FiestaST
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BMW i3 Design Deep Dive
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New BMW i3
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FiestaST
Honorary Master
FiestaST
Honorary Master
BMW i3 electric sedan revealed – showcases new 3 Series design
The second model to be released in BMW’s Neue Klasse generation is none other than an electrified version of the all-new 3 Series, dubbed the BMW i3.
When we were ushered into a secretive dark room in Spain during November last year, we did not yet know what BMW was planning to show us. After all, we were in Europe to sample the marque’s first Neue Klasse release, the iX3, which proved to be massively impressive (read that report here). But whatever BMW was going to show us next was still a secret, so we had to let go of our phones and camera equipment…
Now, finally, almost four months later, we are able to share the first images and thoughts on BMW’s first all-electric 3 Series, the i3. Due to go into production later this year, and likely to arrive in South Africa shortly after, the first i3 launch model is the 50 xDrive, boasting a twin-motor set-up that delivers a whopping 345 kW and 645 Nm of torque – this is the same drivetrain used in the first iX3 we got to drive last year, and which will debut in South Africa during the third or fourth quarter of this year.
BMW i3 Exterior Design
Before we delve into the technical details of the i3, this preview is more important than usual, seeing as it also shows us what to expect, in terms of (visual) design at least, of the next-generation 3 Series (they will not share the same architecture, however). Although the new i3 is bigger than the G20 CLAR-based 3 Series in every dimension, it appears to be smaller. The stretched wheelbase (2 897mm), wide stance and chiselled exterior panels make it look more compact than it really is.
The new i3 rolled onto the stage in Spain with a new M Le Castellet Blue metallic colour, highlighting its creases and sharp details. It is a very striking car indeed, and there are two things that may please critics of BMW’s more recent design attempts. Firstly, it seems like the big grille era, during which every subsequent model had a bigger grille design than its predecessor, is finally over and, secondly, BMW is not simply going to slap the vertical grille design of the iX3 onto all its Neue Klasse vehicles.
Summary
While we were only allowed to look at the BMW i3 and sit in it (no driving), the excellent impression left by the iX3, with which it shares so much, means that expectations are high for this new arrival. From an EV perspective, the newcomer is likely to set a new benchmark for driving dynamics, as it is both lighter and has a lower centre of gravity than the excellent iX3, which even raised eyebrows on the racing circuit. Production starts in August 2026, and we expect it to debut in South Africa during the first or second quarter of 2027.
Launching soon after the i3 is the rest of the new 3 Series line-up, but it may not quite be what you expect. Likely to use an updated version of the current CLAR platform, it sees BMW creating distinctly different underpinnings for electric and ICE versions, and not compromising one for the other. We do expect very similar exterior and interior treatments, however.
The second model to be released in BMW’s Neue Klasse generation is none other than an electrified version of the all-new 3 Series, dubbed the BMW i3.
When we were ushered into a secretive dark room in Spain during November last year, we did not yet know what BMW was planning to show us. After all, we were in Europe to sample the marque’s first Neue Klasse release, the iX3, which proved to be massively impressive (read that report here). But whatever BMW was going to show us next was still a secret, so we had to let go of our phones and camera equipment…
Now, finally, almost four months later, we are able to share the first images and thoughts on BMW’s first all-electric 3 Series, the i3. Due to go into production later this year, and likely to arrive in South Africa shortly after, the first i3 launch model is the 50 xDrive, boasting a twin-motor set-up that delivers a whopping 345 kW and 645 Nm of torque – this is the same drivetrain used in the first iX3 we got to drive last year, and which will debut in South Africa during the third or fourth quarter of this year.
BMW i3 Exterior Design
Before we delve into the technical details of the i3, this preview is more important than usual, seeing as it also shows us what to expect, in terms of (visual) design at least, of the next-generation 3 Series (they will not share the same architecture, however). Although the new i3 is bigger than the G20 CLAR-based 3 Series in every dimension, it appears to be smaller. The stretched wheelbase (2 897mm), wide stance and chiselled exterior panels make it look more compact than it really is.
The new i3 rolled onto the stage in Spain with a new M Le Castellet Blue metallic colour, highlighting its creases and sharp details. It is a very striking car indeed, and there are two things that may please critics of BMW’s more recent design attempts. Firstly, it seems like the big grille era, during which every subsequent model had a bigger grille design than its predecessor, is finally over and, secondly, BMW is not simply going to slap the vertical grille design of the iX3 onto all its Neue Klasse vehicles.
Summary
While we were only allowed to look at the BMW i3 and sit in it (no driving), the excellent impression left by the iX3, with which it shares so much, means that expectations are high for this new arrival. From an EV perspective, the newcomer is likely to set a new benchmark for driving dynamics, as it is both lighter and has a lower centre of gravity than the excellent iX3, which even raised eyebrows on the racing circuit. Production starts in August 2026, and we expect it to debut in South Africa during the first or second quarter of 2027.
