BMW is bringing back the i3 name, but this time, it’s not a quirky hatchback—it’s an all-electric 3 Series. The highly anticipated EV is undergoing cold-weather testing in Sweden ahead of its official debut in 2026. Built on BMW’s cutting-edge Neue Klasse platform, this model aims to redefine the brand’s electric future.
Cold-Weather Testing Underway
BMW recently posted a video of the electric 3 Series prototype being tested in freezing conditions. This confirms that the upcoming sedan is moving forward in development. The first Neue Klasse model, the iX3 SUV, is already in pre-production and set to debut at the 2025 Munich Auto Show in September.
While the name isn’t officially confirmed, many expect BMW to revive the i3 badge, which was previously used for its first mass-market EV—a carbon-fiber-based hatchback that ran from 2013 to 2022.
A More Conventional Approach
Unlike the polarizing design of the original i3, the new model takes a traditional sedan shape, closely resembling the iconic 3 Series. BMW has hinted that this EV will have a minimalist design, influenced by a 2023 concept car.
The Neue Klasse lineup is a big leap forward in BMW’s EV strategy. The platform includes:
- 800-volt architecture for faster charging
- New cylindrical battery cells for improved efficiency
- Front induction motors for better performance
- “Heart of Joy” chassis control unit for enhanced driving dynamics
A New Era for BMW’s EV Lineup
The original i3 left a gap in BMW’s lineup, as the brand lacked an entry-level EV. BMW’s development chief, Frank Weber, previously stated that they were working on a successor with a more mainstream design.
With the iX3 launching next year and the electric 3 Series following in 2026, BMW is gearing up to take on Tesla and other EV giants.
