---
title: "BMW Will Introduce Electric 3 Series at Frankfurt Motor Show"
description: "You may want to think twice about that Tesla Model 3 order."
date: "2017-06-29"
modified: "2017-06-29"
authors:
  - name: "Eric Brandt"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/eric-brandt"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/11954/bmw-will-introduce-electric-3-series-at-frankfurt-motor-show"
categories:
  - "News"
tags:
  - "3 Series"
  - "BMW"
  - "Electric Vehicle"
  - "EV"
  - "frankfurt motor shpw"
  - "Future Cars"
  - "sedan"
---

# BMW Will Introduce Electric 3 Series at Frankfurt Motor Show

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/2017/06/p90208285_highres_bmw-330e-01-2016.jpg>)
*\<em\>www.thedrive.com</em>*

German news outlet [*Handelsblatt* reports](<https://www.handelsblatt.com/my/unternehmen/industrie/duell-der-stromer-bmw-kontert-tesla-mit-elektro-3er/19990484.html>) that BMW will officially introduce an electric version of the 3 Series at the Frankfurt Motor Show, in September. *Handelsblatt* says this is a [direct response](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/4766/bmw-opens-fire-on-tesla-with-new-olympic-ad-campaign>) to the early success of the Tesla Model 3—a car that isn’t even out until later this year. This news comes just a week after Tesla’s valuation passed up BMW for the first time.

Based on the little that we know, the electric 3 Series will beat the Model 3 in the all-important range factor. The expected number for the Tesla is 215 miles, while [*Reuters* says](<https://www.reuters.com/article/bmw-competing-with-tesla-to-introduce-el-idUSL8N1JP5HI>) the electric 3 Series will go 248 miles on a full charge.

After this car is officially introduced, timing will be everything. They’re dropping this bomb right around the time the [Tesla Model 3 orders will be filled](<https://www.thedrive.com/article/9962/tesla-model-3-still-on-schedule-for-serious>), giving those in the market for an affordable electric luxury car another option, and one from a brand that arguably invented and perfected the entry-level luxury car segment, no less. If BMW can get this thing in showrooms by next year, Elon Musk should be terrified.

[We know BMW has big plans for electric cars](<https://www.thedrive.com/article/9886/bmw-expands-electric-car-production-plans>) with a [Mini EV](<https://www.thedrive.com/article/9741/mini-electric-car-confirmed-for-2019>) and an all-electric X3 crossover confirmed for production in 2019 and 2020, respectively. BMW also still plans to have a Tesla Model S competitor with their iNext project slated for 2021 release. With all of their lofty aspirations for electric vehicles, an electrified version of the common 3 Series might be the one that shakes up the industry the most, by making electric cars more mainstream.

For an electric entry-level luxury sedan, would you rather take a chance on a young, innovative startup or go with a century-old company that’s synonymous with luxury and performance?

### Author social links  
[Twitter](<https://twitter.com/brandt004>)