BMW has launched a more affordable version of its i3 electric sedan in Europe, with plans to bring it to the U.S. next year. The new i3 40 xDrive features a smaller battery and less power than the i3 50 xDrive, but it still offers impressive range and dual-motor all-wheel drive.
A More Affordable Electric Option
The i3 40 xDrive is equipped with an 82.8-kilowatt-hour battery, which is 26 kWh less than the i3 50 xDrive. Despite this, it can still be charged at up to 300 kilowatts and offers a WLTP-estimated range of 441 miles on a full charge. A 10-minute top-up adds 209 miles of range, and charging from 10% to 80% takes just 21 minutes.
While EPA numbers are not yet available, the i3 40 xDrive is expected to deliver around 321 miles of range in the U.S., making it a practical choice for daily driving and occasional road trips. The vehicle’s dual-motor all-wheel drive system provides a maximum output of 369 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, enabling a 0-to-62 mph sprint in 5.4 seconds.
Lighter and More Efficient
The i3 40 xDrive is 254 pounds lighter than the i3 50 xDrive, weighing in at 4,607 pounds. This reduction in weight contributes to a better driving experience, despite the lower power output. The vehicle’s electronically limited top speed is 124 mph.
In Germany, the i3 40 xDrive is priced at €59,900, which is €6,000 less than the i3 50 xDrive. While U.S. pricing has not been announced, it is expected to be lower than the $62,850 starting price of the i3 50 xDrive. An even more affordable version, the i3 40 eDrive, is set to debut next year with a single rear-mounted electric motor and the same 82.8 kWh battery.
BMW’s i3 40 xDrive Launch and U.S. Arrival
Following the reveal of the new BMW 3 Series, the automaker has introduced a lower-priced i3 electric sedan version. The BMW i3 40 xDrive is now available in Europe, with U.S. deliveries expected next year after the top-spec version’s launch in the first quarter.
A Strategic Move by BMW
The introduction of the i3 40 xDrive is a strategic move by BMW to offer a more accessible electric vehicle option without compromising on performance or range. By reducing the battery size and power output, BMW has created a vehicle that is lighter and more efficient, while still providing a solid driving experience. This approach allows BMW to compete in the growing electric vehicle market and appeal to a wider range of consumers.