The New BMW i3 50 xDrive: Meet the Electric Sport Sedan That Starts BMW's Next Chapter The new BMW i3 50 xDrive is an all-electric sport sedan built on BMW's Neue Klasse platform. It delivers 469 horsepower, all-wheel drive, an 800-volt electrical system, and DC fast charging at up to 400 kW. Think of it as the 3 Series reimagined for the electric era, and it's one of the most important sedans BMW has built in decades. If the name takes you back to the quirky little carbon-fiber city car from a decade ago, set that picture aside. This i3 is a completely different animal. It's low, it's sleek, it's properly quick, and it's aimed squarely at the kind of driver who has always loved a 3 Series: someone who wants a car that feels alive on Grizzly Peak on Saturday and effortless on I-880 on Monday. Here's what makes it special, and why we think East Bay drivers are going to fall hard for it. What Is the Neue Klasse, and Why Does It Matter for the i3? Neue Klasse means "New Class," and BMW doesn't use that name lightly. The original Neue Klasse sedans of the early 1960s rescued the company and defined what a BMW sport sedan should be. The modern Neue Klasse is BMW's clean-sheet platform for its next generation of vehicles, combining a new battery and drivetrain, a new digital cockpit, and a new design language. The BMW iX3 was the first Neue Klasse model to arrive. The i3 50 xDrive brings the same technology to the sedan, and that's a big deal. The 3 Series has been the benchmark sport sedan for generations, so building its electric counterpart on this platform tells you exactly how much confidence BMW has in it. How Powerful Is the BMW i3 50 xDrive? With 469 horsepower sent through a dual-motor xDrive all-wheel-drive system, the i3 50 xDrive has serious performance on tap. Electric torque arrives instantly, which makes merging onto I-80 at rush hour or passing on Highway 24 feel almost casual. The all-wheel drive also gives you real confidence on wet winter roads in the Berkeley Hills or on a rainy run over the Altamont. Underneath it all is BMW's sixth-generation eDrive system running on an 800-volt architecture. Higher voltage means the car can move energy more efficiently, which helps with both range and charging speed. Here's a quick look at the key numbers. Specification BMW i3 50 xDrive Platform Neue Klasse Powertrain Gen6 eDrive, dual-motor all-wheel drive Maximum power 469 hp Electrical architecture 800 volts Peak DC fast charging Up to 400 kW Estimated range Up to 563 miles (European WLTP estimate; official EPA rating not yet announced) Trunk capacity 420 to 520 liters (roughly 14.8 to 18.4 cu. ft.) Front trunk 58 liters (roughly 2 cu. ft.) Wheels 20-inch alloys Range and cargo figures are based on European testing and measurements. Official US EPA figures and final US specifications had not been published at the time of writing. How Far Can the i3 50 xDrive Go on a Charge? BMW estimates up to 563 miles on the European WLTP test cycle. WLTP numbers typically run higher than the EPA ratings US drivers see on window stickers, so expect the official US figure to come in lower once it's announced. Even so, this is a genuinely long-legged electric sedan. For most Bay Area drivers, a week of commuting from Walnut Creek to San Francisco, or from Fremont to Oakland, looks like a charge-once-a-week kind of routine with home charging. When you do need a fast charge on the road, the 400 kW peak charging capability is the headline. It's among the fastest charging speeds available on any production car today, which means less time standing around at a charger on the way to Tahoe or down to Monterey and more time actually enjoying the trip. What Does the New BMW i3 Look Like? The design is where the Neue Klasse really announces itself. The proportions echo classic BMW sedans, with a long, clean profile and a squared-off, compact rear that sport sedan fans will recognize immediately. The famous Hofmeister kink is still there in the rear window line, and a higher, softer character line makes the car look longer and leaner. Up front, the kidney grille has been reinterpreted with illuminated elements, flanked by sharp LED lighting and a double-stepped front splitter that helps manage airflow. The door handles sit completely flush with the body and open with a capacitive touch, which keeps the sides smooth and slippery through the air. Around back, wraparound LED taillights and a sporty rear diffuser with a centered reverse light finish things off. It rides on 20-inch alloy wheels and looks planted just sitting still. What's Inside the i3 50 xDrive? BMW Panoramic Vision The first thing you'll notice from the driver's seat is BMW Panoramic Vision. It's a display that stretches across the full width of the car at the base of the windshield, putting key driving information right along your natural line of sight. It works almost like an extra-wide head-up display, so you can keep your eyes up and on the road through the Caldecott Tunnel or across the Bay Bridge. BMW Operating System X A free-standing center display runs BMW's new Operating System X, and in true BMW fashion it's angled toward the driver. