BMW's New i3 Electric Sedan Opens Preorders Early Amid High Demand

BMW's Bold Move with the New i3 Electric Sedan

BMW has made waves in the electric vehicle (EV) market by launching preorders for its new i3 electric sedan much earlier than anticipated. Initially slated for a September release, the company decided to act swiftly, opening preorders across Europe on June 18 due to significant consumer interest.

The i3 First Edition: Features and Pricing

The BMW i3 First Edition is available at a starting price of €75,340 (approximately $86,372) in Germany. This advanced model comes equipped with a robust 108.7 kWh battery, delivering a remarkable range of up to 912 kilometers (566 miles) on a single charge. Additionally, it features ultra-fast 400 kW charging, allowing users to gain around 250 miles of range in just 10 minutes of charging.

With a dual motor system producing 469 horsepower, the i3 is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds, marking it as a high-performance option within the EV segment. The interior mirrors the tech-forward design seen in the iX3, including a 17.9-inch central infotainment display and a panoramic vision display.

Anticipated Delivery Timeline and Future Options

Deliveries for the i3 are anticipated to commence in September 2025, with a more economical base model expected to launch later this fall, priced at €65,900 ($75,550) while maintaining the same battery and performance metrics but with fewer luxury options.

Demand Driven by iX3 Success

The move to accelerate preorders can be attributed, in large part, to the soaring sales figures of the BMW iX3. This electric SUV has outperformed its gasoline counterpart, the X3, in Europe, with over 50,000 orders recorded by April 2023, signaling a robust demand for sustainable automotive solutions in the region.

The i3 promises to be a significant competitor in the growing EV market, as BMW responds to consumer needs and trends in electric mobility.