On March 18, BMW’s first pure electric mid-size sedan based on the new generation architecture, the all-new BMW i3, officially made its world premiere today. As the pure electric debut of the eighth-generation 3 Series, this model is equipped with a comprehensively upgraded three-electric system and intelligent chassis technology, marking a substantial leap forward from BMW's sedan product line to a native pure electric platform.
In terms of appearance design, the new BMW i3 adopts a horizontal double-kidney front grille layout that is obviously different from the era of fuel vehicles, and is integrated with double-arrow daytime running lights and external surrounding light strips. The lower surround is equipped with an active air intake grille. The body presents a fastback posture with short front overhangs and a rear-pressure roof curve, and is equipped with hidden door handles. In terms of body size, the length, width and height of the new car are 4760×1865×1480mm, the wheelbase reaches 2897mm, and it is equipped with newly designed 21-inch aerodynamic wheels.
The interior of the cockpit continues the family-style minimalist design of the new generation model. The core interaction area consists of a 17.9-inch central control screen, an eye-level panoramic display system and the latest iDrive X entertainment system. A customized ambient lighting display module is added to the area in front of the co-pilot.
The core parameters of power and battery life are the focus of this release. The first version of the BMW i3 50 xDrive adopts a front and rear dual-motor layout (front axle ASM/rear axle EESM), with a combined maximum system output of 345 kilowatts (469 horsepower) and a peak torque of 645 Nm. The vehicle is equipped with the "Heart of Joy", a driving control super brain combined with BMW's self-developed dynamic performance control software, which coordinates the powertrain and braking system. Officials claim that the response speed is 10 times faster than before, and it supports a non-sensory braking function precisely controlled by the motor.
In terms of the three-electric system, the new car uses the sixth-generation eDrive electric drive technology and a new large-capacity large cylindrical battery cell. Data shows that the energy density of the new battery is 20% higher than that of the previous generation, making the model’s WLTP standard cruising range more than 900 kilometers. In addition, the vehicle supports up to 400kW overcharging power, which can replenish the cruising range of 400 kilometers in 10 minutes.