What Happened to BMW i3?
The original BMW i3 was a pioneering electric city car produced from 2013 to 2022, known for its innovative carbon-fiber construction and sustainable interior materials. After its discontinuation, the 'i3' nameplate was revived in March 2026 for a completely new vehicle: an all-electric sedan based on BMW's 'Neue Klasse' platform, serving as the electric counterpart to the iconic 3 Series.
Quick Answer
The original BMW i3, a groundbreaking electric city car, ceased production in July 2022 after a nine-year run, having sold over 250,000 units globally. Its discontinuation was due to evolving market demands and BMW's shift towards electrifying its core models. However, the 'i3' name was officially revived on March 18, 2026, for a new, entirely different vehicle: an all-electric sedan built on BMW's advanced 'Neue Klasse' platform, positioned as the electric version of the 3 Series, with production slated to begin in August 2026.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
BMW i3 Concept Unveiled
BMW introduced the i3 Concept at the International Motor Show, showcasing its vision for an urban electric vehicle with a futuristic design and lightweight construction.
Original BMW i3 Production Begins
The first production BMW i3 rolled off the assembly line at the Leipzig plant, marking BMW's entry into mass-produced zero-emission vehicles.
Wins World Car Awards
The BMW i3 was recognized with two prestigious World Car of the Year Awards: World Green Car of the Year and World Car Design of the Year.
First Battery Upgrade (94 Ah)
BMW released the 2017 model year i3 with an improved 94 Ah (33 kWh) battery pack, increasing its EPA range to 183 km (114 miles).
i3s Performance Model Introduced
A sportier 'i3s' variant was added to the lineup, featuring wider tracks and increased power output.
Second Battery Upgrade (120 Ah)
BMW announced a larger 42.2 kWh (120 Ah) battery for the i3, further extending its range to 153 miles (EPA) and leading to the discontinuation of the REx version in Europe.
US Production Ends
BMW discontinued i3 sales in the US after the 2021 model year, with production for the US market ending.
Original i3 Global Production Ends
After nearly nine years and over 250,000 units produced, the final BMW i3 rolled off the Leipzig production line, marking the end of the original model.
Brief Appearance in Sales Figures
The original i3 made a surprise appearance in BMW's Q3 2025 sales figures for North America, indicating a few remaining units were sold.
New BMW i3 Debut Confirmed
BMW confirmed that the production version of the new electric 3-Series, reviving the i3 name, would make its global debut on March 18, 2026.
New BMW i3 (Neue Klasse) Global Debut
BMW officially unveiled the new i3, an all-electric sedan and the second model of its 'Neue Klasse' platform, featuring a radical new design and up to 900 km of range.
New BMW i3 Production Begins
Production of the new BMW i3 electric sedan is scheduled to start at BMW's Munich plant.
New BMW i3 First Deliveries (Europe)
The first units of the new BMW i3 are expected to be delivered to customers in Europe.
New BMW i3 Australian Deliveries Begin
The new BMW i3 electric sedan is confirmed to launch in Australia.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The BMW i3 embarked on its journey as a revolutionary electric city car, first unveiled as a concept in 2011 and entering production in September 2013. It was a bold statement from BMW, being its first mass-produced zero-emissions vehicle and a cornerstone of the BMW i sub-brand. The i3 stood out with its unique 'LifeDrive' architecture, featuring a carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) passenger cell and an aluminum chassis, a pioneering use of lightweight materials in mass production. It also offered an optional range-extender (REx) gasoline engine to alleviate early concerns about electric vehicle range anxiety.
Throughout its lifespan, the i3 received battery capacity upgrades, increasing its range and performance. By the end of 2022, global sales surpassed 250,000 units, demonstrating its success in the premium compact electric segment. However, despite its innovative spirit and critical acclaim, including two World Car of the Year Awards in 2014, the original i3 faced challenges. Its high production costs due to exotic materials and a relatively niche market position, coupled with the rapid advancement of battery technology and the increasing demand for more conventional electric vehicles, led BMW to re-evaluate its strategy.
BMW announced the discontinuation of i3 sales in the US after the 2021 model year and globally ended production in July 2022. The company shifted its focus to electrifying its mainstream models, such as the iX, i4, and iX1, which were seen as more aligned with its core customer base. The Leipzig plant, where the i3 was built, was retooled for other BMW Group models.
Fast forward to March 18, 2026, BMW officially unveiled a new vehicle bearing the 'i3' name, marking a significant turning point. This new BMW i3 is an all-electric sedan, the second model in BMW's 'Neue Klasse' (New Class) era, and serves as the electric equivalent of the highly anticipated next-generation 3 Series. It is built on a dedicated EV-only platform with 800-volt architecture, promising significantly improved range (up to 900 km WLTP) and ultra-fast charging capabilities (400 km in 10 minutes). Production of this new i3 is scheduled to commence in August 2026 at BMW's Munich plant, with initial deliveries expected in autumn 2026 in Europe and early 2027 in Australia. This strategic reuse of the 'i3' name signifies BMW's commitment to its electric future, leveraging a familiar badge for a vehicle that embodies its latest technological advancements and design philosophy.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if BMW i3 made different choices?