When it comes to BMW, careful planning usually defines every major move. However, overwhelming customer demand appears to have accelerated the company’s timetable. Faced with stronger-than-expected interest, BMW has decided to bring its highly anticipated all-electric i3 sedan to European markets months ahead of its originally scheduled autumn launch.
New BMW i3 Arrives Early as Demand Exceeds Expectations
The unexpected early rollout is aimed at customers eager to get behind the wheel of BMW’s latest electric sedan. To kick things off, the company has opened orders for an exclusive launch version called the First Edition, with more affordable standard variants set to follow later.
ArabGT’s Ahmed Abu Jamil previously provided an early look at the new model, highlighting the technology and engineering innovations that underpin BMW’s next generation of electric vehicles.
i3 First Edition Combines Premium Features With Exclusive Specification
BMW is initially targeting early adopters with the i3 50 xDrive First Edition, a fully equipped launch model available with a carefully curated selection of options.
Customers can choose from six exterior colors, including the exclusive M Le Castellet Blue finish, paired with either 19-inch or 20-inch wheels.
In Germany, pricing starts at €75,340, placing the First Edition firmly in the premium segment. Standard equipment includes:
- M Sport package with BMW’s illuminated kidney grille
- Heated electric front seats upholstered in black Veganza leather and M PerformTex materials
- Harman Kardon premium surround sound system
- Three-zone automatic climate control
- Upgraded 22 kW AC home charging capability, replacing the standard 11 kW charger for significantly faster charging times
BMW also offers additional options such as a fixed panoramic glass roof, a white steering wheel, and the advanced Highway & City Assistant package designed to reduce driver workload in both urban and highway environments.
Standard Versions Arrive This Autumn
Although customer orders are now open, BMW confirmed that production at its Munich plant will begin in August as originally planned. Customer deliveries are expected to start during the autumn launch period.
At that stage, BMW will expand the lineup with the standard i3 50 xDrive, which will start at €65,900.
That pricing creates an interesting advantage for the sedan. The i3 will be approximately €9,000 less expensive than the BMW iX3 50 xDrive crossover, which starts at €74,700. This difference could make the i3 one of the most attractive premium electric sedans in its segment.
BMW also plans to broaden the range in the future with an i3 Touring wagon and additional rear-wheel-drive variants aimed at making the model even more accessible.
ArabGT’s Take
BMW appears to be building strong momentum in the premium electric vehicle market. Following the success of the iX3, which reportedly secured more than 50,000 reservations across Europe within six months, the new i3 is already generating enough interest to accelerate its market launch.
With traditional BMW driving dynamics, competitive pricing, and advanced electric technology, the i3 could become one of the most compelling alternatives in the premium electric sedan segment. We look forward to seeing it arrive in the Middle East and putting it through a full ArabGT evaluation.
