BMW has started selling the 3-Series electric sedan. The long-wheelbase “troika” on batteries received the G28 index, the name i3 and so far the only version of eDrive35L. Electric cars appeared at Chinese dealers this week, the price is from 349,900 yuan (the equivalent of 52.5 thousand dollars). For comparison, the updated 320Li with the M-package in China was estimated at 318,900 yuan (47.8 thousand dollars), and the top version of the 330Li xDrive will cost 409,900 yuan (61.5 thousand dollars).

The Chinese BMW i3 is an electric version of the “troika” with a 66.1 kilowatt-hour battery and a 286-horsepower (400 Nm) electric motor driving the rear axle. The premiere of the model took place in March, and the local “battery” sedan provided for the world debut of the restyled 3-Series.

According to Chinese tradition, the wheelbase of the BMW i3 is extended by 115 mm in relation to the “global” sedan. However, gasoline troikas in the Celestial Empire are also stretched, so the prices of sedans with different types of power plants can be compared.

The electric car, assembled at the BMW-Brilliance joint venture, was 15 percent cheaper than the all-wheel drive 258-horsepower 330Li xDrive variant, but ten percent more expensive than the base 156-horsepower 320Li modification.

There are no plans to export BMW i3 electric cars yet, but soon fuel “triples” will receive a similar appearance and interior. The refreshed family of sedans and station wagons will likely premiere after the BMW M anniversary at the end of May and the debut of the hardcore M4 CSL coupe.