BMW can't wait: i3 orders open months early as buyers rush in

The new i3 is arriving sooner than expected. Although it wasn’t expected to go on sale until this fall, BMW has already opened orders in several markets after “high levels” of early interest.

BMW opens i3 orders early due to overwhelming demand

If you were waiting for the new BMW i3, you might be in luck. Although BMW said it would go on sale later this year, it’s giving buyers early access.

A report from German auto magazine, Automobilwoche, citing sources familiar with the matter, claimed that BMW would open orders in Germany for the i3 “First Edition” as early as Thursday, June 18, 2026.

The rumors turned out to be true. BMW dealers can now order the i3 50 xDrive “First Edition” model, starting at €75,340 ($86,400) in Germany. The base model is priced from €65,900 ($75,500).