“The essence of the BMW brand”: this is the new, 560-mile BMW i3

In quick, this is the electrical model of the most essential automobile BMW has and can proceed to construct. The very “essence of the BMW brand”.

It’s the new BMW i3 saloon – basically an electrical, next-generation 3 Series.

And sure, we are able to all breathe a collective sigh of reduction as a result of this electrical, next-generation 3 Series seems… good. Really, actually good. A “2.5-box” form with quick overhangs, flared arches, gently sloping roof, and low, stylish proportions. A effectively resolved kidney grille/quad headlight association. A stunning rear mild signature.

Phew. Classy drivetrain, too, as we’ve found from its (very) massive brother, the iX3. At launch, BMW will provide the i3 as a 50 xDrive mannequin, which implies far more environment friendly (in comparison with the older e-BMWs) electrical motors on the back and front axles, 800-volt structure, 463bhp, 476lb ft and a whopping 560 miles of vary. Five hundred and sixty.

That’s an insane quantity of vary, and comes courtesy not solely by means of higher motors, but additionally the new cell-to-pack design which doesn’t group cells into modules inside the battery however as an alternative bolts them straight in saving weight and including power. There’s additionally new software program controlling the battery.

Moreover, BMW reckons you may replenish as much as 250 miles of vary in round 10 minutes on a quick sufficient charger (400kW). Admittedly few and much between, these, however nonetheless. The solely anxiousness you’ll have is selecting out a great color, as a result of the i3’s 4 ‘superbrains’ will take care of actually every little thing else.

Like the one which handles the battery we famous above, and of course the ‘Heart of Joy’ that handles all the enjoyable bits like the steering, brakes, regen and suspension. Again, if it’s something like the iX3, it should be a effectively resolved factor. There’s degree 2 driver help, bidirectional charging, and over the air updates, amongst a myriad of next-gen tech stuffed inside.

Speaking of inside, if you happen to’ve been wherever close to or in an iX3, the i3 ought to really feel fairly acquainted. And maybe a bit of intimidating at first, not least as a result of there’s loads happening. Like the ‘Panoramic Vision’ which tasks masses of stuff throughout the complete backside part of the windscreen. Literally from pillar to pillar.

Then comes an optionally available HUD, a 17.9in central display, multifunction wheel, and of course, AI, as a result of that genie positively isn’t going again into the bottle. Want to understand how good all of it works and crucially, feels? Head this way for our review of the iX3.

“The BMW 3 Series is the essence of the BMW brand,” stated… BMW. “For five decades, this icon has stood for sporty driving pleasure, unmistakably attractive design and consistent progress.” Like we stated, essential automobile, this.