BMW Neue Klasse i3 to debut globally on March 18

BMW will globally reveal the Neue Klasse i3 electric sedan on March 18. It is the second model after the iX3 SUV in the German brand’s latest Neue Klasse range of EVs and the electric counterpart to the upcoming new-generation BMW 3 Series. 

1. Neue Klasse i3 will be a production version of the Vision Neue Klasse concept
2. It is expected to be mechanically similar to the iX3 SUV
3. Spicier electric M3 to debut around 2027-28

With this move, the ‘i3’ nameplate will return to the electric line-up. It was previously used on a hatchback that was discontinued in 2022.

BMW Neue Klasse i3 expected powertrain details

Could borrow the iX3’s powertrain setup 

BMW i3 prototype

The BMW i3 is expected to get the iX3’s 108.7kWh NMC battery pack paired with a dual-motor setup. In the iX3, it delivers 469hp and 645Nm of torque and offers a claimed WLTP range of up to 805km. Since sedans experience less drag than SUVs, the i3 could go further on a single charge than the iX3. Moreover, the battery is developed on an 800V architecture and supports up to 400kW DC charging speeds, while the AC charging speed maxes out at 22kW. The EV will feature BMW’s ‘Heart of Joy’ control unit, which works together with the BMW Dynamic Performance Control to manage driving-related processes within milliseconds.

Electric M3 to be introduced later

An electric M3 based on the Neue Klasse platform will follow the i3. It will feature a quad-motor setup, a battery capacity of around 100kWh and simulated gearshifts.

BMW Neue Klasse i3 expected exterior and interior details 

Exterior inspired by the Vision Neue Klasse; interior could be similar to the iX3’s

BMW Vision Neue Klasse Concept

The BMW Vision Neue Klasse concept, revealed in 2023, previewed what the i3 could look like. Moreover, BMW had also showcased a pre-production prototype of the i3 at last year’s IAA Mobility Show. The latest teaser video confirms an LED headlamp setup similar to that of the prototype, along with an illuminated kidney grille. However, body panels seem to have a smoother finish than those on the concept, and the signature ‘Hofmeister kink’ has been retained for the C-pillar. The rear end could also feature horizontally positioned trapezoidal tail-lamps as seen on the Vision Neue Klasse. 

BMW says 40 new and updated models will adopt the Neue Klasse design language and interior technology. Among them is the next-gen ICE-powered 3 Series, slated to arrive after the i3. 

BMW iX3 interior used for representation

Inside, the Neue Klasse i3 could carry over the iX3’s cabin layout. It is expected to have a similar minimalist interior design comprising a panoramic display spanning the width of the windscreen and a 17.9-inch infotainment system running BMW’s Operating System X. With the Neue Klasse i3’s debut, BMW is aiming at rivals such as the Tesla Model 3 and the upcoming Audi A4 e-tron and Mercedes-Benz C-Class EV.