The first Neue Klasse sedan promises advanced tech, 469 hp, and a 500-mile range as BMW ramps up global EV ambitions.
On March 18, 2026, BMW will debut the i3, their eagerly awaited Neue Klasse electric sedan which will be a major turning point in the company's electrification plan. The i3 will be the first sedan in the new lineup and the second Neue Klasse car after the iX3. BMW is on schedule to start series production in the second half of 2026 as evidenced by the first pre-series i3 coming off the production line last month.
BMW rigorously tested i3 prototypes at its winter center in Sweden prior to its launch, honing performance on frozen lakes and snow-covered roads. The model's "Heart of Joy" control unit and Dynamic Performance Control driving stack, which together react ten times faster than existing systems and improve driving dynamics, were emphasized by Mike Reichelt, Head of BMW Neue Klasse. With two electric motors, the i3 guarantees better stability and raises the bar for driving performance in BMW's portfolio.
Based on BMW's sixth generation eDrive (Gen6) 800V architecture, the Neue Klasse i3 50 xDrive can generate up to 469 horsepower (345 kW) and 645 Nm of torque, with a maximum charging capacity of 400 kW. The i3, which is still in prototype form, features a narrower kidney grille and a "four-eyed" front fascia, two examples of BMW's new design language.
The electric sedan's interior, which includes BMW's Panoramic Vision 3D Head Up Display, a revised steering wheel and a 17.9 inch central touchscreen, reflects the iX3's minimalistic style. With a WLTP range of up to 805 km (500 miles), the battery is anticipated to match the iX3's 108.7 kWh pack. It should be possible to travel about 373 kilometers (231 miles) in ten minutes thanks to fast charging capabilities.
The i3 will be offered in 40 xDrive and 50 xDrive versions joining the iX3 and the forthcoming iX4 and iX5, according to BMW's secret 2027 lineup. Sales of the Neue Klasse i3 are anticipated later this year or in early 2027 and it will compete with the Tesla Model 3 in Europe, the US and other international markets.
