BMW has been developing an electric version of its 3 Series sedan for some time. Ahead of its launch, the new BMW 3 Series electric sedan, codenamed ‘i3’, has been tested on the road for the first time.
The new BMW i3 electric sedan is the second model to be based on the new Neue Klasse electric vehicle platform, the first being the iX3 SUV. Previewed last year with the Neue Klasse concept, the sedan will feature a new design language that stands out from BMW’s current model lineup. Spy shots of the upcoming BMW i3 show a more production-friendly version. It features a new kidney grille design with a radar in the center and an ADAS camera, flanked by LED headlights. The rear will feature LED taillights and a traditional grille.
While the exterior of the 3 Series electric will feature BMW’s signature Hofmeister grille on the C-pillar and a full-length panoramic roof. There are no interior photos of the upcoming BMW 3 Series electric, although the sedan is expected to feature a tech-heavy interior and a minimalist design.
BMW has yet to reveal details about the 3 Series electric’s full-size sedan. The German automaker has confirmed that the electric 3 Series will be sold alongside the ICE-powered model. Once launched, the electric BMW 3 Series will compete with the Tesla Model 3 and the electric Mercedes-Benz CLA.
New spy shots show BMW testing its next-generation 3 Series sedan with an ICE engines. In addition to allaying fears that BMW will ditch the ICE 3 Series, the spy shots reveal styling changes reminiscent of the Vision Neue Klasse 2023 concept car.
The current 3 Series was first launched for the 2019 model year, and has undergone two facelifts — once in 2023 and 2025. It features new headlights and the return of the slim kidney grille. At the rear, there is a set of tall tail lights and four tailpipes that compliment the gas engine.
The Chassis code is NA0 Sedan / NA1 Touring. The car will go in production in 11 Nov 2026 and will continue till 06 2035. The Planned NA0 aka i3 sedan model lineup will include 40, 40 xDrive, 50, 50 xDrive, M60 xDrive variants. The Model range will include 3 series in totality will include 20, 40, 40 xDrive, 50, 50 xDrive, M60 xDrive. The other models around the same platform will include 3M, i3M Touring, iX3M, iX4M .Thee are now in the official plan state. The M variants will be the ICE version codenamed ZA0, which will include the M3 / ZA1 M3 Touring.
