'The most important BMW in recent history': BMW reveals new i 3 EV with 560-mile range — but its design is splitting opinion | Tech Radar

Overview

'The most important BMW in recent history': BMW reveals new i 3 EV with 560-mile range — but its design is splitting opinion

Classy looks and clever tech make this the standout Neue Klasse

Details

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Company says it is capable of 900km (560 miles) of WLTP range

We knew that it was coming, but BMW has still managed to cause quite a stir by unveiling its Neue Klasse i 3 today — arguably the first all-electric 3 Series and likely the most important BMW in recent history.

The company said it was “the very essence” of the BMW brand and, as such, has seen fit to endow the sharp four-door saloon with a whopping 108k Wh nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery that is capable of delivering just shy of 560 miles.

Launching with the 50 x Drive variant, a twin motor powertrain develops a combined system output of 469hp and 645 Nm of torque for rapid acceleration and BMW’s renowned performance credentials.

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BMW also says its upcoming i 3 offers “class-leading driving dynamics”, thanks to a new “superbrain” digital architecture and the Heart of Joy driving dynamics system that was debuted on the i X3 electric SUV.

These high-performance processors can crunch information and sensor data within milliseconds, meaning acceleration, braking and steering are sharper than any electric vehicle the company has produced to date.

Early drives of the i X3 already attest to how well the system operates and feels when behind the wheel.

What’s more, the 800V electrical architecture underpinning both Neue Klasse vehicles is capable of adding up to 250 miles of range in around 10 minutes from a 400k W charger.

Inside, the new i 3 takes a similar approach to the i X3, complete with the latest i Drive system and the massive Panoramic Vision strip that runs the entire width of the windscreen and projects customizable widgets onto a black strip.

There’s also an optional head-up display and the standard 17.9-inch central touchscreen display that is angled towards the driver.

Plus, BMW is pushing hard into AI voice assistants, thanks in part to its collaboration with Amazon and subsequent integration of Alexa Plus inside its vehicles.

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To these eyes at least, BMW has hit the bullseye when it comes to the exterior styling of the upcoming i 3. It manages to look modern and fresh, while providing enough subtle nods back to some of the most handsome 3 Series models in its history.

It is low and wide, with short overhands and aggressively flared wheel arches, while the kidney grille at the front has been reduced from its previous, ungainly proportions to something altogether more elegant.

But not everybody likes it. There’s a general consensus among Instagram and Reddit users that it looks “Chinese” and that the rear end isn’t particularly beautiful.

But on the other hand, one Reddit user said that it is the “first genuinely new design language since Flame Surfacing from Chris Bangle” — one of the most controversial BMW designers of recent times.

One subject that hasn’t been heavily criticized is the claimed 560-mile range, which puts BMW firmly out ahead in terms smashing range anxiety for potential customers.

In addition to this, the company has also confirmed that there will be an estate or wagon version of the i 3 coming, as well as a high performance M3 based on the same platform that BMW has already stated will “set new standard” for electric performance.

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Leon has been navigating a world where automotive and tech collide for almost 20 years, reporting on everything from in-car entertainment to robotised manufacturing plants. Currently, EVs are the focus of his attentions, but give it a few years and it will be electric vertical take-off and landing craft. Outside of work hours, he can be found tinkering with distinctly analogue motorcycles, because electric motors are no replacement for an old Honda inline four.

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Key Takeaways

• 'The most important BMW in recent history': BMW reveals new i 3 EV with 560-mile range — but its design is splitting opinion

• Classy looks and clever tech make this the standout Neue Klasse

• When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission

• Company says it is capable of 900km (560 miles) of WLTP range

• We knew that it was coming, but BMW has still managed to cause quite a stir by unveiling its Neue Klasse i 3 today — arguably the first all-electric 3 Series and likely the most important BMW in recent history