BMW sets new electric‑vehicle range records with i3 and iX3 models

BMW announced that its new mid‑size i3 sedan can travel more than 900 km on a single charge under the WLTP test cycle, while the iX3 SUV surpassed the 800 km benchmark, reaching 805 km in laboratory conditions. In an independent real‑world test by Norway’s NAF, the iX3 covered 781 km on a single charge, exceeding the manufacturer’s official claim of 770 km. The achievements are credited to BMW’s newly introduced 800‑volt architecture, round‑cell batteries and a maximum charging power of 400 kW, as well as bidirectional charging that allows the vehicle to act as a home energy storage unit. The company also unveiled a panoramic iDrive cockpit that replaces traditional physical controls with a full‑width glass display, a shift that will require driver adaptation. BMW plans to launch up to 40 new or refreshed electric models by 2027, aiming to bring high‑range technology to more affordable segments.