Overview
- BMW publicly displayed the stretched i3 in Beijing, marking a new long-wheelbase version that moves the sedan onto the Neue Klasse EV platform.
- The China-market model drops the front motor for a rear-wheel-drive setup, diverging from the global i3 50 xDrive with all-wheel drive.
- The wheelbase now exceeds 3 meters with longer rear doors, a flat floor, and much more rear legroom meant to serve passengers who spend more time in the back.
- China’s new safety rule that discourages pop-out door handles prompted semi-enclosed handles on this i3, matching other recent China-only BMW changes.
- BMW has not released full specs or pricing for the i3 40, and reporting points to a likely lower China price and richer equipment based on the brand’s recent local strategy.