BMW i3 50 xDrive Sets Record Journey from Nordkap to Tarifa

BMW has conducted a record journey with the new i3 50 xDrive from Nordkap in Norway to Tarifa at the southern tip of Spain. The distance of 5,886.7 kilometers was covered as part of the electric car challenge "Paneuropeana," which aims to complete a set distance with minimal charging time. The total time for the journey was just over three days, with an average speed of 79.7 km/h. The total charging time for the entire route was 2 hours, 45 minutes, and 54 seconds. This new record surpassed the previous record from 2017 by more than 7 hours.

The record journey was conducted exclusively at public charging stations along the route, demonstrating the vehicle's efficiency under real-world conditions. A key factor in the success of the journey was the 800-volt technology of the BMW i3 50 xDrive, which enables fast charging of up to 400 kW. Under optimal conditions, the vehicle can gain an additional range of up to 423 kilometers in just 10 minutes of charging. Throughout the journey, the average charging power was 275 kW. The BMW i3 50 xDrive is equipped with all-wheel drive and has a power output of 469 hp.

The battery has a capacity of 108.7 kWh, allowing for an official range of up to 912 kilometers according to WLTP standards. These technical specifications contribute to the high efficiency and range of the vehicle. The electric car challenge "Paneuropeana" aims to demonstrate the capabilities of electric vehicles in long-distance operation. BMW's record journey shows that modern electric cars can cover large distances with minimal charging times. The challenge also promotes the development and expansion of fast-charging infrastructure in Europe.

The i3 50 xDrive is the most powerful version of the new i3 series. A weaker variant, the i3 40 xDrive, offers 374 hp and a battery with 82.8 kWh, enabling a range of up to 710 kilometers. These two models mainly differ in power and battery capacity, while the exterior design remains largely identical. For 2027, BMW plans to introduce a high-performance version, the i3 M60 xDrive. This version is expected to be even more powerful and offer additional technical innovations.

The continuous development of the i3 series demonstrates BMW's commitment to electromobility and the improvement of range and charging times for electric vehicles. The record journey from Nordkap to Tarifa is not only a milestone for BMW but also a significant step for the entire electric vehicle industry. The results of the journey could serve as a benchmark for future developments in electromobility. With this achievement, BMW has set a new standard for long-distance travel with electric cars. The average charging power during the record journey was 275 kW, while the energy consumption was 12.5 kWh per 100 kilometers.