By BMW is moving faster than expected with the launch of its upcoming electric sedan after strong customer interest pushed the company to adjust its original timeline. The automaker will now begin accepting early orders for the all electric BMW i3 months ahead of schedule in selected markets.
The company originally planned to open order books later this year. However, increasing demand for BMW’s latest electric vehicles appears to have changed those plans. Reports from Germany suggest that BMW will start taking orders for a special launch version of the electric sedan this week.
The decision follows the positive response received by the new BMW iX3 electric SUV. Demand for the SUV reportedly exceeded company expectations, encouraging BMW to accelerate plans for the i3 as well.
BMW plans to initially offer the i3 50 xDrive variant. The electric sedan uses a dual motor setup that produces 469 horsepower and 476 pound feet of torque. The system combines strong performance with long distance capability.
Early testing figures suggest the sedan could deliver around 440 miles of driving range under EPA based estimates. That would place the i3 among the longest range electric sedans in its segment.
BMW Focuses On Fast Charging And New EV Technology
The upcoming i3 will use BMW’s next generation 800 volt EV platform. The company also developed new cylindrical battery cells to improve efficiency, charging performance, and energy density.
The battery pack is expected to offer around 107 kWh of total capacity. BMW says the system supports charging speeds up to 400 kW, allowing the battery to recharge from 10 percent to 80 percent in approximately 22 minutes under ideal conditions.
BMW will likely introduce additional versions of the electric sedan later. Future models may include rear wheel drive options and smaller battery configurations aimed at improving affordability and efficiency.
The company also confirmed that vehicle to load functionality will come standard on the i3. This feature allows owners to power external devices, electronics, and small appliances directly from the vehicle’s battery pack.
In North America, the BMW i3 will feature a native NACS charging port. BMW will also provide a CCS adapter for compatibility with existing charging infrastructure.
Production of the new electric sedan remains on schedule despite the earlier order opening. Manufacturing will begin in August at BMW’s Munich plant in Germany, which previously served as a major production center for the traditional 3 Series lineup.
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The electric BMW i3 represents a major part of the company’s long term EV strategy. BMW continues expanding its electric lineup as competition grows across the global EV market.
The early demand for the i3 highlights increasing consumer interest in premium electric sedans with long range capability, fast charging technology, and modern EV platforms. BMW now appears eager to capitalize on that momentum ahead of the model’s wider global release.
FAQs
BMW opened i3 reservations earlier than planned due to higher than expected customer demand for its new electric sedan.
Early estimates suggest the BMW i3 could offer around 440 miles of driving range depending on the final configuration.
BMW plans to begin production of the new electric i3 in August at its Munich plant in Germany.
