BMW
- BMW provided a sneak peek at the production-spec i3 sedan during the reveal of the iX3 SUV.
- The i3 will sport the same Neue Klasse design language found on the iX3, with the headlights and kidney grille sitting within a band that stretches across the front fascia.
- The i3 should debut next year and share much of its powertrain with the iX3.
BMW today revealed the iX3, an electric SUV that ushers in the brand’s Neue Klasse design language and a new platform that promises more range and faster charging. While the new form factor makes its first appearance on a compact SUV, the Neue Klasse style will soon migrate to other models, most notably an electric sedan. At the reveal of the iX3, BMW teased that model with a camouflaged prototype and confirmed that it will bear the name “i3.”This isn’t the first BMW to be dubbed “i3,” with the name also appearing on the brand’s first mass-produced EV, the stubby i3 hatchback sold from 2014 to 2021. The badge will now adorn a compact sedan that will serve as the electric equivalent to BMW’s long-running and much lauded 3-series.BMWBMW will continue to sell the 3-series in gas-powered form alongside the i3, with an update expected for the fuel-sipper in the next couple of years to visually align it with its electric cousin. BMW didn’t provide any details on the i3, but the photo of the prototype shows a similar front-end design to the iX3 SUV, with the headlights sitting within a band that appears to also contain a smaller and skinnier version of BMW’s iconic kidney grille. ➡️ Skip the lot. Let Car and Driver help you find your next car.Shop New Cars Shop Used CarsThe i3 will likely share much of its powertrain with the iX3, which has so far been revealed in 50 xDrive specification. That means a pair of electric motors producing 463 horsepower and 476 pound-feet of torque and a claimed zero-to-62-mph time of 4.9 seconds. The 109-kWh battery is expected to provide around 400 miles of EPA-estimated range. Recharging will peak at 400 kilowatts, with BMW stating it can add around 231 miles of range in 10 minutes.BMW says that more variants will arrive after the launch of the i3, and a high-performance iM3 will certainly be among them. The i3 is set to be revealed sometime next year, with sales kicking off by the end of 2026; the iM3 will likely follow in 2027.More on the Neue Klasse 3-Series
- 2026 BMW M3 Will Be a Quad-Motor EV Sport Sedan
- BMW Teases Upcoming 3-Series EV with New Concept
- Neue Klasse BMW 3-Series Spied with Exhaust Pipes
Source: caranddriver.com
