The car features an updated design with an elongated kidney grille. BMW Design Director Sebastian Kroes explained that the design emphasizes horizontality, which is noticeable both on the exterior and interior.
Only one trim level, the i3 50 xDrive, has specs so far. It features two electric motors with a combined output of 469 hp, and a new traction control system, braking system, and other features. It’s said to be 10 times faster than its predecessors and has a fully regenerative braking system with smooth braking that significantly reduces brake wear.
The battery has a range of 708 kilometers. A 400 kW charger can charge half of the battery in 10 minutes.
The cabin features a panoramic vision system covering the windshield, a 3D projection screen with projection, and a 17.9-inch touchscreen with a resolution of 3340 × 1440.
The car is also equipped with the company’s patented “symbiotic” driver assistance system: it can analyze dozens of parameters, including the driver’s gaze and posture, to automatically take control on the highway at speeds of up to 130 km/h and change lanes. The system can also automatically stop the car at traffic lights.
Pricing has not yet been announced, but industry media is estimating a price tag of $60,000. Production is scheduled to begin in August, with the cars being assembled at a factory in Munich.
Credits:
All images courtesy of BMW.
