The new BMW i3 50 xDrive completed a 3,658-mile (5,886.7 km) Pan-European journey from the North Cape in Norway to Tarifa in Spain. Crossing eight countries, the standard, unmodified electric sedan completed the route in 3 days, 2 hours, and 41 minutes, requiring a total charging time of just 2 hours, 45 minutes, and 54 seconds.
Pan-European Route and Efficiency Performance
Known as the Paneurpeana, the route serves as a benchmark for electric vehicle range and charging speed. During the trip, the vehicle was charged exclusively at public charging points across national charging networks at an average speed of 275 kW, with charging stops not predetermined to account for external factors like weather and traffic. The i3 consumed an average of 12.5 kWh per 100 km, surpassing its official WLTP combined energy consumption rating of 18 to 13.4 kWh/100 km and beating the previous record by over seven hours.
Specifications and Powertrain Details
The BMW i3 50 xDrive utilizes a 108.7 kWh battery paired with a Gen6 eDrive system, achieving a drag coefficient of 0.21. The vehicle delivers a WLTP range of up to 566 miles (912 km). Built on an 800V architecture supporting DC fast-charging speeds up to 400 kW, it can add nearly 262 miles (423 km) of WLTP range in approximately 10 minutes. In the United States, the 2027 model offers an EPA-estimated driving range of up to 468 miles and features a built-in NACS port.
Interior Design and Pricing
Inside, the i3 features BMW’s Neue Klasse interior design, highlighted by a 43-inch Panoramic Vision display spanning the base of the windshield and a 17.9-inch floating central infotainment display. The BMW i3 50 xDrive is available for purchase in Germany starting at €65,900. In the US, the 2027 i3 50 xDrive is available to order starting at $61,500 alongside the 2027 iX3 50 xDrive.
Practical Takeaway
European buyers evaluating long-distance electric vehicle capabilities can look to the BMW i3 50 xDrive, which combines a WLTP range of up to 566 miles, 800V fast-charging up to 400 kW, and a starting price of €65,900 in Germany.
Source: Original report