Launching soon after the i3 is the rest of the new 3 Series line-up, but it may not quite be what you expect. Likely to use an updated version of the current CLAR platform, it sees BMW creating distinctly different underpinnings for electric and ICE versions, and not compromising one for the other. We do expect very similar exterior and interior treatments, however.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
The new BMW i3 EV is a road trip monster with 440 miles of range, fast charging, and more
The new BMW i3 delivers where it matters most with 440 miles of range, 800V ultra-fast charging, and Neue Klasse...
electrek.co
FiestaST
Honorary Master
FiestaST
Honorary Master
The new electric BMW i3 arrives as the 3 Series finally goes electric
BMW has finally unveiled a long-awaited car that marks a massive shift for the German automaker. The new BMW i3 is way more than another addition to the lineup - it is the first time the famous 3 Series has gone fully electric. The new i3 belongs to a new group of vehicles BMW calls the "Neue Klasse," or New Class. It's a big jump in EV technology that promises to change how people think about driving without gasoline.
The debut model leading the charge is the BMW i3 50 xDrive. This version has two electric motors, with one sitting on the front axle and one on the back. Together, they produce a total of 345 kW, which is about 469 hp, and 645 Nm of torque.
BMW designed the i3 to look like a classic sports sedan while making it clear that it runs on batteries. It has a long wheelbase and short overhangs, which give it a sporty stance. The "four-eyed" face that BMW fans know well is still there, but the headlights and the front grille now blend into a single light display. The car looks wide and strong because of its flared wheel arches. Even though it looks modern, you can still tell it is a 3 Series from a distance.
Inside, the BMW i3 focuses on giving the driver and passengers plenty of room. Because the car does not need space for a traditional engine or transmission tunnel, the floor is flatter. The main feature inside is the BMW Panoramic iDrive system. This new interface changes how the driver interacts with the car.
The i3 uses a computer system called the "Heart of Joy." This computer processes information ten times faster than older systems, making the car feel very responsive, promising it will behave on the road as any driver would expect from a BMW 3-Series.
www.arenaev.com
www.press.bmwgroup.com
BMW has finally unveiled a long-awaited car that marks a massive shift for the German automaker. The new BMW i3 is way more than another addition to the lineup - it is the first time the famous 3 Series has gone fully electric. The new i3 belongs to a new group of vehicles BMW calls the "Neue Klasse," or New Class. It's a big jump in EV technology that promises to change how people think about driving without gasoline.
The debut model leading the charge is the BMW i3 50 xDrive. This version has two electric motors, with one sitting on the front axle and one on the back. Together, they produce a total of 345 kW, which is about 469 hp, and 645 Nm of torque.
BMW designed the i3 to look like a classic sports sedan while making it clear that it runs on batteries. It has a long wheelbase and short overhangs, which give it a sporty stance. The "four-eyed" face that BMW fans know well is still there, but the headlights and the front grille now blend into a single light display. The car looks wide and strong because of its flared wheel arches. Even though it looks modern, you can still tell it is a 3 Series from a distance.
Inside, the BMW i3 focuses on giving the driver and passengers plenty of room. Because the car does not need space for a traditional engine or transmission tunnel, the floor is flatter. The main feature inside is the BMW Panoramic iDrive system. This new interface changes how the driver interacts with the car.
The i3 uses a computer system called the "Heart of Joy." This computer processes information ten times faster than older systems, making the car feel very responsive, promising it will behave on the road as any driver would expect from a BMW 3-Series.
The new electric BMW i3 arrives as the 3 Series finally goes electric
The new all-electric BMW i3 50 xDrive debuts with a {{900-km}} range and 469 hp, marking a high-tech rebirth for the brand's most famous sedan.
www.arenaev.com
Additional photo material of the BMW i3 design premiere with Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, and Adrian van Hooydonk, Additional photo material of the BMW i3 design premiere with Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Man
Additional photo material of the BMW i3 design premiere with Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, and Adrian van Hooydonk, Head of BMW Group Design
FiestaST
Honorary Master
FiestaST
Honorary Master
First Renderings of the BMW i3 Touring Reveal a Wagon Worth Waiting For
First renderings of the confirmed BMW i3 Touring show the sedan's design language stretched into a sleek, electric-ready long-roof body.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Drive.com.au first look at the new i3
FiestaST
Honorary Master
FiestaST
Honorary Master
FiestaST
Honorary Master
FiestaST
Honorary Master
FiestaST
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Chasing Cars first look at the new i3
FiestaST
Honorary Master
BMW design boss on the new i3: "I’ve had 30 years preparing for this car"
Top Gear catches up with Adrian van Hooydonk on one of the most important new BMWs
“The 3 Series,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, “is the essence of BMW. It’s about driving, sportiness and elegance, combined in a relatively compact format. The 5 Series is geared more towards autobahn driving. The 7 Series looks like you could go fast but don’t really need to. The 3 Series is about agility and precision. It’s always moving even when it isn’t.”
It’s also the very definition of a heartland car – for its maker, and for most of us. Van Hooydonk, the BMW Group design director, owns an E21 316, the first generation 3 Series, and a car that somehow looks fresher with every passing year. Especially painted orange, as his example is. That and its early Sixties forbear, the original Neue Klasse, are two lodestars on BMW’s 110-year journey, so it’s no accident they’ve been invoked as the company unveils – after years of conceptual preparation and clever comms – the new i3.
