A China-specific version of BMW’s electric 3 Series has reportedly traveled 754 miles (1,213 kilometers) on a single charge during a long-distance endurance challenge. The i3 50L reached its destination with 1% battery remaining, according to BMW’s claim reported by Car News China.

The result comes from the rear-wheel-drive i3 Long Wheelbase, a model developed specifically for the Chinese market. BMW previously claimed that the car could exceed 621 miles (1,000 km) on a charge under China’s CLTC testing cycle, a figure that is generally more generous than EPA and WLTP ratings.

Efficiency and testing conditions

BMW reported average energy consumption of 8.8 kWh per 100 miles during the trip. That works out to approximately 7.06 miles per kWh, or about 238 MPGe using EPA-style conversions.

The result suggests the sedan can exceed its claimed CLTC range in real-world driving, although the journey was conducted as a BMW test. The available information does not establish the road, weather, speed, traffic, or other conditions surrounding the run.

How the Chinese i3 differs

The i3 50L uses a 113.4-kWh battery that is not available in the versions sold in Western markets. It also uses a single-motor, rear-wheel-drive layout, while Western versions are currently offered only with dual-motor xDrive powertrains.

Other differences include revised door handles designed to meet China’s newer safety regulations. The long-wheelbase sedan is 4.3 inches (108 mm) longer than the Western i3, with the additional length intended to appeal to Chinese buyers seeking more rear-seat space.

BMW has not explained why the larger battery is not offered in Europe or the United States. One possible reason is packaging: the shorter Western body may not have enough underfloor space for the 113.4-kWh pack.

Western BMW i3 versions

Europe’s entry-level i3 40 xDrive combines a 369-horsepower (374-PS, 274-kW) dual-motor system with an 82.8-kWh battery. It is rated for up to 441 miles (710 km) under WLTP and can accept charging at up to 300 kW.

The i3 50 xDrive raises output to 463 hp (469 PS, 345 kW) and reduces the claimed 0-to-60-mph time from 5.4 seconds to 4.7 seconds. Its 108.7-kWh battery provides a claimed WLTP range of 567 miles (912 km), while maximum charging power increases to 400 kW.

The rear-wheel-drive i3 50L therefore remains unavailable to BMW customers in Western markets, despite its larger battery and impressive result in the Chinese endurance test.