BMW has confirmed when first all-electric 3 Series, the i3, will arrive in Mzansi.
On 18 March 2026, BMW whipped the wraps off the new i3, the first all-electric 3 Series in the German marque’s history. However, as we highlighted in BMW’s Next 3 Series, the emissions-free 3 not only signifies a new chapter in the Bavarian brand’s EV future, it also previews what we can expect from the next-generation 3 Series.
The new BMW i3 was revealed in 50 xDrive flavour, which features a duo of electric motors, sited fore and aft, respectively. The twin electric-motor setup produces a combined power output of 345 kW and a healthy 645 N.m of twisting force. Although the Munich manufacturer hasn’t released performance figures, such as the 0-100 km/h sprint time and top speed, yet, we expect the all-paw i3 will nonetheless be quick.
Similarly, BMW hasn’t made mention of the battery capacity; only saying the “high-voltage” item will offer a WLTP operating range of 900 km on a single full charge. Speaking of the latter, the company has also said the battery can receive “up to” 400 kW at a DC fast charger — the latter adding 400 km of range in only 10 minutes.
In addition, the i3’s sixth-generation eDrive architecture features 800 V tech, which allows for bi-direction charging — vehicle-to-load (V2L), vehicle-to-home (V2H) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G), which means you can power external devices (small appliances and the like), use the vehicle as a power source for your home and, indeed, feed power back into the power grid.
The i3 measures 4 760 mm in length, 1 865 mm in width, 1 480 mm in height, and 2 897 mm between the front and rear axles. The bodywork wraps around a future-focused cabin, which features a newly designed (and quite interesting-looking) steering wheel, BMW’s Panoramic Vision display, digital instrumentation, a 3D head-up display, and 17.9-inch touchscreen infotainment.
When will the new BMW i3 launch in South Africa?
BMW South Africa has confirmed the new i3 will launch in Mzansi in the first quarter of 2027. The second model in BMW’s Neue Klasse portfolio (following the brand-new iX3) will be produced at the firm’s Munich assembly facility.