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are built in. Climate and seat heating controls live in the touchscreen, which keeps the center console refreshingly uncluttered. Controls and Cabin Feel The new four-spoke steering wheel carries physical switches with a satisfying click, so the controls you use most still feel tactile. Ambient lighting is built right into the layered interior panels, giving the cabin a sense of depth at night, and a panoramic glass roof lets the Bay Area light pour in during the day. Is the BMW i3 50 xDrive Practical for Everyday Life? Absolutely. The rear trunk offers roughly 420 to 520 liters of cargo space depending on configuration, which is plenty for a Costco run, a set of golf clubs, or luggage for a weekend in Napa. There's also a front trunk of about 58 liters, a handy spot for charging cables so they're not rattling around with your groceries. Low, sporty, and genuinely useful is a combination BMW sedans have always done well, and the i3 keeps that tradition going. Why Explore the New i3 at Weatherford BMW? We've been part of the Berkeley community for a long time, and we know our drivers. Some of you are coming out of a 3 Series you've loved for years. Some of you are ready for your first electric car and want honest answers before you commit. Either way, our team will walk you through the i3 50 xDrive, talk through home charging for your house or condo, and help you understand your options with BMW Financial Services. And the relationship doesn't end when you drive away. Our factory-trained service team works on BMW's latest electric technology every day, so the same people who helped you choose your car are here to take care of it for years to come. Frequently Asked Questions Is the new BMW i3 the same as the old i3? No. The original i3 was a compact city car. The new i3 50 xDrive is a full-size electric sport sedan built on the Neue Klasse platform and positioned as the electric counterpart to the 3 Series. How fast does the BMW i3 50 xDrive charge? It supports DC fast charging at up to 400 kW thanks to its 800-volt Gen6 eDrive architecture, one of the fastest charging capabilities available on any production vehicle. What is the range of the BMW i3 50 xDrive? BMW estimates up to 563 miles on the European WLTP cycle. Official US EPA range has not been announced yet and is expected to be lower than the WLTP figure. Does the BMW i3 50 xDrive have all-wheel drive? Yes. The "xDrive" in the name means it uses BMW's dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, producing 469 horsepower. See the Future of the BMW Sport Sedan in Berkeley The i3 50 xDrive is the kind of car that makes more sense once you've sat in it and felt what it can do. Stop by Weatherford BMW at 735 Ashby Avenue in Berkeley, call us at 510-495-0810, or browse our electric BMW inventory and schedule a test drive to see it for yourself. Whether you're coming from Oakland, San Francisco, Walnut Creek, or anywhere around the Bay, we'd love to show you where the Ultimate Driving Machine goes next.

Quick Summary: How to Reserve the 2026 BMW iX3 To reserve the all-electric 2026 BMW iX3 in Bay Area, contact Weatherford BMW of Berkeley. Reservations are officially open for the iX3 50 xDrive, May 6th 2026 featuring an estimated 400-mile range. A $1,000 deposit secures your early production spot for its expected arrival in Fall 2026, with pricing starting around $60,000. more Reserve the 2026 BMW iX3 at Weatherford BMW of Berkeley The next generation of electric driving is almost here,give me and if you want to be among the first in the Bay Area behind the wheel, now is the time to act. The 2026 BMW iX3 50 xDrive is generating serious buzz among EV enthusiasts, and Weatherford BMW of Berkeley is now accepting reservations ahead of its expected Fall 2026 arrival. Whether you're commuting across the Bay Bridge, navigating I-580 through the East Bay, or heading north on I-80, the iX3 is engineered to handle it all on a single charge, with range to spare. What Is the 2026 BMW iX3? The iX3 represents BMW's boldest step yet in all-electric Sports Activity Vehicle design. Built on BMW's advanced eDrive architecture, the iX3 50 xDrive combines the versatility and elevated ride height of an SAV with the performance and efficiency that define BMW's electric lineup. For Bay Area drivers who've been waiting for an EV that doesn't