BMW has put its latest electric sedan through a very long drive. According to Electrek's summary, the company tested the new i3 to show off its Gen6 batteries, and the long-wheelbase i3 covered 753 miles, or 1,213 km, without stopping, which is described as the longest distance covered by any BMW EV to date. I have only seen the summary, so details of the test conditions are not clear to me.
Distance records need careful reading. They are typically achieved under controlled conditions, such as a steady, moderate speed, favourable weather and a carefully prepared route. They show what the technology can do at its best, not what an ordinary driver will get in daily use. Real-world range depends on speed, temperature, terrain, tyres and use of climate control.
Even so, the number matters for the debate about range anxiety. If a car can travel more than 750 miles in an efficiency demonstration, it suggests that battery capacity and energy use have improved. Carmakers are also investing in faster charging, as the Mercedes-AMG GT SUV's 710 kW claim shows, so that stops are shorter.
For buyers, the practical question is how the production car performs and how much it costs. Look for official range ratings, such as WLTP or EPA figures, and independent tests. Remember that the i3 name returns on a different type of car, a sedan, and that availability varies by market. BMW's demonstration will likely be used in its marketing, so treat it as an indication of capability and not a promise. Watch for pricing, launch dates and early reviews.
