BMW to rename models to better separate EV and ICE cars

New trademarks filed in Europe suggest BMW is set to revise the way it names its cars to help buyers better identify which of its vehicles are petrol-powered or all-electric.

According to a patent application with the German trademark authority, BMW will roll out its ‘i’ prefix naming structure for all models that were first introduced with the i3 hatch and i8 sports car.

The first cars to get the new naming structure will be the next-generation Neue Klasse-inspired X3 that’s due to arrive in 2025, according to Britain’s Car magazine.

In the future, the combustion line-up will be badged the X320 and X330, while the all-electric versions will be named the iX330, iX340 and, at the top of the range, iX350.

Following on from the X3, the 3 Series that’s due in 2026 will be badged the 330 or 340 if they're petrol powered or i330 or i340 if they’re battery-electric.

The 5, 6 and 7 Series will follow, with the updated naming structure claimed to remain relevant to existing BMW owners while making sense to those new to the brand.

Shown earlier this month at the Munich motor show, the BMW Vision Neue Klasse concept introduces the German brand’s new interior and exterior design language.

Beneath the skin, the futuristic 3 Series-sized sedan sits on the car-maker’s next-gen NK architecture that has been created for its future EVs and will come powered with new all-electric powertrains.

Audi recently announced a far more dramatic renaming structure that will see even numbers for EVs and odd numbers for combustion cars.

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