BMWs New i3: Beyond Just an Electric 3 Series

BMW may be a stalwart of luxury automotive manufacturers today, but its history is one of resilience and transformation. When faced with potential bankruptcy in the 1960s, it introduced the Neue Klasse, a groundbreaking series that redefined the luxury car segment by prioritizing practicality over excess. More recently, BMW entered the electric vehicle market with the i3, which represented an innovative approach to vehicle design and powertrains.

The new i3, part of the next chapter of the Neue Klasse—introduced by the iX3—is not merely another electric variant of a crossover or hatchback. Instead, it emerges as an electric sedan that parallels BMW’s iconic 3 Series. The 3 Series has long been at the heart of BMW’s identity and lineage, directly tracing its roots back to the original Neue Klasse. Therefore, the revamped i3 connects the old with the contemporary effectively.

Seeing the i3 unveiled last week was refreshing; it is not merely a sedan adaptation of the iX3. The front profile is notably lower, with the classic BMW twin-kidney grille transforming into illuminated twin halos. The sharp design contrasts with the boxy fenders of the iX3, offering a streamlined approach with a more inclined windshield. This shift reflects BMW’s new design philosophy, moving away from uniformity toward creating unique silhouettes for each model.

Design chief Adrian van Hooydonk remarked during the i3 reveal that BMW aims for every vehicle to showcase its individual character. He mentioned that modifications were made to the taillights compared to the Vision Neue Klasse concept but noted that the final design remains true to the original vision.

While the original i3 was unique, it lacked a clear vision for BMW’s future. The new i3 is positioned to set the aesthetic tone for future iterations of the 3 Series, just as the current generation of 4, 5, and 7 Series vehicles combines combustion and electric options harmoniously.

Van Hooydonk emphasized the desire to transform the brand’s identity while leaving powertrain choices up to the customers. However, the next gasoline 3 Series will not share a platform with the i3.

The new i3 is truly engineered with its battery pack at its core. While manufacturers often boast about dedicated electric platforms, BMW is authentically following through with this approach.

The i3, much like the iX3, utilizes a cell-to-pack design that eliminates separate battery modules, emphasizing a lighter structure that enhances efficiency. The battery pack doubles as an essential part of the vehicle’s body, giving it a crucial role in maintaining structural integrity. Removing the pack would render the i3 unfit for driving, akin to operating it ‘Fred Flintstone’ style. This innovation saves weight, creates a flatter underbody for improved aerodynamics, and bolsters torsional strength.

BMW states that the cylindrical cells in the i3’s battery showcase a 20% increase in energy density over the previous generation’s prismatic cells. Such engineering practices embody the philosophy of the Neue Klasse, marking a significant advancement for the automaker.

With an array of EVs based on traditional combustion platforms already established, it’s notable to witness BMW pivoting toward enhancing their production by adopting best practices from pioneering companies like Tesla, Rivian, and Lucid. The cylindrical-cell approach reflects this evolution.

The i3, as part of the Neue Klasse, features a panoramic display that runs from door to door at the base of the windshield, along with a freestanding 17.9-inch touchscreen. The display presents information typically shown in the instrument cluster in a sleek format, resembling matter orbiting a black hole. The touchscreen, along with touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel, hosts all necessary functions.

The steering wheel features a unique design with two vertical spokes and touchpads on the horizontal axis, allowing it to maintain a smaller size and prevent obstruction of the panoramic display. Van Hooydonk mentioned that this design allows comfortable access to controls, even while driving with less-than-ideal conditions.

While I couldn’t personally verify his statement, my experience in an iX3 made clear the logic behind the panoramic display; it is significantly thinner than those in rival models, making it easier to monitor both the road ahead and the screen simultaneously. However, it necessitates a deeper dashboard, which could impact the intimate cockpit feel cherished in traditional sports cars.

The i3 will debut in the U.S. equipped with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive 50 xDrive variant, delivering an impressive 463 horsepower and 476 lb-ft of torque, derived from a front synchronous motor combined with a rear induction motor. BMW claims this configuration decreases energy losses by 40% while also shedding 10% of weight compared to its predecessor electric powertrains. A less powerful 40 xDrive variant is expected to follow later.

Given its reduced weight and minimized air resistance, the i3 is likely to surpass the iX3’s estimated 0-60 mph acceleration time of 4.7 seconds, potentially approaching the 4.2 seconds achieved by non-Performance versions of the Tesla Model 3 and outpacing BMW’s own i4 xDrive40 model. This suggests that the i3 may eventually take over from the i4 as a flagship model.

The i3 is also poised to underpin BMW’s inaugural true all-electric M performance vehicle, featuring a novel quad-motor powertrain and enhancements that will elevate it beyond the current M-lite models like the iX M70, which, while powerful, lack in overall driving dynamics.

In an age where automakers have been inundating cars with digital features, the i3 reflects a refined approach to electrical architecture, maintaining coherence without overwhelming complexity. While it mirrors the iX3’s four-zone electrical setup, the design fosters efficiency in wiring by grouping systems into broader zones, paving the path for BMW’s “Heart of Joy” computer.

This system synchronizes essential components like the powertrain, brakes—including regenerative braking—steering, and suspension, promising a seamless driving experience, preventing the inconsistencies that can arise when ensuring various driver aids operate independently.

Additionally, BMW introduces “Symbiotic Drive,” which adjusts driver-assistance functionalities like adaptive cruise control to align with the driver’s intent, mitigating unnecessary alerts and creating a more harmonious driving experience. Similar concepts have been employed by competitors such as Mercedes with its DrivePilot system in the electric CLA-Class, which stands as another potential rival for the i3.

A test drive will reveal the full potential, but the prospect of enjoying these advanced features without feeling overwhelmed or struggling with controls is certainly appealing.

In terms of pricing, the i3’s starting point is somewhat predictable. A BMW North America spokesperson indicated that it will be priced “a little below the iX3,” which has a projected base price of around $60,000. This price range positions the i3 above the gasoline-powered 3 Series but remains competitive for a luxury electric vehicle.

In a market where many automakers are hesitant to fully embrace electric technology, an average offering can feel like a minor triumph. However, BMW’s expectations for the i3 are significantly higher. With enhanced range, efficiency, cutting-edge design, and technology that aligns closely with the brand’s iconic style, the i3 has the potential to either redefine the BMW name or fade into obscurity analogous to its predecessor’s legacy. The unfolding journey of the i3 will certainly be captivating.

Importantly, in contrast to other automakers’ EV strategies, BMW aims to keep its promise in this endeavor. Production of the i3 is set to commence in August at the Munich plant, which is transitioning to an all-electric manufacturing process, and U.S. sales are anticipated to kick off in 2027.

“We honor our commitments,” declared CEO Oliver Zipse during the unveiling event attended by 4,000 BMW employees. Remaining steadfast in a substantial investment lays a foundation, but this commitment will only be fulfilled if the i3 delivers the dynamic driving experience expected of a true BMW.