The BMW i3, the electric version of the eighth-generation 3 Series, received a high rating in a review and topped the performance electric car class. It scored 4.5 stars. For the British market, this is the second car from the Neue Klasse family after the iX3 SUV, and that is what has drawn local attention to it.
The test version, the i3 50 xDrive First Edition, has all-wheel drive and 462 hp. The battery, with a usable capacity of 108.7 kWh, allows acceleration to 62 mph in 4.7 seconds. The claimed range is between 514 and 566 miles depending on the driving mode. The car's kerb weight reaches 2.2 tonnes, and the list price is £54,925. The petrol 3 Series with its three-litre inline six-cylinder engine, by comparison, is lighter than the electric version, and the difference in mass is noticeable in how the car behaves dynamically.
In terms of driving impressions, the steering is responsive and stable, and the car remains pleasant to drive over long distances. The electric powertrain runs quietly and smoothly, and road noise is low, making motorway trips comfortable. The car's weight is, however, noticeable under hard braking before slow corners, where it feels heavier than one would expect from a sporty saloon. The suspension is generally soft, but the car begins to wallow over low-frequency bumps. Adaptive dampers are available for an additional £775 on the M Sport trim, and this option may soften the car's behaviour on poor roads.
The petrol 3 Series is named as the i3's main rival and remains the benchmark for buyers in this segment. Other competitors mentioned in the review include the Mercedes-Benz CLA, Tesla Model 3, Audi A5 e-tron and BYD Seal. Each offers its own approach to electrifying the premium saloon, so competition in the class is becoming fiercer. The UK is regarded as an important export market for the 3 Series, so the switch to an electric version carries significant commercial implications for the manufacturer, since part of the model's sales depends on demand in the country.
Some questions remain open. Existing owners will have to choose between petrol and electric versions, and the decision will depend on driving habits, access to charging infrastructure and personal preferences. Whether road surfaces in the UK pose a serious problem for the suspension remains debated: some drivers consider them a significant drawback, while others see no issue for everyday driving.