Electric BMW 3 Series: Reborn i3 on Track for 2026
BMW’s new electric 3 Series is entering the final stages of testing, signaling the company’s intent to compete with the Tesla Model 3 and the next Mercedes-Benz CLA, with a launch anticipated in 2026. The new model is expected to revive the i3 nameplate. It will be the second car to use BMW’s Gen6 modular EV platform, following the expected release of the iX3 SUV, which is planned for later this year and early 2026.
The car was previewed by the Neue Klasse concept, which introduced a distinctive design language, departing significantly from BMW’s current lineup while still referencing some of its most important historical models.
While the prototype in these images has been toned down slightly for production, it retains the distinctive new kidney grilles, which wrap around the front of the car and house the radars and cameras necessary for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). The ultra-slim slashes have been replaced by more conventional LED headlights, and the front has been softened slightly with a full-width lower bumper.
The rear appears to have been significantly updated from the concept, with the chunky lower splitter replaced by a more traditional bumper. Circular brake light clusters have replaced the substantial wrap-around LED bar that adorned the concept—though these could simply be temporary units for testing.
Camouflage obscures some details, yet BMW’s characteristic Hofmeister kink is visible ahead of the C-pillar, and the concept’s full-length panoramic roof seems to have been retained.
BMW has yet to reveal the interior, however, the two Neue Klasse concepts showcased minimalist, tech-focused interiors. They featured central touchscreens of irregular shape, along with haptic steering-wheel controls and a full-width head-up display instead of physical switches and buttons.
Full specifications for the new electric saloon are yet to be confirmed; however, the Neue Klasse platform will be equipped with 800V electrical hardware, enabling fast charging, and batteries in the floorpan will be 20% more energy-dense than current packs. Aerodynamic improvements, more efficient motors, and a new software stack will increase range by up to 30%, according to BMW.
Like today’s BMW 4 Series and BMW 5 Series, the next-generation 3 Series will be available with both all-electric and internal-combustion powertrains as BMW is committed to a flexible powertrain strategy.
BMW is working towards making its current engines compliant with future emissions regulations, although it hasn’t yet confirmed the powertrain offering for the next 3 Series. The present G20-generation model offers a 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a 3.0-liter straight-six petrol engine, as well as a plug-in hybrid with an electric range of 63 miles. All diesel engines were eliminated in an update earlier this year.
While the Neue Klasse concept and this prototype have previewed the saloon variant, the 3 Series Touring estate is likely to return, offering a rival for the upcoming electric Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake and Audi A4 E-tron Avant.
The 3 Series will again include a high-performance M3 variant, which will offer both petrol and electric options, with the latter promising remarkable dynamics, enabled by an advanced torque-vectoring system that can adjust the power to each of the four motors, in milliseconds.
