BMW put the new i3 50L to the test to showcase the power of its Gen6 batteries, covering 753 miles (1,213 km) without stopping, the longest distance covered by any BMW EV to date. The long-wheelbase i3, developed specifically for China, achieved an extremely efficient 8.8 kWh per 100 km across highways, city, and rural streets. BMW Group began series production of its sixth-generation EV batteries in Shenyang on October 15, its third global production site for the new battery technology. According to BMW, the new cylindrical cells offer over 20% higher energy density, enabling 30% faster charging and longer driving range than the previous generation.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Range on single charge (test) | 753 miles (1,213 km) |
| Energy consumption | 8.8 kWh per 100 km |
| Battery capacity | 113.4 kWh |
| Architecture | 800V, up to 400 kW fast charging |
| Fast charging rate | 248 miles (400 km) in 10 minutes |
| CLTC range | Over 621 miles (1,000 km) |
| Energy density gain | Over 20% versus previous generation |
This means range benchmarks for electric vehicles are being reset, which will influence battery selection, BMS strategy, and thermal design across the industry. If close to production, these results imply meaningful advances in energy density, aerodynamics, thermal management, and energy recovery. For B2B stakeholders in battery and power supply, this raises the competitive bar and shapes procurement expectations. Suppliers should watch high-nickel and silicon anode routes, as well as the trade-off between fast charging and cycle life, since these factors determine whether high-range claims translate into durable, production-ready systems. The i3 50L is expected to go on sale later this year, with customer deliveries set to begin in the first quarter of 2027.
BMW said the 753-mile run was a brand record rather than a global one, but it was enough to top the Mercedes Vision EQXX, which traveled 1,202 km from Germany to the UK in 2022. In the US, the 2027 BMW iX3 50 xDrive is available to order starting at $61,500 with an EPA-estimated range of up to 434 miles, while the 2027 BMW i3 starts at the same price with up to 468 miles of range.
Read the original report at Electrek.
Long-range EV progress highlights cell chemistry and thermal design. Custom battery selection tools help match parameters for diverse projects.
