BMW’s Neue Klasse concept is evolving into the next 3 Series. And now the electric variant, dubbed i3, has been spotted testing on road.
The rival for Tesla Model 3 and the upcoming Mercedes CLA is likely to take on the i3 badge once again. It is the second model to emerge using the modular Neue Klasse EV platform. The first, the upcoming iX3 SUV, is set to debut next year.
The Neue Klasse concept kicked things off with design language that was a bold departure from BMW’s current line-up. Despite the disguise it is clear the pre-production vehicle here is less radical. However, it retains the new kidney grilles, a departure from the divisive designs of today’s models. Where the concept had slimline headlights, the LEDs in the prototype are more typical. And there’s a full width lower bumper as well.
It’s the same story at the rear, where there’s a more conventional bumper and circular brake light clusters. Whether any of these changes make it to production is unclear. The Hofmeister kink ahead of the C-pillar remains as does a full-length panoramic roof of the concept.
No interior shots of the preproduction vehicle are to hand. So whether it retains the irregularly shaped central touchscreens, haptic steering-wheel controls and large head-up display of the concept is unclear.
What’s known is that the Neue Klasse platform will be equipped with 800V electrical hardware so it will be amongst the quickest-charging EVs on the market. Expect the battery packs to be 20 per cent more energy dense than those currently in use.
BMW says that improvements in aero, motor efficiency and software will boost range by almost one-third.
As is the trend in Europe, there will be pure-electric and internal-combustion power available, flexible powertrain offerings being the order of the day before BMW goes all-electric some time down the line. The company has not yet said when ICE sales will end but for certain that will be prior to 2035 in the UK and Europe.
Which engines the next 3 Series generation will get is not yet clear but there will be no diesel. A plug-in hybrid with around 100km of range is expected, as are 2.0L four and 3.0L straight six engines.
A 3 Series estate is likely to be on offer to counter the CLA Shooting Brake and A4 e-tron Avant.
A hot M3 with both petrol and electric power is also expected. The electric version will likely offer a torque-vectoring programme that can vary the power to each of its four motors/wheels almost instantly. Little more is known about the so-called iM3, though acoustic and haptic feedback as found in the Ioniq 5 N are likely.
A mild hybrid petrol alternative will also be revealed in 2027, before a 2028 on-sale date. The pair will look virtually the same. The basis for the ICE model is likely the 3.0L IL6 which is already Euro7 ready. Whatever engine it uses, BMW says the kerb weight of the next M3 will be a lean 1500kg. Power will be similar to today’s M3 Competition.
The upcoming 3 Series will launch possibly before the end of 2025 or early in 2026.
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