The electric 3-Series range is finally here – BMW has released details of the new i3 model lineup that’s gone on sale in the UK, and it's definitely not to be confused with the first car that wore the i3 badge (RIP).

There are two powertrains and three trims available for the latest version of the i3, with full prices set to be revealed for the electric saloon. Deliveries for the electric version are set to start within the next month or two. 

The i3 50 xDrive First Edition version of the car has been available to order for a month or two, costing £57,905 but that was an off the peg version for people who had to get their hands on the first cars from the factory. 

BMW has opened orders for the full range of cars, which starts with the choice of 265hp 40 xDrive or 326hp 50 xDrive powertrains. Both of these are dual motor, all-wheel-drive cars, with an entry level single motor, rear-wheel-drive option expected to join the range in 2027. 

The 50 xDrive models come with 400kW DC and 11kW AC charging capability (22kW AC is an option) – BMW says the 50 xDrive can add 263 miles of range (423km) in just 10 minutes of charging at its peak speeds. Meanwhile, the 40 xDrive has to make do with ‘just’ 300kW to add 209 miles in 10 minutes. 

The 50 model offers 567 miles of WLTP range from its 108.7kWh battery, while the 40 manages 441 miles from its smaller 82.8kWh battery. 

After you’ve chosen your powertrain there are three trim levels to choose from – i3, i3 M Sport and i3 M Sport Pro. 

The base car still comes very well equipped, with 19in alloy wheels, heated electrically adjustable front seats, wireless phone charging and Apple/Android connectivity, dual-zone aircon, rearview camera, adaptive cruise control and even an electric charging flap. 

The M Sport upgrades you to fancier wheels, a nicer interior with ambient lighting and a sportier steering wheel, plus some exterior design tweaks. 

Meanwhile, M Sport Pro gets you better and sportier front seats, and a whole array of M-badged items around the cabin and the outside of the car. You can upgrade this version to M60 spec and it comes with 20in alloys, three-zone aircon, fancier Harmon/Kardon sound system and a 3D head-up display. 

Other nice little touches on the new i3 include what BMW calls “soft stop” – it uses regen for almost all of its braking apart from in emergencies and spirited driving, which apparently means it can bring you gliding to a gentle halt without any jerkiness. 

The i3 comes with 3.7kW of V2L capability so that you can power electronics off the car (with an adapter, sold separately), but it’s also set up for V2G and V2H tech where you can store energy from household renewable generators for use at home or sending back into the grid. 

The AI-powered charging flap might be a step too far – it opens automatically if it thinks you’re about to try and charge the car – but you can still press on the thing to open it the old-fashioned way (still electronically though). 

Want to see how the i3 fares against its rivals? Check it out against the new Mercedes C-Class and the Tesla Model 3.