This is the biggest of big deals, as we know, and there is a sense of history being made. Yes, everyone says that, but today it might actually be true. CEO Oliver Zipse receives a two minute standing ovation as he arrives in the arena (usually a basketball venue), a rousing moment that’s reminiscent of the fervour that greeted the late Steve Jobs. A clever strategist and clear thinker, Zipse has helped navigate the company through the perilous pivot to electrification without the shocking fiscal pain the upside down car world has inflicted on virtually every other big legacy name.
Partly, it must be said, because BMW called it right by remaining ‘technology open’; petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid, BEV and hydrogen fuel cells are all in play for the forseeable. The new iX3 is also a hit, so much so that the plant in Debrecen, Hungary where it’s manufactured is running double shifts to meet demand. This is the EV that nukes any lingering doubts you might have about fitting one into your life.
Top Gear catches up with Adrian van Hooydonk on one of the most important new BMWs
“The 3 Series,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, “is the essence of BMW. It’s about driving, sportiness and elegance, combined in a relatively compact format. The 5 Series is geared more towards autobahn driving. The 7 Series looks like you could go fast but don’t really need to. The 3 Series is about agility and precision. It’s always moving even when it isn’t.”
It’s also the very definition of a heartland car – for its maker, and for most of us. Van Hooydonk, the BMW Group design director, owns an E21 316, the first generation 3 Series, and a car that somehow looks fresher with every passing year. Especially painted orange, as his example is. That and its early Sixties forbear, the original Neue Klasse, are two lodestars on BMW’s 110-year journey, so it’s no accident they’ve been invoked as the company unveils – after years of conceptual preparation and clever comms – the new i3.
This is the biggest of big deals, as we know, and there is a sense of history being made. Yes, everyone says that, but today it might actually be true. CEO Oliver Zipse receives a two minute standing ovation as he arrives in the arena (usually a basketball venue), a rousing moment that’s reminiscent of the fervour that greeted the late Steve Jobs. A clever strategist and clear thinker, Zipse has helped navigate the company through the perilous pivot to electrification without the shocking fiscal pain the upside down car world has inflicted on virtually every other big legacy name.
Partly, it must be said, because BMW called it right by remaining ‘technology open’; petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid, BEV and hydrogen fuel cells are all in play for the forseeable. The new iX3 is also a hit, so much so that the plant in Debrecen, Hungary where it’s manufactured is running double shifts to meet demand. This is the EV that nukes any lingering doubts you might have about fitting one into your life.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
FiestaST
Honorary Master
BMW Details The i3's Biggest Change From Concept To Production
BMW's design boss Adrian van Hooydonk explains the taillights are the main differentiator between the Vision Neue Klasse and the i3.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
BMW i3 vs Tesla Model 3: The 5 key differences
Since its arrival, the Tesla Model 3 has been the benchmark for electric sedans. Almost every other automotive company tried to beat it, but few came close. The Model 3 was the definition of a great electric vehicle, but with the Neue Klasse and its all new i3 BMW seems to have a legitimate claim of having something significantly better..
If somehow you've managed to miss the news, the i3 isn't a battery version or a refresh of a familiar car - it is a completely fresh start for the German brand. Based on the "Neue Klasse" platform, this electric sedan wants to beat the world's favorite in ways that actually matter to drivers, like how far it goes, how fast it charges, and of course - how well it drives.
The Tesla Model 3 has seen its sales dip recently, but it still remains the target everyone wants to hit. The new BMW i3 tries to do that by channeling the spirit of the famous 3 Series sedan. It brings a mix of high-tech features and a premium interior that will try to pull buyers away from Tesla. The Model 3 is known for being simple and fast, but BMW wants to prove that an electric car can be both smart and truly luxurious.
www.arenaev.com
Since its arrival, the Tesla Model 3 has been the benchmark for electric sedans. Almost every other automotive company tried to beat it, but few came close. The Model 3 was the definition of a great electric vehicle, but with the Neue Klasse and its all new i3 BMW seems to have a legitimate claim of having something significantly better..
If somehow you've managed to miss the news, the i3 isn't a battery version or a refresh of a familiar car - it is a completely fresh start for the German brand. Based on the "Neue Klasse" platform, this electric sedan wants to beat the world's favorite in ways that actually matter to drivers, like how far it goes, how fast it charges, and of course - how well it drives.
The Tesla Model 3 has seen its sales dip recently, but it still remains the target everyone wants to hit. The new BMW i3 tries to do that by channeling the spirit of the famous 3 Series sedan. It brings a mix of high-tech features and a premium interior that will try to pull buyers away from Tesla. The Model 3 is known for being simple and fast, but BMW wants to prove that an electric car can be both smart and truly luxurious.
BMW i3 vs Tesla Model 3: The 5 key differences
The new BMW i3 wants to dethrone the Tesla Model 3 by offering superior driving range, faster charging, and a more luxurious interior.
www.arenaev.com