ask you to compromise, on range, on style, or on the driving experience, the iX3 is worth paying close attention to. Key Specs at a Glance Model: 2026 BMW iX3 50 xDrive Estimated Range: Up to 400 miles on a full charge Starting Price: Expected to begin around $60,000 Availability: Expected arrival at Weatherford BMW of Berkeley in Fall 2026 That estimated 400-mile range is a significant milestone. For context, a round trip from Berkeley to Lake Tahoe is roughly 300 miles, meaning most Bay Area drivers could make that drive and return without stopping to charge. For daily commuters traveling between Oakland, Berkeley, Fremont, or San Francisco, San Jose, Pleasanton, Dublin, Castro Valley, San Leandro, Hayward, Orinda, Moraga, Albany the iX3 offers a level of range confidence that removes range anxiety from the equation entirely. How to Reserve Your 2026 iX3 Weatherford BMW of Berkeley has made the reservation process straightforward. Here's how it works: Step 1: Submit Your Reservation A $1,000 deposit secures your early production slot and places you among the first in Northern California to take delivery. With demand for this model expected to be high, early reservation holders will have a clear advantage when Fall 2026 inventory arrives. Step 2: Customize Your Vehicle Once your reservation is in place, our team will reach out as the production window approaches. You'll have the opportunity to officially "build" your iX3, selecting your preferred exterior color, wheel style, and interior options so the vehicle you receive is the one you actually want, not whatever happens to be left on the lot. Step 3: Manage Your Order Online Weatherford BMW of Berkeley gives you access to BMW's online tools to track your vehicle's progress, explore finance options, and stay informed every step of the way, from production to delivery at our Berkeley showroom. Why Reserve Now? Early production allocations for high-demand models like the iX3 don't last long. By reserving now, you lock in your spot in line and gain the flexibility to configure your vehicle before nationwide inventory gets snapped up. Waiting until the iX3 hits the lot means working with whatever's available, and potentially waiting longer than you'd like. For drivers in Berkeley, Fremont, San Jose, Pleasanton, San Francisco, Oakland and surrounding Bay Area communities, reserving through Weatherford BMW of Berkeley means local access, local support, and a team that's already familiar with EV infrastructure and charging solutions in our region. The iX3 and the Bay Area EV Landscape The Bay Area has long been one of the most EV-forward markets in the country, with charging infrastructure continuing to expand across Alameda County, Contra Costa County, and throughout the greater East Bay. The 2026 iX3's 400-mile estimated range makes it particularly well-suited to the way Bay Area drivers actually use their vehicles, a mix of urban stop-and-go, freeway miles, and the occasional longer trip up to wine country or over to the coast. As California continues to expand access to EV incentives and charging networks, getting into an all-electric BMW now positions you ahead of the curve, both on the road and in terms of long-term ownership value. Reserve the 2026 BMW iX3 at Weatherford BMW of Berkeley Don't wait for Fall 2026 inventory to arrive, by then, the best production slots will be gone. Visit Weatherford BMW of Berkeley to place your $1,000 deposit, secure your configuration options, and join the growing list of Bay Area drivers making the move to all-electric BMW performance. Our team is available to answer your questions about the iX3's eDrive technology, available charging options, and financing. Stop by our Berkeley showroom or connect with us online to get started today. All specifications and pricing are based on current manufacturer estimates and are subject to change.

First Look: The All-New 2027 BMW X5 and iX5 and What They Mean for Bay Area Drivers A closer look at the fifth-generation X5 from Weatherford BMW of Berkeley The BMW X5 has long been one of the most popular vehicles on Bay Area roads, and for good reason. It is big enough for the family, composed enough to enjoy on a Sunday run over Highway 24, and premium enough to feel special whether you are crossing the Bay Bridge or pulling into a driveway in Walnut Creek. Now BMW has revealed the next chapter: the all-new fifth-generation X5, and it is shaping up to be the most ambitious version yet. At Weatherford BMW of Berkeley, we have been following this new X5 closely, and there is a lot worth getting excited about. Here is what BMW has confirmed so far, and why we think it will feel right at home on the roads from Richmond to Fremont. The Power of Choice: Five Drive Systems in One Model Since