The upcoming addition to BMW’s Neue Klasse electric-vehicle lineup is currently undergoing cold-weather testing in preparation for its debut in 2026.
BMW recently began production of the first Neue Klasse model, a compact crossover set to be unveiled at the 2025 Munich auto show in September. This model will be known as the iX3, a name previously used for an electric version of the X3.
Just days before this announcement, BMW teased a video on Instagram showcasing an electric sedan being tested in Sweden. This second Neue Klasse model is anticipated to carry BMW 3-Series badging, possibly reviving the name i3.
The original i3, which debuted in 2013 and ceased production in 2022, boasted a unique design and unconventional engineering, garnering over 250,000 units produced during its nine-year lifespan.
Prototype for electric BMW 3-Series based on Neue Klasse platform
The departure of the i3 prompted BMW to develop a successor to cater to the entry-level EV market. This new model, part of the Neue Klasse lineup, is expected to feature a more conventional design compared to its predecessor.
The Neue Klasse, named after the models that aided BMW’s revival in the 1960s, signifies a new era in EV technology for the automaker. BMW has teased several technical advancements, including an 800-volt electrical system, cylindrical battery cells, front induction motors, and a chassis-control unit named Heart of Joy.