Your Definitive Guide to the new BMW i3 (Neue Klasse) Electric Car Lease

The new BMW i3 (Neue Klasse) Electric Car Lease - Your Definitive Guide

While EVs have seen some positive focus over the last week or so, as more UK customers turn towards new and used electric options in light of rising petrol prices, a more controversial topic continues this week (23 March 2026), as various stakeholders discuss the proposed eVED with the UK Government.

In the 2025 Autumn budget, the proposal for an EV and PHEV pay-per-mile tax was announced, as HMRC looks to alternative avenues of taxation to bolster their coffers. While the method of application, and enforcement, still hasn’t been properly announced, there are various groups now encouraging the Government to look elsewhere on this “Wrong tax. Wrong time” proposal.

In their submissions, the BVRLA have suggested that fleets could face some £75 million in administration costs and £180 million in lost productivity for mileage checks alone. This could create a situation where fleets incur costs of around 30-40 pence for every £1 collected by the Government.

Noting this “hostile” approach, the BVRLA have concerns about the ability to accurately collect the mileage data, reporting and verification. Operational difficulties alone will seriously hamper the efficacy of this type of tax.

Adding onto this, other commentators have discussed how the uncertainty of oil and gas pricing is already creating uncertainty amongst the British public, so to add yet another obstacle will only have a negative impact on confidence. With debates and commentary still ongoing, the eVED programme has not yet come in to play and the UK Government are still assessing whether or not to introduce this measure for 2026 and beyond.

For brands like BMW, who are investing billions in creating usable and practical EV options for UK fleets and PCH customers, having a supportive and viable political / economic landscape is essential to their success. Having just released their immensely popular BMW iX3 SUV to the market, the German engineers are now releasing another option in the form of the i3 Neue Klasse saloon.

While old-school EV drivers will fondly remember the smaller i3 hatchback which helped pave the way for BMW electrification, the upcoming BMW i3 is very much an electric 3 series, which will be perfect for fleet and salary sacrifice schemes across the UK. Set to embody the familiar character and delivery of the 3 series, the new i3 will be the 2nd of the Neu Klasse generation, with attractive design and consistent progress guaranteed.

The first option to launch will be the BMW i3 50 xDrive, which utilises a dual electric motor (on both front and rear axles), 345kW of power and some 645Nm of torque. With some impressive equipment this is aiming to deliver a robust driver experience with the new Panoramic iDrive, Symbiotic Drive and Heart of Joy performance.

Offering some 500 miles of range (WLTP), up to 400kW DC of rapid charging capability and 800-volt technology with high-voltage batteries and cells, efficiency and expedience is at the heart of this EV. Bidirectional charging will also feature with V2L, V2H and V2G functionality.

This is all about recognising the importance of the underlying battery infrastructure and not just the aesthetics or car technology. Helping PCH and BCH drivers to make the transition, is very much built on confidence in the vehicles being sold in the market.

The BMW i3 promises to offer more than just electric completeness. The saloon will feature a new front, and new proportions, which are making an expressive statement. The outside is angular and defined, with the new light signature presenting a distinctive BMW feel.

The interior will be the same minimal and clear cockpit as per the iX3, with a high-resolution central display, BMW Panoramic Vision, 3D HUD and the new Operating System X. Even the after-dark ambient lighting brings a subtlety to the i3. This is about producing a car which is future-thinking but which still provides a practical and ergonomic experience.

Key exterior colours include the M Le Castellet Blue, Alpine White, Black Sapphire and Brooklyn Grey. Inside choose between contemporary digital white bicolour, black bicolour or the Agave Green.    

As per the BMW website, the i3 saloon will be ready to order in Autumn 2026, with production set to take place in the Munich factory in late 2026. The Chinese and Mexican plants will produce the vehicle for 2027 onwards. BMW are asking customers to raise their interest on their website via their form.

How will the BMW i3 perform?

While details are scant, this is likely to offer the performance below:

• 50 xDrive - this AWD SUV will have a 108.7 kWh usable battery which will offer 0 – 62 times of 4.9 seconds,130 mph top speeds and 345kW (or 469hp). Expect a combined winter range of 315 miles with warmer weather allowing for 430 miles – a 375 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 520L is available with this car. It has a vehicle fuel equivalent of 140 mpg. You can tow 750kg (Unbraked) and 2000kg (Braked). The new iX3 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.

Want to know more about going into the BMW Electric?

Head to our dedicated BMW special offers section or speak to our experts directly on 01942 910 001 or by emailing us at [email protected]