The iconic BMW 3 Series is getting one of its biggest shake-ups in years.Not only has it adopted the brand's latest Neue Klasse design language, but it's also gone fully electric for the very first time.Meet the all-new BMW i3.
And no, this isn't the quirky electric hatchback of the same name from BMW's past.Instead, this sleek new saloon looks remarkably similar to its petrol-powered sibling, with slim headlights and a striking illuminated kidney grille giving it a futuristic new face.Park the two 3 Series models side by side and you'd struggle to tell them apart.It's what's hiding under the bonnet that makes all the difference.The i3 gets BMW's latest high-voltage battery technology, featuring cylindrical cells and highly efficient electric motors.
When it was first unveiled, BMW promised more than 500 miles of range on a single charge.That sounded like a bold claim, but after driving the car, it seems the German brand wasn't exaggerating.I've just taken the i3 along the winding roads of the French countryside, and its range is genuinely impressive.In fact, it could finally put an end to some of the anxiety that still comes with driving an electric car.
Despite the battery being charged to 95 percent, the dashboard still showed more than 450 miles of motoring before I'd need to plug in again.Helping to increase efficiency and range, the four-door sedan has a completely closed, smooth underbody, and even the wheels cut down on drag.That's a seriously impressive figure and continues BMW's long-range ambitions following the arrival of the award-winning iX3, which also promises more than 500 miles between charges.Range isn't the i3's only party trick.Despite being a large family saloon weighing a hefty 2,710kg, it's surprisingly nimble and seriously quick.Get motoring news and advice plus selected offers and competitions I would like to receive emails from the Daily Express featuring our latest products, services, offers, and promotions from across the Reach Plc family.
Subscribe Invalid email You agree you are 18 or over.We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you.This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you.
You can unsubscribe at any time.More Info.Floor the accelerator and you'll hit 62mph in just 4.7 seconds, before going on to a top speed of more than 120mph.As you'd expect from an electric car, the cabin is wonderfully quiet and refined.But if you fancy a little more excitement, Sport mode sharpens things up and even pumps artificial engine sounds into the cabin.The i3 handles beautifully, too.
It cruises effortlessly along motorways but is equally happy attacking winding country roads.There's a real sense of balance to the way it drives, making this a car that's just as comfortable covering long distances as it is having a bit of fun.Inside, BMW has continued to push the boundaries with its latest technology.One of my favourite features is the brilliant Panoramic Vision display, which stretches across the bottom of the windscreen.
First introduced on the iX3, this clever system has now been refined with even more customisation options.Rather than having to glance down at traditional instruments, key information is projected directly onto the glass.It can show everything from your speed and range to altitude, weather and what's playing on the radio.It also changes depending on which driving mode you've selected.
Switch into Sport and the display takes on a more aggressive look.BMW says it's planning to add even more features to Panoramic Vision, but it's already one of the best innovations I've seen in a car for years.There's also a huge 17.9-inch central touchscreen for accessing the usual controls, apps and settings.When parked, you can even play games through the AirConsole feature or settle down to a film using streaming apps such as Disney+.The sat-nav is another highlight.BMW has simplified the interface, making directions much clearer and easier to follow.And there's something else I really appreciate: the absence of a pointless passenger screen.
BMW is planning to introduce these third displays in some of its other models, including the new i7, but I honestly don't see the appeal.The i3 looks cleaner and more premium without one.BMW's unusual multifunction steering wheel might still divide opinion, but I found it comfortable to hold, with the controls sensibly positioned and easy to use.There's also a dedicated button for summoning the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, and this is another area where things have improved dramatically.When I first tried the system in the iX3, it was pretty much useless.Now, powered by Amazon's Alexa+, it's a completely different proposition.The assistant is far more intuitive and can help with everything from finding information and checking sports scores to reading news reports and setting your navigation.It's finally a voice assistant that's actually worth using, rather than something you'll quickly give up on after a few frustrating attempts.Elsewhere, a huge glass roof floods the cabin with light, the seats are comfortable and the ride is impressively smooth.There's plenty of room for a family of four, too, without the car feeling unnecessarily bulky from behind the wheel.Of course, there's still the question of charging.
When the battery runs low, the i3 can be topped up at a rapid charger, with BMW promising impressive refilling speeds.Find an EV station fast enough and you'll get enough to get from London to Manchester in the time it takes to grab a coffee.To make battery top ups even less stressful, there's even an intelligent charging flap that automatically pops open when the car senses it's about to be refilled.Another nifty bonus will help anyone who is always losing their keys.The BMW Digital Key Plus now becomes the preferred vehicle key.
This means that smartphones and smartwatches from all leading manufacturers (Apple, Samsung, Google) can be easily set up to work as a vehicle key.As a bit of a geek, I really like this feature as, unlike my keys, I always have my phone and watch on me.There's clearly an awful lot to like.In fact, the i3 is a fabulous electric car and one of BMW's most convincing efforts yet.
But there's still one dilemma I have with EVs, and my trip to France only reinforced it.Alongside the i3, I also got behind the wheel of the new BMW M350 petrol model.And, honestly, it just felt more exciting.I know it's not particularly eco-friendly to say, but there's something about the roar of the 3.0-litre BMW M TwinPower Turbo engine as you pull away from the lights and work your way through the gears that makes driving feel more alive.It's the sort of car that has you waking up on a Sunday morning desperate to get out for a spin.I'm not sure I'd feel quite the same if the i3 was sitting on my driveway.And it's not about outright speed.
The electric i3 delivers instant power, without the slight delay you get when pressing the accelerator in the M350.It's simply that I felt more connected to the petrol-powered version.It made me smile in a way the electric model just couldn't quite match.The good news for BMW fans is that the 3 Series is now better than ever.There's more choice when it comes to powertrains, a striking new design and a futuristic cabin that still manages to retain the character you'd expect from this iconic badge.The i3 is a brilliant car in its own right.
More importantly, its extraordinary range could finally silence one of the biggest complaints about electric motoring.It might not be quite as thrilling as the M350, but there's no doubt BMW has another winner on its hands.And I wouldn't be surprised to see a few awards heading its way.
Read More
