BMW has officially opened full orders for its all-electric i3 saloon, following the initial rollout of its high-spec launch edition.

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Leading the charge is the brand-new, more affordable 40 xDrive variant, which joins the premium 50 xDrive uncovered earlier this year. While the limited launch edition was priced from £57,905, the arrival of the core 40 xDrive model drops the entry price significantly to £47,925.

Debuting just weeks before the all-electric saloon starts first deliveries, the 40 xDrive features dual-motor all-wheel drive for 374hp of power and 0-62mph in 5.4 seconds. Its 82.8kWh battery delivers up to 441 miles (WLTP) of range, while a maximum DC charging rate of 300kW can add up to 209 miles in 10 minutes.

By way of comparison, the 50 xDrive produces 469hp and 645Nm of torque, accelerating from zero to 62mph in 4.7 seconds. A larger, 108.7kWh battery provides a range of up to 566 miles (WLTP) and it can charge at up to 400kW, adding up to 263 miles of range in 10 minutes.

AC charging at 11kW is standard for both models, with 22kW available optionally, while bidirectional charging turns the car into a mobile power bank.

Looking ahead, BMW has also confirmed that the M60 xDrive all-electric M Performance model will join the line-up in 2027, while a rear-wheel-drive entry level model is also expected. Touring estate versions of all variants are set to arrive within the next year.

These new models bring fully electric drive to the BMW 3 Series for the first time. The iconic compact executive car, now in its eighth generation, will also stay true to its roots by offering a diverse range of petrol engines – including the 320 and the flagship M350 xDrive in the first wave – as the brand allows buyers to choose between traditional petrol power and zero-emission Neue Klasse technology.

The fully electric i3 offers a 420-litre boot, which is supplemented by an additional 31-litre ‘frunk’. Everyday usability is further boosted by 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats.

While the electric and ICE versions sit on different underpinnings, design and technology is unified. All models come with the BMW Panoramic iDrive with the Operating System X as standard and the latest generation of BMW driver assistance technology. The standard-fit Driving Assistant Plus controls the speed and distance to the vehicle ahead with lane keeping assistance. BMW Symbiotic Drive enables the driver to accelerate, steer or brake without immediately deactivating the assistance system. The optional Motorway Assistant supports hands-free SAE Level 2 driving on compatible motorways up to the national speed limit, while requiring continuous driver attention.

The i3 uses four high-performance computers to manage driving dynamics, automated driving and parking, infotainment and comfort functions.

The ‘Heart of Joy’ controls the electric drive system, braking, energy recuperation and steering sub-functions. Together with the BMW Dynamic Performance Control software stack, it processes driving-related information up to 10 times faster than previous systems.

Drivers can opt for i3, i3 M Sport and i3 M Sport Pro versions.

The i3 is equipped as standard with 19-inch alloy wheels, Driving Assistant Plus including automatic cruise control, heated and electrically adjustable front seats, Comfort Access, BMW Digital Premium, a rear-view camera, Econeer upholstery, wireless smartphone charging and under-bonnet storage.

M Sport models build on this specification with 19-inch M light-alloy wheels, M Sport brakes with blue callipers, M exterior styling, a sport steering wheel, interior ambient lighting, M interior details and Veganza/M PerformTex upholstery. M Sport Pro adds electrically adjustable M Sport seats, red M Sport brakes, an M-specific steering wheel, M seat belts, black exterior mirror caps, BMW Iconic Glow and sun protection glass.

First UK deliveries of the i3 will start in the coming weeks while petrol-powered models will arrive in January 2027.