BMW has started sales of the electric sedan 3-Series. The long-wheelbase battery-powered 3-Series has the index G28, the name i3, and the only eDrive35L version so far. The electric cars appeared at Chinese dealers this week, with prices starting at 349,900 yuan (the equivalent of $52,500). For comparison, an updated 320Li with M-package will cost 318,900 yuan ($47.800) in China, and the top version 330Li xDrive will cost 409,900 yuan ($61.500).
The Chinese BMW i3 is an electric version of the 3-Series with a 66.1 kilowatt-hour battery and a 286-horsepower (400 Nm) electric motor on the rear axle. The model premiered in March, and the local “battery” sedan anticipated the world debut of the restyled 3-Series.
According to the Chinese tradition, the wheelbase of BMW i3 is lengthened by 115 millimeters concerning a “global” sedan. However, petrol 3 Series in the Celestial Empire are also “stretched”, so it is possible to compare prices of sedans with power plants of different types.
The electric car assembled at the BMW-Brilliance joint venture is 15 percent cheaper than the all-wheel drive, 258-horsepower 330Li xDrive, but ten percent more expensive than the base 156-horsepower 320Li.
There are no plans to export BMW i3 electric cars yet, but soon a similar appearance and interior will receive fuel “three”. Probably the premiere of the updated family of sedans and wagons will take place after the anniversary of BMW M in late May and the debut of the hardcore coupe M4 CSL.
