High demand anticipates i3 sales in Europe; special series limits configurations and costs the equivalent of R$ 444 thousand
Strong demand has made BMW anticipate the start of sales of the new i3, its electric sedan, in Europe. For now, however, the car can only be ordered in the First Edition special series, sold for around R$ 444 thousand (€ 75,340) in Germany. An entry-level version, cheaper, arrives only at the official launch.
Strictly speaking, the brand did not advance the production, which is still scheduled for August in Munich: what changed was the opening of orders, before the premiere scheduled for the fall. The downside is that early buyers find more restricted configuration options, as the First Edition is aimed at customers most eager to get ahead.
Still, there is room for customization. There are six exterior colors, including the exclusive M Le Castellet Blue, and four alloy wheel designs, in 19 or 20-inch rims. Inside, the pattern combines M upholstery in black Veganza and M PerformTex, which may give way to other upholstery options, including a white theme.
The list of standard items is generous. Included are the M Sport package, illuminated front grille, electrically adjustable heated front seats, heated steering wheel, tinted rear windows and three-zone automatic air conditioning. The model also features an electrically operated trunk, Harman Kardon sound system and 22 kW alternating current charging, compared to 11 kW in the standard configuration.
Among the options, the buyer can add heated rear seats, panoramic sunroof (which does not open), white steering wheel — available only with the interior in the same color — and electric retractable tow hitch. The brand also offers a wide range of assistance and safety features, including Highway and City Assistant.
At the official launch, scheduled for the fall, BMW will open the range with the entry-level version: the i3 50 xDrive will start at around R$ 388 thousand (€ 65,900) in Germany — approximately € 9 thousand less than the equivalent iX3 50 xDrive. Next, the i3 Touring station wagon, already confirmed, and a probable coupe-style crossover, the iX4, should arrive. The United States, in turn, should only receive the sedan next year.
