2026 BMW i3
We're not big fans of BMW, but we loved the i3, maybe that's why. The has broken so much new ground, we were particularly impressed by the combination of aluminum and carbon, which promptly resulted in a weight well
under 1,400 kg.
Yes, the rear doors were our only criticism, which is why we redesigned them slightly (see photo above). Yes, a little more length and, for aesthetic reasons, a bit more width with slightly wider tires, would have
done it some good. Then we might have scraped together our last bit of money.
And now here it is: the successor of the same name. Of course, it has nothing in common with its two motors, nearly three times the power, and a battery five times as large. The new series has started with
what is likely to be the most expensive model so far.
Although the new model is described as completely new, what ultimately matters to the driver is the interior and exterior design. The front end really draws attention, it’s much less martial, the kidney grille
is now just a hint, and none of it is quite what you’d expect.
That's good, finally bringing the diverging spotlights back together. That brings us a little closer to the idea of a car. Beautiful sheet metal work in the details, on the hood and the extended fenders.
Where else have you ever seen such a slender C-pillar and a passenger compartment set so far back in a sedan? This results in the long hood typically associated with internal combustion engines and
the shallow angle to the front windscreen, which is advantageous for an electric car.
Let's move on to the rear. Naturally, this shift creates the obligation to make the rear hood as large as possible. And yet, they still managed to get a lot out of the sheet metal’s shape,
such as the raised emblem.
We’re not exactly fans of light strips, but this one isn’t continuous anyway. On closer inspection, it becomes clear that the designers worked with rather limited means. Take a look at the area that is normally called the
diffuser with all the weight of sportiness.
If this is to become BMW’s new identity, moving away from its traditional 'oom-boom' character, it could even attract new segments of buyers. It is also surprising how narrow the
roof structure is in relation to the chassis below.
It doesn't look like much on the outside, but it does this well. However, when you open the driver’s door, you get a different impression, especially when you see the opulent steering wheel in front of you. Somewhere,
the purchase price obviously has to justify itself.
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