That puts BMW into territory where it will compete not only with the Tesla Model 3 Long Range, but also with the Mercedes CLA EV, Hyundai Ioniq 6 and upcoming saloons from Volkswagen Group. Tesla is stronger on price and charging ecosystem, Mercedes on aerodynamics and comfort, while BMW answers with range, handling and the new Heart of Joy electronics.

There is a downside: 108.7 kWh means a big battery, which translates into weight, higher repair bills and pricier insurance. On the other hand, for a premium saloon buyer, this is a rare case where the EV doesn't ask you to immediately accept a short driving range.

The old BMW i3 was an experiment for the city. The new i3 looks far more dangerous for its rivals: it wants to replace the regular 3 Series in the places where electric cars used to lose out to habit.