Kein Diesel mehr: Mit dem Debüt des i3 stellt BMW die 3er-Familie neu auf

BMW is repositioning its mid-size range with the debut of the i3, a luxury electric vehicle. In addition to launching the i3, the manufacturer is also updating and redesigning its combustion engine lineup. The sales of these vehicles will begin this autumn, with starting prices ranging from 49,900 Euros for the 318 with a four-cylinder gasoline engine to 59,900 Euros for the i340 xDrive.

Both the i3 and the 3er share a new design language featuring a sleek grille and a clear, linear design, which can only be distinguished by their exterior and interior details. Further advancements in technology, such as the Panorama-Display at the base of the front windshield, are set to be exclusive to each vehicle.

Technically, the i3 and the 3er operate on separate platforms. The electric 3er can travel up to 912 kilometers on a single charge, depending on the version. The platform can accommodate batteries with capacities of 82.8 or 108.7 kWh, allowing for normative ranges of up to 912 kilometers. The 800-volt batteries can be charged at up to 400 kW, meaning that just 10 minutes of charging can add over 400 kilometers of range.

The i3 starts with a small battery pack and two motors totaling 275 kW/374 PS, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds and reaching a maximum speed of 200 km/h. The larger battery pack in the i50 version houses two motors with a combined output of 345 kW/469 PS. This setup enables the i3 to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 200 km/h.

For those who prefer a combustion engine, BMW offers two 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engines in the 318 and 320 models, respectively, with power outputs of 115 kW/156 PS and 155 kW/211 PS. The top model, the M350 with a six-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive, boasts a 3.0-liter displacement and produces 326 kW/443 PS. This engine allows for a sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h. It is worth noting that BMW will no longer offer diesel engines in the 3er lineup.