Strong demand forces BMW to launch the new i3 ahead of schedule

BMW has accelerated the European launch of its new i3 electric sedan after recording strong preorder demand, bringing the First Edition to market several months early. In Germany, the i3 50 xDrive First Edition is now on sale priced from €75,340, while the standard i3 50 xDrive will arrive this fall starting at €65,900. The early release is a direct response to overwhelming interest, mirroring the surge seen with the iX3 crossover, which secured 50,000 European preorders within six months.

The First Edition is limited to early adopters and offers a curated selection of customization options. Exterior choices include six colors, highlighted by the exclusive M Le Castellet Blue, and four alloy wheel designs in 19- or 20-inch sizes. Interior themes range from the standard M Sport package in black Veganza and M PerformTex to alternative upholstery, including a white theme. Standard equipment on the First Edition includes the M Sport Package, illuminated kidney grille, heated and electrically adjustable front seats, a heated steering wheel, tinted rear windows, and three-zone automatic climate control. Additional features include an electrically operated trunk, a Harman Kardon sound system, and a 22-kW AC charging system instead of the standard 11 kW.

Optional extras for the First Edition include heated rear seats, a panoramic glass roof (fixed), a white steering wheel (exclusive to the white interior), and an electrically deployable tow bar. Advanced driver-assistance systems are also available, such as the Highway & City Assistant for reduced driver fatigue.

The broader i3 lineup will expand this fall with the base i3 50 xDrive, priced at €65,900 in Germany. For comparison, the equivalent iX3 50 xDrive starts at €74,700, making the crossover nearly €9,000 more expensive. Additional models are set to follow, including the previously announced i3 Touring and a likely iX4 coupe-style crossover. The U.S. market will have to wait until next year for the i3, by which time the lineup may include further variants, including a potential single-motor, rear-wheel-drive version with a smaller battery, similar to the existing iX3 40 in Europe.

Despite the early launch, BMW has not accelerated production, which remains scheduled to begin in August at the Munich plant. Deliveries in Europe are expected to commence this fall, shortly after production starts.