A much bigger i3 with 250 kW, but don’t expect it outside of anywhere but China.

There’s good news if you like the idea of an i3 but prefer a lockable metal boot instead of a liftgate.

Thanks to the Chinese product registration authorities, BMW’s latest 3 Series derivative has been outed: and it is an i3. Confused? Don’t be.

Pandering to the demand for electric vehicles in China, and the country’s bias toward sedans, BMW has created an i3 version of its current 3 Series. Literally.

The car in question has two badges on its bootlid: i3 on the left and eDrive 35 Li on the right. In terms of design, the only differences between this i3 eDrive 35 Li and any other 3 Series are the lack of exhausts, solid kidneys on the nose and model-specific alloy wheels.

Like most sedans in China, the eDrive 35 Li has a stretched wheelbase of 2.97m, compared to a European or South African specification 3 Series, which has its axles 2.85m apart. The overall length is 4.87m.

A longer wheelbase is usually a comfort feature, creating greater cabin dimensions. But on the eDrive 35 Li, it has an additional benefit: creating more space for the battery pack.

Although official powertrain specifications have not been confirmed, the eDrive 35 Li should be powered by a 250 kW electric motor – used by other BMW EVs. Battery capacity should also be similar to the i4 eDrive 40i, which would see an 80.7kWh energy density unit.

Electrification always has a weight penalty and the i3 eDrive 35 Li is much heavier than an internal-combustion powered 3 Series. Its kerb weight is 2 029 kg – not far off a luxury SUV.

Acceleration numbers are unconfirmed, but top speed is limited to 180 kph. With any electric vehicle range is the crucial statistic, and the i3 eDrive 35 Li should do 590 km before requiring a recharge.

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