The BMW i3 by no means actually left. When the quirky hatchback bowed out in 2022, the identify lived on in China as a long-wheelbase 3 Collection electrical sedan. Come 2026, the moniker will probably be repurposed for an additional 3er, but it surely’ll be a wholly totally different automobile. Gone would be the CLAR underpinnings, changed by the Neue Klasse platform pioneered by the iX3.
Till the brand new i3 breaks cowl, a contemporary rendering makes an attempt to peel off the camouflage seen on probably the most recently spotted prototypes. The digital train builds upon these check autos, so it’s greater than only a shot in the dead of night. That stated, don’t anticipate the actual deal to be a carbon copy. In any case, it stays an unofficial styling train forward of the 2026 debut.
Codenamed “NA0,” the following i3 would be the first sedan to undertake the brand new design language that debuted on the 2026 iX3. Very similar to with the “NA5” crossover, BMW needs to tone down the creases and angles. We will (in all probability) all agree that getting again to cleaner surfaces can be a welcome change of tempo after years of busy designs.
That stated, we’re nonetheless undecided what to make of the taillights. To be sincere, we weren’t huge followers of the tail lamps on the 2023 Vision Neue Klasse concept. They’re much less in-your-face on this speculative i3 sedan, echoing what spy pictures have proven. The L-shaped motif is extra evident within the rendering, mirroring the check vehicles. We desire this over the idea’s distinguished taillights, which frankly drew an excessive amount of consideration.
The entrance design is an open secret. BMW has already defined that vehicles can have horizontal kidneys, whereas crossovers will get the iX3’s vertical format. It’s a contemporary look that ought to go well with the i3, and by extension, the following 3 Collection. The 2 vehicles will share much of their appearance, regardless of driving on totally different platforms.
We like to consider the i3 and next-gen 3 Collection “G50” as an “E30” for our technology. They’re shaping as much as be clean-looking, three-box sedans with an aggressive stance. Even common variations of the electrical and fuel saloons can have a sporty presence, so the M Efficiency and full M fashions have the potential to look even higher.
The three Collection and i3 would be the first sedans to completely embrace the Neue Klasse styling. BMW will apply the brand new design language throughout 40 fashions by the top of 2027. Thoughts you, it’s greater than an exterior makeover, because the cabins throughout almost your complete lineup will probably be dramatically totally different in just some years. We will already think about the iX3’s dashboard with a middle touchscreen and the pillar-to-pillar Panoramic Imaginative and prescient windshield projection tailored throughout many of the portfolio.
Renderings: futurecarsnow / Instagram
