by BMW Announces Date for New Electric i3 Sedan Presentation
The new electric version of the BMW 3 Series, which will be named i3, will be officially unveiled on March 18. This model will become the brand’s first global electric vehicle developed from scratch on the dedicated Neue Klasse architecture. The car is expected to offer a range of up to 500 miles according to the WLTP standard.
Technological Leap Forward
Unlike the existing i4, which is an electrified version of the combustion model, the new i3 will be built on a completely new platform designed exclusively for electric vehicles. This will enable the implementation of advanced technologies, including an 800-volt architecture for fast charging.
New Design Philosophy
The car’s design, judging from teasers and concepts, will combine BMW retro elements with futuristic minimalism. In particular, the famous ‘kidney’ grille will be reinterpreted as light graphics, and thin diagonal LED signatures will become the hallmark of the entire Neue Klasse lineup.
Interior and Technical Features
The interior will feature a new Panoramic iDrive system that projects information onto the lower part of the windshield, while retaining the central touchscreen. According to BMW, this will allow important data to be placed in the driver’s line of sight and reduce dashboard clutter.
Technical specifications are likely to be similar to the recently unveiled iX3 electric crossover. The base version will receive two electric motors with a combined output of approximately 469 hp. Later, more affordable single-motor versions, more powerful M versions, and eventually, a full-fledged electric M3 will be added to the lineup.
Source: Official BMW Instagram account
In parallel with the electric model, BMW plans to present an updated version of the 3 Series with internal combustion engines, which will receive a similar exterior appearance in the Neue Klasse style but will remain on an updated version of the existing CLAR platform. This highlights the brand’s strategy aimed at the parallel development of electric and traditional models, giving buyers a choice without having to sacrifice modern design.
