Overview
- BMW opened order books in Germany for a limited i3 “First Edition” on Thursday, June 18, 2026, after strong customer response to the model’s March debut.
- The early pre‑sales do not change BMW’s manufacturing plan: series production at the Munich plant remains set to begin in August and first shipments are not expected before September.
- At launch BMW will sell the i3 50 xDrive, a dual‑motor all‑wheel‑drive model that BMW cites at about 469 horsepower and uses an 800‑volt architecture with an estimated 107 kWh battery, up to roughly 400 kW DC fast charging, and standard vehicle‑to‑load capability.
- BMW plans regional and lower‑cost variants after the 50 xDrive, including a long‑wheelbase version for China, a single‑motor rear‑wheel‑drive entry model, and a Touring wagon, and says U.S. deliveries will begin around 2027 with native NACS charging plus a CCS adapter.
- The early order opening echoes the rapid takeup of the iX3 and signals strong demand for BMW’s Neue Klasse EVs, but it also raises the prospect of tight early supply and longer waits for buyers who reserve now.