BMW’s debut of the 3 Series i3 kicks off with a 108.7‑kWh 800‑V battery powering twin motors that push 469 hp, delivering a 0‑to‑100 km/h sprint in under five seconds.
The 912‑km WLTP figure is a leap ahead of peers; Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 tops out at 480 km, while the Mercedes EQC and Tesla Model 3 hover near 430–500 km on comparable tracks.
Buyers can choose between the flagship 50 xDrive and a leaner 40 xDrive, the latter clocking 374 hp and 710 km range. Both variants support up to 400‑kW DC fast‑charging, shaving minutes off a full charge.
Inside, the i3 marries a 17.9‑inch iDrive 8.0 screen, Amazon Alexa+ AI, and optional Harman Kardon audio, making the cabin feel tech‑savvy without over‑the‑top flair.
India’s recent EV incentives—lower import duties on battery cells and a 2026 EV mandate—could shave a few lakhs off the i3’s price tag, but BMW has yet to announce a launch window.
The automaker is eyeing a 2027 entry, with a phased rollout expected to start in Delhi and Mumbai once the regulatory framework settles. Future updates may include a plug‑in hybrid variant and a higher‑output M60 xDrive in 2028.