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According to Motor1, BMW has decided to bring forward the sales start of its new electric i3 sedan in Europe due to unexpectedly strong demand. While the brand originally planned for a full market debut in the fall, it is now offering an exclusive First Edition to accommodate eager buyers who want to access the platform ahead of schedule.
Exclusive First Edition specifications
The current offering is limited to the i3 50 xDrive First Edition, which carries a starting price of €75,340 in Germany. Because this is an early-access model, customization options are more restricted than the standard production run will eventually allow. However, buyers can still select from six exterior colors—including the signature M Le Castellet Blue—and four different alloy wheel designs ranging from 19 to 20 inches.
The First Edition comes equipped with several premium features as standard to justify its higher entry price point compared to the upcoming base model. These include:
For those seeking further personalization, the First Edition still permits some upgrades, such as a panoramic glass roof, heated rear seats, or an electrically deployable tow bar.
Future lineup expansion and pricing
The standard i3 50 xDrive is expected to arrive this fall with a more accessible starting price of €65,900 in Germany. This positions the sedan as a competitive alternative to the iX3 crossover, which starts at approximately €74,700. BMW also intends to expand the family with an i3 Touring and a potential iX4 coupe-style crossover.
While European customers can begin receiving deliveries this fall, American buyers will likely have to wait until next year for the model to reach U.S. shores. Industry analysts suggest that BMW may eventually introduce a more budget-friendly version of the i3 by removing the front motor, following a similar strategy used for the rear-wheel-drive iX3 40 in certain markets.