BMW i3 Sedan 2026: up to 912 km, 400 kW and one crucial name difference

Confirmed fact: BMW started series production of the new i3 in Munich on 6 August 2026, and the Hungarian First Edition has been orderable since June. Preliminary manufacturer figures: depending on specification, i3 50 xDrive has a WLTP range of 758–912 km and peak DC charging power of 400 kW. Editorial conclusion: these are strong comparison figures, not guaranteed road results, and they do not replace a line-by-line check of the Hungarian offer.

Production has started, but when can a Hungarian car arrive?

BMW's release dated 6 August 2026 confirms that the new i3 is in series production at Plant Munich. The company also reports strong demand after orders opened in mid-June. Hungarian orderability is therefore verified, but the build week and handover date of an individual car still require dealer confirmation. Record the stock status, configuration and expected delivery date in writing.

The same name, a completely different BMW i3

The old i3 was a compact urban electric car built from 2013 to 2022 with 60, 94 or 120 Ah battery versions and, in some model years, a REx range extender. The 2026 i3 Sedan is the second Neue Klasse model, a four-door car 4,760 mm long and the fully electric member of the BMW 3 Series. A shared name therefore proves no compatibility between batteries, chargers, body parts or electronic modules. For any part, use the full VIN, production date and manufacturer part number.

What does the i3 50 xDrive powertrain deliver?

The launch-version i3 50 xDrive uses all-wheel drive, with an electrically excited synchronous motor at the rear and an asynchronous motor at the front. BMW quotes 345 kW system output and 645 Nm of peak torque. These are manufacturer specifications; power alone does not reveal winter consumption, towing range or insurance cost. Check the Hungarian technical sheet and the effect of the selected wheels and equipment before ordering.

What does a 758–912 km WLTP range mean?

BMW's June Hungarian release gives the First Edition a 758–906 km WLTP range and the standard i3 50 xDrive a 758–912 km range; it links the 912 km upper figure to production from November 2026. BMW's latest release still describes these as provisional values. This is not one number valid for every car: wheels, options, temperature, speed, wind, terrain and climate control change real range. Compare the final WLTP figure for the exact configuration and plan long journeys with a usable reserve.

400 kW DC charging: what makes it genuinely fast?

The Gen6 battery uses an 800-volt system. BMW claims up to 400 kW peak DC charging and, under optimal conditions, enough energy for up to 423 km of manufacturer range in ten minutes. This does not mean the car holds 400 kW throughout a session. Charger output, battery temperature, starting state of charge, charging curve and site load all matter. Navigation can precondition the battery; a switching matrix supports 400-volt DC chargers, while 22 kW AC charging is optional.

V2L, V2H and V2G are three different functions

BMW describes up to 3.7 kW V2L output in Europe. V2H and V2G additionally require a compatible BMW Wallbox Professional DC, suitable metering and grid arrangements, and an available energy-service product. The E.ON package presented by the manufacturer does not automatically confirm Hungarian service or approval. If home energy supply affects your purchase, obtain written confirmation of Hungarian compatibility, installation and service availability before signing.

What does it cost, and what does First Edition add?

On 18 June 2026, BMW announced a Hungarian gross base price of HUF 26,210,000 for i3 50 xDrive and HUF 29,755,500 for First Edition. According to the release, First Edition adds equipment including the M Sport package, Iconic Glow exterior package and BMW 3D Head-Up Display. Pricing is time-sensitive: when ordering, compare the current configurator price, finance, delivery, insurance and charger installation as a complete cost.

Check these eight points before ordering

• the exact i3 50 xDrive or First Edition specification and final gross price;
• the car's own WLTP range with the selected wheels and options;
• expected build week, delivery date and warranty terms;
• whether 22 kW AC charging is actually fitted and whether the home supply supports it;
• battery preconditioning and the DC networks you intend to use;
• the V2L adapter and Hungarian availability of V2H/V2G;
• the full cost of winter wheels, insurance, wallbox and installation;
• that every document refers to the 2026 i3 Sedan, not the old i3.

In short: promising hardware, but specification decides

Production of the new i3 Sedan is underway, while Hungarian pricing and orderability are documented. The 800-volt system, 400 kW peak and long WLTP range represent a real technical step, but everyday results depend on the exact car and charging environment. This is a new model likely to remain under manufacturer warranty: for faults or parts questions, the first route is a BMW authorised workshop and a factory check by VIN, not a search for used parts.