The new BMW i3 is BMW’s fully electric 3 Series sedan, built on the Neue Klasse platform. Its biggest attractions are a claimed up to 912 km WLTP range, 400 kW rapid charging and a completely new interior and electronics architecture. Production started in Munich in August 2026, with deliveries beginning this autumn. BMW Group Sverige
Here are the main details, checked against BMW’s information as of 7 November 2026, including Swedish prices.
Models, prices and performance
| Specification | i3 40 xDrive | i3 50 xDrive |
|---|---|---|
| Swedish starting price, Active Edition | SEK 619,900 | SEK 679,900 |
| Drive | Dual-motor AWD | Dual-motor AWD |
| Power | 374 hp | 469 hp |
| Torque | 520 Nm | 645 Nm |
| 0–100 km/h | 5.4 seconds | 4.7 seconds |
| Top speed | 200 km/h | 200 km/h |
| Battery capacity | 82.8 kWh | 108.7 kWh |
| Maximum advertised WLTP range | 710 km | 912 km |
| Peak DC charging | 300 kW | 400 kW |
| DC charging, 10–80% | 21 minutes | 21 minutes |
Prices and maximum ranges come from BMW Sweden’s September announcement; charging times come from its technical specifications. Range varies substantially with edition, wheels and equipment. BMW Group Sverige
The 50 xDrive costs SEK 60,000 more and adds a substantially larger battery as well as more power. A more powerful i3 M60 xDrive is announced for 2027. The earlier First Edition price of SEK 774,900 refers to a different equipment package. BMW Group Sverige
Why the battery and charging matter
The i3 uses BMW’s sixth-generation eDrive technology: 800-volt architecture, cylindrical battery cells and a cell-to-pack battery design. BMW says this allows a flatter pack and improved energy density. It also supports bidirectional charging, including V2L for powering external equipment, plus V2H and V2G functions subject to compatible equipment and availability. newsroom.bmwgroup.com
BMW advertises up to 423 km of WLTP range added in ten minutes for the 50 xDrive under optimal conditions. Treat that as a best-case laboratory-based figure: winter temperatures, motorway speeds and charger output will affect the result. The advertised 912 km is likewise a WLTP maximum, rather than a Swedish winter motorway promise. BMW Group Sverige
The interior is a major change
The central feature is BMW Panoramic Vision, which projects information across a coated strip at the bottom of the windscreen, from pillar to pillar. Alongside it are:
- A 17.9-inch central touchscreen.
- BMW Operating System X.
- A new multifunction steering wheel.
- An optional 3D head-up display.
- An updated voice assistant, with Alexa+ integration being introduced by market; Swedish availability should be checked separately. bmwgroup.com
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Driving and assistance
BMW’s “Heart of Joy” computer coordinates the drivetrain, braking and energy recovery. BMW claims much faster control responses and smoother stopping through its Soft-Stop function. These are promising engineering claims, but the ride, steering feel and braking smoothness still deserve a proper test drive. bmwgroup.com
Driving Assistant Plus provides speed and distance control and lane assistance. BMW also advertises a Highway Assistant allowing hands-off driving up to 130 km/h on approved motorways, while the driver remains attentive. Availability depends on equipment, market and operating conditions. bmw.se
Space and everyday practicality
| Item | New BMW i3 |
|---|---|
| Length | 4,760 mm |
| Width excluding mirrors | 1,865 mm |
| Height | 1,480 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,897 mm |
| Boot | 420 litres |
| Front storage | 31 litres |
| Maximum braked towing capacity | 1,800 kg |
| Maximum roof load | 75 kg |
Both versions have a 40/20/40 split rear seat, and a towbar is optional. bmw.se
My assessment: the 50 xDrive looks particularly interesting for long journeys, because its extra SEK 60,000 buys a much larger battery. The 40 xDrive offers the lower entry price while retaining AWD and strong performance. Before choosing, I would check the exact configured WLTP range, seat comfort, road noise, touchscreen usability and the final price with winter wheels and towbar.