BMW i3 Neue Klasse Test Driven: Over 90 Miles Range and 800V Charging
8 March 2026 · PrivatLeasa.se · Läs på svenska
BMW has finally unleashed its new Neue Klasse platform — and Alriks Bilar was one of only ten journalists worldwide who got to test drive BMW i3 at BMW's test center in Arjeplog. This is a summary of his excellent video, but we strongly recommend watching the full test for the complete experience.
BMW i3 Neue Klasse — Technology in Brief
BMW i3 (not to be confused with the old i3 electric car) is the first sedan model on the Neue Klasse platform. The sister model BMW iX3 (SUV version) shares the same technology and is already available to order. Here are the key specifications:
- Range: Over 900 km (WLTP) — among the longest in the class
- Charging: 800V architecture with up to 400 kW fast charging
- 10 Minutes Charging: Provides 372 km range
- Drivetrain: xDrive (all-wheel drive) available
- Cargo Space: 1,750 liters with folded seats (iX3), plus 58-liter frunk
- Bidirectional Charging: Car can feed power back to home
- Panoramic iDrive: Completely new infotainment with 3D Head-Up Display
Alriks' Impression — "World's Most Fun Family Car"
In his 43-minute video, Alriks takes us on a deep dive into BMW's new era. He calls the i3 the "world's most fun family car" — and that's no small claim. The key to the experience is BMW Heart of Joy, a system where a central computer controls every aspect of the car's dynamic behavior. Four advanced processors work together to deliver precision in fractions of a second.
Alriks also interviews Jürgen Brack, head of driving dynamics across the entire BMW group, who has become what he calls an "electro-head" — convinced that electric vehicles deliver better driving characteristics than fossil cars. A fascinating interview that alone is worth watching the video for.
Among the details that impress Alriks most is the new Soft Stop feature that makes braking smoother and more controlled — a small but noticeable comfort improvement on longer drives.
BMW iX3 in Private Leasing — from 8,665 SEK/month
While BMW i3 isn't yet available to order (Elbilsmagasinet reports official premiere on March 18), the sister model BMW iX3 is already available. Same Neue Klasse platform, same technology — but in SUV format.
| Variant | Price/month | Service | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW iX3 (base) | 8,665 SEK | not incl. | Hedin |
| BMW iX3 50 xDrive Fully Charged M-Sport | 9,595 SEK | incl. | BMW official |
BMW iX3 comes in several trim levels:
- M Sport Edition: from 779,900 SEK
- Fully Charged Edition: from 799,990 SEK
- Fully Charged M Sport Edition: from 829,900 SEK
How Does BMW iX3 Compare to Competitors?
| Car | Private Leasing | Range | Fast Charging |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW iX3 Neue Klasse | 8,665 SEK/month | 805 km | 400 kW |
| Tesla Model Y | 4,995 SEK/month | ~530 km | 250 kW |
| Volvo EX40 | 5,195 SEK/month | ~475 km | 200 kW |
| Volkswagen ID.4 | 5,995 SEK/month | ~520 km | 175 kW |
BMW iX3 is more expensive — but offers class-leading range and the fastest charging. With 400 kW and 372 km range in 10 minutes, BMW sets a new standard.
See Alriks Bilar's Full Test
We can only summarize the highlights — Alriks Bilar's video is 43 minutes of pure car joy, technical deep dives and a really worth-watching interview with BMW's driving dynamics chief. Watch the full video to get the complete picture of what BMW Neue Klasse means.
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