its debut in 1999, the X5 has defined the BMW X family and helped shape the modern premium Sports Activity Vehicle. The new generation carries that leadership forward as the first BMW to launch with five drive system types, depending on market, giving Bay Area buyers an unprecedented level of choice. The 2027 X5 lineup includes an inline-six with 48-volt mild hybrid technology, the X5 50e xDrive plug-in hybrid, the first all-electric BMW iX5, and, at a later stage, the BMW iX5 Hydrogen, BMW’s first hydrogen-powered production vehicle. Few SUVs offer this much range of choice under one roof, and in a region as varied as the Bay Area, that flexibility matters. The rollout begins in October with the X5 40 xDrive. The rear-wheel-drive X5 40, the X5 50e xDrive plug-in hybrid, and the battery-electric iX5 60 xDrive follow in the first quarter of 2027. Additional models, including a V8-powered M Performance variant, are scheduled to arrive later in 2027. A Striking New Design With Unmistakable X Presence The new X5 blends familiar X proportions with the design language of the Neue Klasse. Across every drivetrain, it keeps the commanding presence and classic SUV stance that have defined the model for generations. The upright front end is noticeably taller than before, with crisp surfaces, a larger matte-finish BMW badge, and precisely modeled hood lines. Front-apron design varies by powertrain: horizontal air intakes emphasize sportiness on combustion models, while the iX5 uses a continuous apron for a more elegant, fully electric expression. The defining element is the reduced, vertically aligned BMW kidney Iconic Glow. Integrated into the daytime driving lights with new double-X light icons, it stays illuminated day and night and forms part of the Welcome Light animation. Those double-X icons make their BMW debut here, combining low beams, daytime running lights, side lights, and turn signals into a single element. From the side, the X5 looks carved from a single piece. Hidden window seals create flush transitions between painted and glass surfaces, and new BMW Winglet door handles integrated into the B- and C-pillars leave the door surfaces uninterrupted. Sharp, angular wheel arches frame the large wheels and reinforce the powerful X stance. Personalization runs deep, with eleven exterior paint colors and ten wheel designs. 21-inch light-alloy wheels are standard, with 22-inch and, for the first time on the X5, 23-inch wheels available. The First All-Electric BMW iX5: Range That Changes the Math The iX5 60 xDrive is the headline. It launches with sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology, an 800-volt architecture, and an estimated 435 miles of range on a full charge, a preliminary estimate based on BMW AG testing following EPA procedures. For Bay Area drivers, that number reframes what an electric SUV can do. Berkeley to Los Angeles becomes a single-stop trip. A week of commuting between Oakland and San Francisco barely touches the battery. Two motors deliver a combined 570 horsepower and 593 lb-ft of torque, with 0 to 60 mph in an estimated 4.4 seconds. The rear axle uses an electrically excited synchronous motor developed specifically for the 800-volt architecture, while a compact asynchronous motor at the front axle can switch off entirely at reduced loads, letting the iX5 drive on the rear axle alone for greater efficiency. Charging is where the Gen6 system really separates itself. The iX5 supports DC charging at up to 460 kW, taking the battery from 10 to 80 percent in roughly 22 minutes and adding an estimated 170 miles of range in about 10 minutes. A standard NACS charging port opens up a much wider network for road trips up to Tahoe or down the coast. Battery preconditioning warms or cools the pack automatically when BMW Maps is navigating to a DC charger, so you arrive ready to charge at full speed. Every iX5 also includes bidirectional charging. Vehicle-to-Load turns the SUV into a mobile power bank, Vehicle-to-Home can supply power during an outage, and Vehicle-to-Vehicle lets you share power with another EV. For anyone in the East Bay or Marin County who has sat through a public safety power shutoff, that last capability is more than a spec sheet line. The X5 50e xDrive: A Plug-In Hybrid Built for Bay Area Commutes For many buyers, the plug-in hybrid will be the sweet spot. The X5 50e xDrive pairs the updated inline-six with a 194-horsepower electric motor integrated into the eight-speed Steptronic transmission, drawing from a 26.5 kWh usable battery in the underbody. Combined output is 483 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, good for 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. Estimated all-electric range is up to 44 miles, an improvement of roughly 15 