Summary
The BMW i3 is a new electric family car, and is an electric version of the upcoming BMW 3 Series. It was revealed in March 2026 and is expected to hit UK roads by the end of the year.
Although it recycles the ‘i3’ name from BMW’s previous small electric car, this one is not a replacement for that model. This time around, the name follows BMW’s current EV naming convention – the i3 is an electric 3 Series, like the i5 is an electric 5 Series and the i7 is an electric 7 Series.
The i3 is the second model from BMW’s ‘Neue Klasse’ programme. It follows the iX3 SUV, which is now on sale in the UK. Neue Klasse is a name that BMW enthusiasts will be familiar with, as it refers to a BMW saloon range launched in the 1960s that was so influential that it influenced BMW’s design and engineering principles for the next 40 years. As the company moves into a more sustainable, EV-dominated, era in the 2020s, BMW has revived the name for its latest models.
UK pricing and specification have yet to be finalised. Like the new iX3, the first model to be launched will be the i3 50 xDrive, which is a high-end, 469hp all-wheel drive powertrain that offers both high performance and up to 560 miles of driving range (UK specification is yet to be finalised).
Inside, the i3 shares its cabin design with the new iX3, particularly the distinctive Panoramic iDrive display that stretches right across the width of the base of the windscreen.
Lower-priced models will join the line-up at a later date. Initially, the i3 will only be available as a saloon, but it was announced at the world premiere that an estate model will also be offered later this year.
We expect that the first media reviews will start to be published in late summer, with Euro NCAP safety data likely later in the year.
Key specifications
Body style: Medium-sized saloon and estate
Engines: electric, battery-powered
Price: TBA
Launched: Spring 2026
UK arrival: Autumn 2026
Image gallery
Media reviews
Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media.
No media rating
As of March 2026, we don’t have any reviews of the upcoming next-generation iX3. We expect to see first reviews published in late summer, with first reviews on UK roads in late 2026.
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
No safety rating
As of March 2026, the BMW i3 has not been assessed by Euro NCAP. Production doesn’t start until August 2026, so we are unlikely to see Euro NCAP results until late this year at the earliest.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of March 2026, the BMW i3 has not been assessed by Green NCAP.
The Green NCAP programme measures exhaust pollution (which is zero for an electric car) and energy efficiency. Electric cars are much more energy-efficient than combustion cars, so the i3 is likely to score very highly in Green NCAP testing if and when it takes place. Check back again soon.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
No data yet
As of March 2026, we don’t have running cost data available for the BMW i3. Check back again soon.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
No reliability rating
As of February 2026, we don’t have enough reliability data on the BMW i3 to generate a reliability rating.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using workshop and extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy, sourced from both official dealerships and independent workshops.
As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the i3, we’ll publish the results here.
Warranty rating
New car warranty information for the BMW i3
| Overall rating | B | 76% |
| New car warranty duration | 3 years |
| New car warranty mileage | Unlimited miles |
| Battery warranty duration | 8 years |
| Battery warranty mileage | 100,000 miles |
While the BMW i3 hasn’t arrive yet, we can mention BMW’s new car warranty, which is better than average, and better than rival brands in a similar price bracket as the i3.
The duration is three years, with no limit on mileage. In addition to the standard new car warranty, this electric car has an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty for the battery components.
Recalls
Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the BMW i3
As of March 2026, the BMW i3 has yet to enter production so we don’t have any recall information. However, this information is updated regularly, so this may change once production begins.
You can check to see if your car has any outstanding recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local BMW dealer.
Similar cars
If you’re looking at a new or used BMW i3, you might also be interested in these alternatives
BMW i4 | BYD Seal | Citroën ë-C4 X | DS Nº8 | Genesis GV60 | Hyundai Ioniq 6 | Kia EV6 | Lexus ES Electric | Mazda 6e | Mercedes-Benz CLA EQ | Mercedes-Benz C-Class EQ | MG IM5 | Peugeot e-408 | Polestar 2 | Tesla Model 3 | Volkswagen ID.7
More information
More news, reviews and information about the BMW i range at The Car Expert
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