2026 BMW i3

Overview

The first-gen BMW i3 EV was a study in innovative carbon-fiber construction and off-beat styling, but it never racked up significant sales numbers in the States. BMW hopes its forthcoming 2026 BMW i3 battery-electric sedan will rectify that not only here in the U.S., but internationally as well. Though it shares its i3 moniker with its forebear, it’s an entirely new vehicle based on BMW’s recently previewed battery-­electric Neue Klasse platform. Slated to underpin the new i3 EV sedan as well as an iX3 compact crossover EV, it is said to mark the beginning of a new dual-platform strategy for the brand where EVs will be sold alongside gas-engine versions. (Several of today's BMW EVs, like the 7-series and i7, currently share their platforms and sheetmetal with gas-powered models.) The new i3 will be sold alongside the traditional BMW 3-series, which is due for a refresh of its own in 2026. Stylistically, we expect the i3 production vehicle to tone down some of the concept’s more extroverted features but remain modern in comparison to the standard 3-series. Although details remain scarce, rumors—and educated guesses based on BMW's historical product cadence–indicate both two- and all-wheel drive models will be available, not to mention an eventual hotted-up M variant.

What's New for 2026?

Everything. BMW representatives have hinted that the 2026 production Neue Klasse EV, a new model from the ground up (codenamed internally as NA0), will incorporate an 800-volt architecture and that its batteries will offer 20 percent higher energy density. Additional focus on aerodynamics and software is expected to increase the range by up to 30 percent.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Pricing won’t be available until closer to launch. But considering the current 2024 3-series’ base price of $45,494 ($48,595 for the 330e PHEV) and the current 2024 BMW i4’s $53,495 base MSRP—and the need to maintain the showroom pecking order—we’re thinking it will start around $50,000. Of course, that’s based on 2024 prices, and increases across the lineup will be likely by the 2026 model year.

As more information becomes available, we'll update this story with more details about:

• EV Motor, Power, and Performance
• 0–60-MPH Times
• Range, Charging, and Battery Life
• Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe
• Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
• Infotainment and Connectivity
• Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
• Warranty and Maintenance Coverage