2026 BMW i3 makes public debut ahead of 2026 production
Electric version of iconic sedan will be the second Neue Klasse model on-saleThe News
The new i3 electric version of the next-generation BMW 3 Series sedan made a surprise guest appearance at last Friday’s global launch of the trailblazing Neue Klasse BMW iX3 electric medium SUV.
The Key Details
- The i3 will be based on the same all-new Neue Klasse EV architecture as the BMW iX3
- It will be the first new-generation 3 Series model to go into production in 2026, ahead of ICE models
- It will be followed by a quad motor electric M3
- Australian sale likely to start in 2027
The Finer Details
The i3 will be the second model to be based on BMW’s Neue Klasse EV technical set after the iX3.
The four-door sedan 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.”
The Road Ahead
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 have a more horizontal face previewed by the Vision Neue Klasse concept.
Related: CES 2025: BMW Neue Klasse Panoramic iDrive previews German brand’s next-gen cabin
Related: BMW reveals its future with Neue Klasse
Related: 2025 BMW iX3 to debut in September
Related: 2026 BMW iX3 debuts with brand’s next-gen EV tech
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