BMW has announced the launch of this new BMW 3-Series called i3, but at the moment, this version will only be launched in China. This is because the longer-wheelbase version has been very popular in China. The model is set to enter production in May of 2022 at BMW’s joins venture with Chinese automaker Brilliance.
The automaker has said that “With an 11 cm [4.3 inch] longer wheelbase than a standard 3-Series, the BMW i3 eDrive35L combines a premium rear-seat experience with locally emission-free driving,” the automaker notes. “At the same time, the all-electric four-door sedan offers all the sporty driving dynamics, long-distance comfort, and wide range of individualization options for which the BMW 3-Series is so well known”.
Badged as the BMW i3 eDrive35L, the electric 3-Series will draw power from a 66.1-kWh battery, with a single motor out back producing 282 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The car can pass from 0 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds. The German brand has said that “the i3 will offer a range 327 miles in China’s very optimistic CLTC cycle”.
The German brand has not said anything about the possibility to launch this car out of China. This electric sedan is totally adapted to Chinese market, but changing some things it could be adapted to the Europe or American market, so the fans of the German’s brand have to wait. What is clear is that this model will be launched in China during this year.
Adrian Delgado