BMW i3 has now debuted once again with a complete makeover, and bears no similarities to the current i3 apart from the logo and model name.
BMW has a certain obsession over the number 3 as the company decided to reinitiate the name of i3 in China with each auto manufacturer giving more complex names for their EVs. The model underwent a comprehensive makeover aside from its name. Let us first take a look at the old BMW i3.
▲BMW i3（2013-2021）
This is the first BEV mass produced by BMW. Despite the low level of sales, the model has established a good brand image, and serves as the pioneer for BMW in marching towards the EV era. However, the new i3 that BMW is about to release in China has diverted to another route.
According to the latest leaked information from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), BMW Brilliance Automotive has submitted the vehicle declaration for 2022, which indicates a BEV 3 model that is i3.
▲BMW Brilliance Automotive i3.
As indicated by the declared information, the new i3 measures at 4,872mm in length, 1,846mm in width, 1,481mm in height, and has a wheel base of 2,966mm, which is similar to the existing 3 series. It also bears similarities to the old i3 pertaining to the blue lines on the body that symbolize the spirit of BMW i series.
The new i3 is adopted with a single motor design at a power of 250kW and a horsepower of approximately 350, and achieves 180km/h for the maximum speed, which is a much better power performance compared to the fuel versions of 325 and 330 that are currently available in the Chinese market.
It is noteworthy that the clear marking of 35L at the rear of the vehicle indicates the adoption of BMW’s eDrive 35, which is one level lower than the eDrive 40 adopted by BMW i4. Another minor detail is the rims of the vehicle, which are low wind resistance rims with a higher coverage, and are similar to the design of i4.
Detailed information of the new i3 may become clear after its official launch, though the particular model is very likely to become an exclusive edition in China, which further complicates the “3” family of BMW in the Chinese market, since there are now three EV models, including the old i3 that was just suspended in operation, the iX3 exclusive for the Chinese market, and the new i3 that is scheduled to debut next year. The BMW product line is now exceedingly abundant also thanks to the new global models iX and i4 that will also enter the Chinese market in 2022.
The new i3 will be produced in Shenyang like the iX3, and is expected to be priced slightly lower than that of i4, which explains the penetration of a relatively rare B-grade luxury battery sedan interval, making it even more competitive with the Tesla Model 3 in the Chinese market.
The new BMW Brilliance Automotive i3 is expected to officially debut at Auto China 2022.