BMW i3 50 xDrive First Edition open for orders

Order books have opened early for the brand-new BMW i3 50 xDrive First Edition, giving lease customers a chance to secure the brand’s next-generation electric saloon months ahead of its official UK launch in autumn 2026.

As the second model in BMW’s Neue Klasse family following the launch of the iX3, the new i3 represents a major step forward for the brand’s electric strategy, combining long-range capability with a fresh design and a significant leap in onboard technology.

The more alert among you have probably already realised that this is the brand-new, all-electric 3 Series, the car that has brought more drivers into the world of BMW than any other model. The First Edition model offers an early opportunity to secure one of the most anticipated electric saloons of the year.

The BMW i3 50 xDrive First Edition sits above the standard M Sport model and brings a higher level of equipment as standard. Features such as BMW Iconic Glow, the new 3D Head-Up Display, and AC Charging Professional all come included, the latter increasing AC charging capability from 11kW to 22kW.

The dual-motor xDrive system produces 469bhp and 645Nm of torque, delivering 0–62mph in 4.7 seconds, while the new sixth-generation eDrive technology and 800V architecture allow rapid charging and improved efficiency. BMW says up to 263 miles of range can be added in just 10 minutes when connected to a 400kW charger.

More than 560 miles on a charge for the new i3

Range is one of the new i3’s headline figures, with BMW quoting up to 563 miles for the First Edition and up to 567 miles for the standard model, depending on specification. That puts the i3 firmly into long-distance territory and makes it a compelling option for business drivers who regularly cover motorway miles.

BMW has also focused heavily on refinement and driving feel.

The new ‘Heart of Joy’ control computer responds 10 times faster than previous systems, reducing the need for traction or stability interventions and giving the car a smoother, more predictable character. And on the subject of smoother driving, the Soft Stop function uses the electric motors to bring the car to a halt without the typical jerkiness associated with regenerative braking.

Assisted driving has also taken a step forward with BMW Symbiotic Drive, allowing the driver to steer, accelerate, or brake without disengaging the assistance system. The optional Motorway Assistant enables hands-free driving at up to 81mph with automated lane changes confirmed by eye movement.

The tech advances continue inside the i3

The BMW i3 introduces the company’s new Panoramic iDrive system with Operating System X. The standout feature is the Panoramic Vision display, which projects information across the lower edge of the windscreen, reducing distraction and giving the driver a wider field of view. The Intelligent Personal Assistant has also been upgraded with enhanced large-language-model capability, allowing more natural voice interaction.

The BMW i3 First Edition also adds further comfort features including electrically adjustable multifunction seats, three-zone climate control, sun protection glazing, and a Harman Kardon audio system.

With its long range, high-tech cabin and strong performance, the new i3 50 xDrive is shaping up to be one of the most significant electric saloons in the business-leasing space.

The First Edition gives early adopters a chance to secure a highly specified model ahead of launch, while the broader i3 range is likely to appeal to fleets looking for a premium EV with genuine long-distance capability and the latest BMW technology.

We’ll have the best BMW i3 lease deals loaded on our website as soon as they are available.