What is the BMW i3 50 xDrive First Edition?
BMW has opened UK orders for the BMW i3 50 xDrive First Edition, an early-access version of its new Neue Klasse electric sedan. It pairs dual-motor all-wheel drive with a 108.7 kWh net battery, 800V charging hardware, and a converted starting price of about $76,579. The regular BMW i3 50 xDrive follows in autumn 2026 from about $70,099.
This car matters because BMW has moved the i3 name from a quirky city hatchback into the brand's core sedan class. That tells us plenty. BMW wants the electric 3 Series formula to feel like a hardware step forward, not a software skin wrapped around an old platform.
Why does the new BMW i3 matter?
Looking at the data, the BMW i3 50 xDrive First Edition targets long-distance drivers first. The official WLTP range reaches 563 miles, while the regular i3 50 xDrive reaches up to 567 miles. Real highway range will drop with speed, cold weather, 20-inch wheels, and cabin heat use, but the 108.7 kWh usable pack gives BMW serious room to work.
Specifically, BMW uses one motor on each axle for xDrive all-wheel drive, with combined output of 469 hp and 645 Nm of torque. That produces a 0-62 mph run in 4.7 seconds. In addition, the sixth-generation BMW eDrive system uses an EESM rear motor and an ASM front motor, a smart mix that cuts reliance on permanent magnets while keeping front-axle packaging compact.
BMW i3 50 xDrive First Edition specs
| Data point | BMW i3 50 xDrive First Edition |
|---|---|
| Power | 469 hp |
| Torque | 645 Nm |
| Drive layout | Dual-motor all-wheel drive |
| 0-62 mph | 4.7 seconds |
| Battery net capacity | 108.7 kWh |
| Peak DC charging | 400 kW |
| 10-minute DC range gain | Up to 263 miles |
| AC charging | 22 kW with AC Charging Professional |
| WLTP range | Up to 563 miles |
| Converted price | About $76,579 |
Consequently, the charging story carries real weight. A 400 kW peak rate can add up to 263 miles in 10 minutes under the right conditions, and the 22 kW AC onboard charger makes the First Edition more useful for European-style public AC posts and higher-output home charging hardware.
How big is the BMW i3 50 xDrive First Edition?
The new i3 keeps the proportions of a sport sedan, but BMW stretches the wheelbase to create cabin space and battery room. From an expert perspective, the 114.1-inch wheelbase tells the real story. It sits under a 187.4-inch body, which gives BMW a long floor for the large battery without turning the car into a tall crossover.
| Measurement | Metric | Inches |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4,760 mm | 187.4 in |
| Width | 1,865 mm | 73.4 in |
| Height | 1,480 mm | 58.3 in |
| Wheelbase | 2,897 mm | 114.1 in |
| Front track | 1,606 mm | 63.2 in |
| Rear track | 1,614 mm | 63.5 in |
By comparison, this layout gives BMW a stronger EV package than a converted gasoline sedan could manage. The flat battery drops the center of gravity, the closed underbody cuts drag, and the five-link rear axle keeps the car tied to BMW's handling playbook.
What does the First Edition add?
The First Edition builds on the M Sport model and adds equipment that buyers would likely select anyway. Key standard features include:
- BMW Iconic Glow exterior lighting
- BMW 3D Head-Up Display
- AC Charging Professional with up to 22 kW AC charging
- Electrically adjustable front multifunction seats
- Three-zone automatic climate control
- Heated steering wheel
- Sun protection glazing
- Harman Kardon surround sound
- Automatic tailgate operation
Pro-Tips:
- Check charging access first: The 400 kW peak only helps at very fast DC sites. For daily use, the 22 kW AC system may save more time.
- Treat the USD figure as a conversion: This UK OTR price does not equal a future US MSRP.
- Pick wheels with range in mind: Larger wheels often cost range and tire money, even when they improve curb appeal.
Should you order the BMW i3 50 xDrive First Edition?
Buy the BMW i3 50 xDrive First Edition if you want early access, maximum factory equipment, and the most complete Neue Klasse package from day one. Wait for the regular model if price matters more than launch timing. The regular car keeps the same powertrain, nearly the same range, and a lower converted entry price.
The no-BS take: this looks like BMW's most serious electric sedan yet. The range, charging hardware, battery size, and motor strategy all point to a car built around EV fundamentals, not compliance optics. The only open question sits where it always does with premium EVs: real-world charging speed under heat, cold, and repeated highway stops.
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