percent over the previous generation, and the 50e can run on pure electric power up to 87 mph. Consider that the average American drives around 32 miles per day. A commute from Oakland to San Francisco and back, or a round of errands through Concord and Pleasanton, could happen almost entirely on electric power, with the gas engine waiting quietly in reserve for longer trips. The X5 40 and 40 xDrive: An Entry Point That Does Not Feel Like One The gas X5 is powered by the latest BMW 3.0-liter inline-six with 48-volt mild hybrid technology. A new turbocharger raises output by 19 horsepower to 394 horsepower, while peak torque climbs from 383 to 428 lb-ft. That is good for 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, or 4.8 seconds with a one-foot rollout. The updated B58 engine uses the Miller combustion cycle to improve efficiency, with optimized intake ports and combustion chambers, electric VANOS variable camshaft timing, and an exhaust manifold integrated into the cylinder head. Switchable exhaust-side rocker arms cut drag torque on overrun by around two thirds, letting the mild hybrid system recover more braking energy. The 48-volt system itself uses a crankshaft-mounted starter generator built into the eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, adding up to 148 lb-ft of torque and 17 horsepower of electric boost when pulling away or accelerating. It also smooths out Automatic Start/Stop, which you notice every day in stop-and-go traffic on I-880. A Chassis That Feels More Connected Underneath the familiar silhouette, BMW made meaningful changes that drivers will feel before they can name them. The double-wishbone front axle and five-link rear axle are adapted to each drivetrain, with increased track width, standard mixed-size tires, and additional body stiffness sharpening precision. New acoustically decoupled steering and a new steering gear improve both comfort and control. Adaptive suspension is standard, with dampers controlled electronically at each wheel and weight distribution close to 50:50. Optional adaptive two-axle air suspension adds automatic self-leveling and adjustable ride height, including a Low setting that drops the X5 by 40 millimeters when parked to make loading and entry easier. For the electric iX5 and the 50e plug-in hybrid, optional Adaptive Chassis Control Professional brings active roll stabilization, using a 48-volt motor at the center of each axle to counteract body roll through corners. Integral Active Steering turns the rear wheels by up to 3.2 degrees, tightening the turning circle by around 2.5 feet at low speed. That is a genuine advantage when you are parallel parking in Berkeley or working through a tight garage in San Francisco. The iX5 goes further still with the Heart of Joy, a dedicated control unit developed in-house that acts up to ten times faster than previous systems, adjusting drive, brakes, steering functions, charging, and recuperation in milliseconds. It reduces corrective inputs, keeps cornering behavior consistent, and enables BMW Soft Stop, which brings the vehicle to a standstill using precise electric-motor control without jerking or brake noise. On a crawling I-580 commute, that detail changes the whole texture of the drive. A Calm, Sophisticated Interior With Neue Klasse Technology Inside, the monolithic exterior design flows into a cabin that feels open and uncluttered. An elevated seating position, large door trim surfaces, and a redesigned instrument panel keep attention on the road. A backlit accent strip with integrated ambient lighting wraps from door to door, shifting color and brightness with the time of day and the selected My Mode. BMW introduces slate as a decorative surface in the X5 for the first time through the optional BMW Individual Clear & Bold interior application, pairing it with crystal glass elements on the gear selector, volume controls, and seat-adjustment controls. Comfort features run deep. A panoramic glass sunroof with an opening front section is standard, covering roughly 28 square feet across two glass elements. Heated sports seats come standard with high-quality Veganza upholstery, and multifunction seats with ventilation and massage are available through the Luxury Seating Package or Climate Package. BMW Individual Merino Leather is offered exclusively with multifunction seats. Rear passengers get a two-degree flatter torso angle and more knee room, helped by a 2.4-inch longer wheelbase. Audio starts with a 280-watt, 12-speaker HiFi System Professional, with an optional Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System reaching as much as 775 watts across up to 18 speakers, with Dolby Atmos support for a three-dimensional soundscape. BMW Panoramic iDrive and Operating System X The new