The new BMW i3 saloon is the first fully electric version in the five decades of the 3 Series and the second of BMW’s Neue Klasse series models to be released after the iX3 model, writes Trish Whelan.

The i3 launches with the 50 xDrive model variant, powered by two electric motors which drive the front and rear axles to develop a combined system output of 469hp and 645Nm of torque.

It can be charged at speeds of up to 400kW at an 800-volt DC charging station to drastically reduce charging times, resulting in up to 400km in just 10 minutes.

BMW claims a range of 900km on a single charge.

Built at the home of BMW Group in Munich, production starts in August 2026 with first Irish customer deliveries expected in the autumn.

Irish prices and specifications will be released closer to launch.