The new electric version of the BMW 3 Series sedan has made a surprise guest appearance at the global launch of the trailblazing new BMW iX3 electric medium SUV.
To be dubbed the i3 when it starts production in 2026, it is the second model to be based on BMW’s Neue Klasse EV technical set after the iX3.
The i3 was still in disguise for its first public appearance in Munich, but only stayed long enough on-stage for some photography with BMW’s board of directors before being whisked away.
This is the third vehicle to be named i3 by BMW following on from the now defunct carbon-fibre compact hatch launched in 2013 and a China-only 3 Series sedan.
The iX3 goes on-sale in Australia mid-2026, while the i3 is expected in 2027.
The latest i3 was introduced by BMW board chairman Oliver Zipse.
“The details are still hidden beneath the camouflage, but I’m sure you’ll recognize the classic proportions of a sporty sedan,” he told the audience.
“It will be released next year as the Series’ first all-electric version. And it will be the first model variant of the new 3 Series generation.
“For the past 50 years and over seven model generations, no other vehicle has been as closely tied to the success of the BMW brand.
“The 3 Series embodies everything at the very core of BMW. Innovation. Digital user experience. Comfort. Sportiness. Together, these characteristics create an incomparable driving experience. Sheer driving pleasure at its finest.
“After the launch of the i3, more variants will follow.”
In fact BMW has committed to rolling out six Neue Klasse models within the next 24 months. They are expected to be more variants of the iX3 and i3 rather than a third different model line.
Those variants are expected to include the frequently teased new quad motor electric version of the M3 sports sedan, as well as a cheaper single motor entry-level version of the iX3.
Like the iX3, the first version of the i3 to go on-sale is expected to be the 50 xDrive with dual motor all-wheel drive, the new sixth generation cylindrical battery cell technology and a WLTP range in excess of the SUV’s impressive 805km claim.
In total, BMW will launch 40 new or updated models across its ICE and EV line-up by 2027, all of them including Neue Klasse tech and design to some degree.
EVs should get the full package, while ICE Models will collect the new infotainment set-up and BMW’s new design language.
Whether ICE or EV, incoming X SUV (or SAVs as BMW calls them) models will wear derivatives of the upright face with long kidneys debuted by the iX3, while passenger cars will head in a different direction that the i3 will debut.
“It will be different from the SAVs. It will be more horizontal,” said BMW global design chief Adrian van Hooydonk.
Just as last year’s Vison Neue Klasse X previewed the iX3, it is expected the 2023 Vison Neue Klasse previews the new i3.
In his introduction Zipse was emphatic in his estimation of the importance of Neue Klasse and the vehicles it will spawn.
“Here it is,” he said, pointing to the iX3. “The first of a new era. The future of the car.
“I’ve been with the BMW Group for more than 34 years now. During this time, I’ve witnessed many world premieres, exciting new concepts and bold technological innovations.
“But, for me – and for all of us at the BMW Group – today’s premiere is truly a “once-in-a-lifetime moment”.
“When else do you get to re-imagine a brand like BMW from the ground up? The chance to create an entirely new generation of vehicles? The chance to break completely new ground?
“The Neue Klasse is much more than just one new car. It represents a completely new model generation. A massive leap that will shape the entire brand for years to come.”
