Still no pricing or availability for eager US customers, but BMW Blog reports BMW has released this info for lucky Europeans. To accomodate overwhelming interest in the i3 sedan, BMW has opened the order books for Europeans earlier than planned; production of the i3 still won't begin until August, however.
Initially, BMW will be delivering the i3 50 xDrive "First Edition" starting at €75,340 ($86,371 USD), followed later by a not-first edition i3 50 xDrive starting at €65,900 ($75,549 USD) before options (European VAT included in those prices, I assume). The First Edition can also be ordered with optional extras, such as a panoramic glass roof and heated rear seats--and, curiously, another option described below.
The BMW i3 50 xDrive First Edition gets a version of the M Sport Package and the illuminated kidney grille as standard equipment. HOWEVER, as described, the M Sport steering wheel is NOT part of the First Edition's M Sport Package. Here's a photo of the First Edition's interior showing the standard Neue Klasse steering wheel. The BMW Blog article reports the more conventional-looking M Sport steering wheel is an available option.
Based on the M Sport steering wheel being an option on the i3 First Edition, I'm hoping the M Sport steering wheel can be ordered on a base i3 50 xDrive without having to buy the entire M Sport package.
Initially, BMW will be delivering the i3 50 xDrive "First Edition" starting at €75,340 ($86,371 USD), followed later by a not-first edition i3 50 xDrive starting at €65,900 ($75,549 USD) before options (European VAT included in those prices, I assume). The First Edition can also be ordered with optional extras, such as a panoramic glass roof and heated rear seats--and, curiously, another option described below.
The BMW i3 50 xDrive First Edition gets a version of the M Sport Package and the illuminated kidney grille as standard equipment. HOWEVER, as described, the M Sport steering wheel is NOT part of the First Edition's M Sport Package. Here's a photo of the First Edition's interior showing the standard Neue Klasse steering wheel. The BMW Blog article reports the more conventional-looking M Sport steering wheel is an available option.
Based on the M Sport steering wheel being an option on the i3 First Edition, I'm hoping the M Sport steering wheel can be ordered on a base i3 50 xDrive without having to buy the entire M Sport package.