BMW Neue Klasse i3 drives 1,213 km in single-charge test

· Energy · Germany · China

BMW's Neue Klasse i3 50L covered 1,213 km (753 miles) in a real-world road test without recharging, the longest distance any BMW EV has achieved, which the company attributed to its Gen 6 batteries. The long-wheelbase model was used for the demonstration. BMW also said it has started Gen 6 battery production in China. The test is part of the German automaker's push to showcase range and efficiency gains from its next-generation battery platform as it prepares to launch Neue Klasse vehicles against rivals that have been setting range records in the Chinese market. Longer single-charge range and localised battery output are central to BMW's competitiveness in both Europe and China, its two largest EV markets.

Why it matters：Range and battery-cost leadership are the main battlegrounds in premium EVs, so BMW's Gen 6 milestone and its China battery production signal how legacy automakers intend to close the gap with Chinese rivals.

Key points

  • The i3 50L covered 1,213 km in a real-world test without recharging
  • BMW credits its Gen 6 battery for the result, its longest EV run to date
  • BMW has begun Gen 6 battery production in China

Sources (original reporting)

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