Electric Car News - BMW add more options to the i3 Saloon

More options added to the BMW i3 Saloon - Electric Car News 

The buoyancy of new electric car prices are linked to used EVs; especially in the contract hire and leasing industry.

Residual values and the performance of battery options at the auctions are so crucial to the vehicles coming through, like the BMW i3, as this provides confidence to the finance companies offering competitive deals to individuals and businesses / fleets in the new car market.

As reported in the Motor Trade News the Cazoo group are reporting some beneficial movements, with September proving to be stable for pricing along with growing inventories. Average prices were at £17,484, a 0.4% increase on August 2026, with the average dealer stocking some 59 vehicles in September.

Cazoo themselves reported some good news with the number of units listed up 2% month to month in 2026 and some 17.6% better than September 2025. The growing number of choices and options in the used EV industry are having a major impact on customers, especially with better battery efficiency, range and technology.

Our used-EV leasing programme,  is enjoying continued growth. With best-sellers including the Jaguar I-Pace and the Mercedes EQB, both personal and business leasing customers are moving into ex-fleet / ex-lease cars with a renewed enthusiasm. The cost of petrol and diesel, which was again reported this week in the BBC , is an incentive for many to re-consider their vehicle of choice.

When you are paying nearly £2 per litre for diesel, compared to 10 pence per kWh for an EV, rational economics come into the argument. At the same time of this “stick” we are seeing the “carrot” by the improving technology, aesthetics, battery and charging being offered by vehicles.

This is none more so than the BMW Group, who are looking to turn some fairly average results in the BEV market into more success on the back of new options like the iX3, iX5 and the i3 saloon.

While the BMW i3 Neue Klasse did launch earlier in 2026, this was only introduced in the bigger battery / first edition model. But now the German brand are bringing even more fabulous, and affordable, options which you can see on the BMW website.

From October 2026 you can choose from:

•  Entry Model – available from £47,925 for the 40 and £53,425 for the 50, this has key specification like attention assistant, driving assistant and camera, active guard, rear view camera, lane change and departure warning, automatic dimming and electrically folding door mirrors, LED lights, air conditioning, wireless charging tray, ambient lighting;

• M Sport – available from £49,005 for the 40 and £54,925 for the 50, this adds 19” alloys, M Black interior design, sports steering wheel and M Sport brakes;
•  M Sport Pro – available from £51,925 for the 40 and £57,425 for the 50, this adds M Steering wheel, front M Sport seat and M sport seat belts.

Consider colours like Eucalyptus Green, Polarized Grey. Space Silver, Ocean Wave Blue, Alpine White and M Le Castellet Blue. Inside, you can upgrade to the contemporary leather which includes green, brown, black and bi-colour choices. Consider options like the sun protection glass, automatic tailgate operation, park assistant professional, 22kW AC professional upgrade and the fixed panoramic roof with climate glazing.

Consider BMW Iconic Glow Pack (illuminated details and dynamic elements) or the Technology Plus Pack (automatic air conditioning, 3D HUD and Harmon Kardon surround).

To build your perfect BMW i3 saloon, just head to the  BMW  manufacturer website.

How will the BMW i3 perform?

At October 2026, there will be two key battery options to consider including:

•  40 xDrive - this AWD Saloon will have an 82.8 kWh usable battery which will offer 0 – 62 times of 5.4 seconds, 124 mph top speeds and 275kW (or 369hp). Expect a combined winter range of 290 miles with warmer weather allowing for 405 miles – a 345 mile combined. On charging, the 11kW AC max will allow 9 hour 0 – 100% charging times with the 300 kW DC maximum allowing 22 minute 10 – 80% times. A cargo volume of 420L is available with this car. It has a vehicle fuel equivalent of 169 mpg. You can tow 750kg (Unbraked) and 1800kg (Braked). The new i3 has Bidirectional Charging - it also has V2L capabilities via an external 3.7kW AC type 2 adapter. The Heat Pump is available as a standard option; and

•  50 xDrive - this AWD Saloon will have a 108.7 kWh usable battery which will offer 0 – 62 times of 4.7 seconds, 124 mph top speeds and 345kW (or 469hp). Expect a combined winter range of 365 miles with warmer weather allowing for 515 miles – a 445 mile combined. On charging, the 11kW AC max will allow 11 hour and 45 min 0 – 100% charging times with the 400 kW DC maximum allowing 21 minute 10 – 80% times. A cargo volume of 420L is available with this car. It has a vehicle fuel equivalent of 166 mpg. You can tow 750kg (Unbraked) and 1800kg (Braked). The new i3 has Bidirectional Charging - it also has V2L capabilities via an external 3.7kW AC type 2 adapter. The Heat Pump is available as a standard option.

Need more help and advice on a new or used EV?

Head to our  BMW i3 Saloon Electric Car Lease deals  and just get in touch with our expert team on 01942 910 001 or by emailing us at [email protected].