BMW is poised to introduce its inaugural Neue Klasse model, the iX3, in 2025. Production is slated to commence in July 2025 for the 2026 model year at BMW Group Plant Debrecen. The electric X3 will be accompanied by an electric 3 Series, marketed as the i3.
The compact executive sedan is codenamed NA0, while the longroof is rumored to be NA1. Pixel artist Sugar Design has crafted three renderings of the i3 Touring, one of which incorporates the angled lights from the Vision Neue Klasse concept.
The Vision Neue Klasse concept, revealed at the IAA Mobility 2023 International Motor Show in Munich, represents a bold leap forward in terms of exterior styling for the Bavarian automaker. While it retains signature features like the Hofmeister kink and the kidney-style grille, the concept showcases a more daring and progressive design language.
Sugar Design’s i3 Touring renderings are entirely independent, suggesting that the real i3 Touring may exhibit slightly more restrained styling. Both the NA0 sedan and NA1 wagon are scheduled to enter series production in November 2026 for the 2027 model year in Germany. There is even speculation about the possibility of an electric M3 in both sedan and wagon forms.
Rumors indicate that the i3 will be available with a total of six powertrain options at launch. Starting with rear-drive configurations, the 20, 40, and 50 models will be offered. All-wheel-drive variants will include the 40 xDrive, 50 xDrive, and M60 xDrive. The M3 is expected to feature M xDrive exclusively. However, the exact meaning of M xDrive in this context remains to be clarified.
BMW is currently developing a high-performance electric vehicle based on the i4 M50 Gran Coupe. The M division’s upcoming electric car will be incredibly powerful and thrilling to drive. While the exact specifications remain under wraps, the car’s name has been confirmed as M3, not iM3. There’s speculation that it could feature a quad motor setup and a staggering one megawatt of power, making it a formidable contender in the electric performance car market.
The i3 and electric M3 will be produced alongside the next-generation 3 Series and M3, with their respective codenames being G50, G51, and G84. While there’s no official word on whether a combustion-engined M3 Touring will be offered, the electric M3 is undoubtedly the most anticipated model in the lineup.
Regarding the i3’s range, rumors suggest it could achieve an impressive 900 kilometers on a single charge under the WLTP test cycle. However, this figure is significantly higher than the 582 kilometers offered by the CLAR-based BMW i5 sedan, which is equipped with an 83.9-kWh battery. It’s worth noting that the i5’s usable battery capacity is slightly lower at 81.3 kilowatt hours.
BMW’s electric M3 and i3 promise to be groundbreaking vehicles that combine exceptional performance with cutting-edge technology. Their arrival will undoubtedly mark a significant milestone in the evolution of electric vehicles and the M division’s commitment to delivering thrilling driving experiences.