X5 debuts BMW Panoramic iDrive, built on BMW Operating System X. At its heart is BMW Panoramic Vision, which projects content across the full width of the lower windshield. Driving information appears on the left in the driver’s field of view without obstructing the road, while the center and right areas can be personalized and seen by every passenger. A standard 3D Head-Up Display sits above it, projecting navigation guidance and driver assistance content directly into the driver’s line of sight. The 17.9-inch free-cut Central Display is the primary touch interface, with matrix backlight technology for crisp graphics and strong readability. Widgets can be dragged from the Central Display over to Panoramic Vision, with up to six arranged for quick access. The new multifunction steering wheel follows a shy-tech philosophy, illuminating controls only when a function is available and providing haptic feedback so key actions happen without eyes leaving the road. Operating System X is built on the Android Open Source Project, which supports over-the-air updates and the continuous addition of new functions over the life of the vehicle. The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant is enhanced with Amazon’s Alexa+ AI technology, enabling natural-language control of vehicle functions, navigation, and media without memorized commands. A new Routines function lets the assistant learn patterns, so a set of actions you always take on a hot afternoon or a cold morning can happen automatically. Also new to the X5 is the optional BMW Passenger Screen, a 14.6-inch full-HD display beside the Central Display that gives the front passenger access to streaming, gaming, and video conferencing on the move. An interior camera detects driver distraction and automatically darkens the screen. Driver Assistance Designed Around the Driver BMW Symbiotic Drive shapes how the X5’s Level 2 assistance systems behave. Rather than chasing maximum automation, the emphasis is on assistance that is useful, controllable, and confidence inspiring. Even with assistance active, the driver can accelerate, steer, or brake without deactivating the system. Driving Assistant Plus is standard, helping control speed, maintain distance, and keep the X5 centered in its lane, and adjusting speed for detected limits, corners, roundabouts, and turns. The optional Highway Assistant allows hands-free driving on suitable limited-access highways at speeds up to 85 mph when conditions permit, with Active Lane Change with Eye Activation: a glance toward the appropriate mirror confirms a recommended lane change. On a long I-80 run, that is a meaningfully less tiring drive. Standard active safety includes Lane Keeping Assistant, Active Blind Spot Detection, Side Collision Protection, and Crossing Traffic Warning with Brake Intervention. Emergency Brake Assistant with Evasion Assistant can now respond to wildlife crossing the road, and exit warning can delay door opening when a cyclist is approaching, which is no small thing on Berkeley and Oakland streets. Parking has been rethought as well. Optional Parking Assistant Plus adds AI-supported parking space detection with a redesigned surround visualization and 360-degree views, and Maneuver Assistant can record and repeat recurring maneuvers up to 600 feet. Parking Assistant Professional adds Remote Control Parking from up to 15 feet away using the My BMW App. For anyone who has hunted for street parking in San Francisco, a smarter, quicker parking assistant is genuinely useful. Pricing and Availability The 2027 BMW X5 40 carries a base MSRP of $69,800, with the X5 40 xDrive starting at $72,100. The X5 50e xDrive plug-in hybrid opens at $77,500, and the all-electric iX5 60 xDrive at $79,800. Each requires a destination and handling charge of $1,450. Final specifications continue to be confirmed, and the BMW iX5 Hydrogen is planned for a later release. We will share confirmed details as they become official. Be Among the First to Experience the New X5 in Berkeley Whether you are drawn to the 435-mile range of the all-electric iX5, the everyday flexibility of the 50e plug-in hybrid, or the connected feel of the inline-six X5 40 xDrive, the next-generation BMW X5 has a version suited to the way Bay Area drivers actually live and commute. Weatherford BMW of Berkeley proudly serves drivers from Berkeley, Oakland, San Francisco, Walnut Creek, Concord, Pleasanton, Fremont, Richmond, Marin County, and the surrounding communities. To learn more about the upcoming X5 and iX5, ask about availability, or explore financing options through BMW Financial Services, contact our team today. When the new X5 arrives, we would be glad to arrange a test drive so you can feel the difference for yourself on the roads you know best.