BMW isn’t short on heritage, but every now and then it pulls the covers off something that feels like a genuine turning point. Enter the new BMW i3 Neue Klasse — a fully electric saloon that attempts to rewrite the 3 Series rulebook.
Underpinned by BMW’s all-new Neue Klasse architecture, the i3 will arrive packing a hefty 108kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt battery, delivering a claimed range of up to 560 miles. In a world still grappling with range anxiety, that figure alone is enough to grab attention.
From launch, the i3 50 xDrive model will lead the charge, pairing dual motors for a combined 469hp and 645Nm of torque. That should be more than enough to uphold BMW’s long-standing reputation for building driver-focused machines, while the technology that underpins the entire set-up is said to move the game on in terms of EV driving dynamics.
BMW is introducing what it calls a new “superbrain” digital architecture, working alongside its ‘Heart of Joy’ driving dynamics system — a high-speed processor setup capable of analysing sensor data in milliseconds. The result? Sharper responses in steering, braking and acceleration than anything the brand has previously offered in the EV space. Maybe not enough to appease M Division fans, but highly likely to make the more affordable Chinese rivals look clumsy and devoid of character by comparison.
Inside, things take a similarly futuristic turn. The latest iDrive system is joined by a full-width Panoramic Vision display that stretches across the base of the windscreen, projecting key information directly into the driver’s eyeline. A 17.9-inch central touchscreen and optional head-up display complete the digital suite, while BMW’s partnership with Amazon brings Alexa-powered voice control into the mix.
“BMW has already confirmed that an estate version will follow”
Charging tech has also taken a significant leap. Thanks to an 800V electrical architecture, the i3 can add up to 250 miles of range in just 10 minutes when plugged into a 400kW charger — making long-distance EV travel more viable than ever.
Visually, the new i3 keeps things clean and purposeful. It’s low, wide and features shorter overhangs than its predecessors, while the iconic kidney grille has been reined in for a more refined look. Subtle nods to classic 3 Series models are present, but this is very much a forward-looking design.
And the good news doesn’t stop here. BMW has already confirmed that an estate version will follow, alongside a high-performance electric M3 that promises to push the platform even further.
If this is the future of the 3 Series, it’s shaping up to be a very interesting one.
