BMW i3 Long-Wheelbase Shatters Records With 753-Mile Single-Charge Run

BMW has put its new i3 to the test to demonstrate the capabilities of its Gen6 battery technology. The long-wheelbase i3 covered 753 miles or 1,213 kilometers without stopping, marking the longest distance ever covered by a BMW EV to date. BMW Group kicked off series production of its sixth-generation EV batteries in Shenyang on October 15, marking its third global production site for the new technology. To demonstrate the power of these new cylindrical cells, which offer over 20 percent higher energy density, 30 percent faster charging, and a longer driving range than the previous generation, BMW subjected the new i3 50L to an endurance run. The new cells are set to power the upcoming Neue Klasse lineup. Following the debut of the i3 50L long-wheelbase variant developed specifically for China at the Chengdu Auto Show in August, BMW announced a CLTC range of over 621 miles or 1,000 kilometers, outpacing the iX3 50L which features a CLTC range of 571 miles or 919 kilometers. During the demonstration, the i3 50L achieved over 753 miles or 1,213 kilometers on a single charge. The electric sedan recorded an efficiency figure of 8.8 kWh per 100 km across a mix of highways, city streets, and rural roads. BMW noted this set a brand record, beating the Mercedes Vision EQXX which traveled 1,202 km from Germany to the UK in 2022. Previously in June, BMW drove an iX3 50L prototype over 500 miles or 800 km around the Qinghai Lake grand loop with an energy consumption of 12.6 kWh per 100 km. The long-wheelbase i3 is equipped with a 113.4 kWh battery pack delivering a CLTC range of over 621 miles or 1,000 km. Operating on an 800V electrical architecture, the i3 50L supports fast charging up to 400 kW, allowing it to add 248 miles or 400 km of range in 10 minutes. BMW opened order books for the iX3 50L at the Chengdu Auto Show in August with pricing starting at RMB 269,900 or $40,000. The i3 50L is slated to go on sale later this year, with customer deliveries kicking off in the first quarter of 2027. In the US market, the 2027 BMW iX3 50 xDrive is available to order starting at $61,500 with an EPA-estimated driving range of up to 434 miles. The 2027 BMW i3 is also available to order starting at $61,500, offering up to 468 miles of range.