[REVISION HISTORY]

BMW Neue Klasse: i3 expansion and M3 electric development

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What changed

2026-10-31 08:32 UTC → 2026-11-02 08:23 UTC · added ~~removed~~

BMW’s Neue Klasse platform continues to drive electrified expansion. The eighth-generation 3 Series marks a transition where the all-electric i3 utilizes the Neue Klasse architecture, featuring sixth-generation eDrive technology, an 800-volt architecture, and cylindrical cells, while gasoline models utilize the CLAR platform. Notably, diesel engine options for the sedan will be omitted due to declining demand and Euro 7 compliance costs. The i3 lineup is expanding to include an i3 Touring station wagon, anticipated for unveiling between late 2026 and early 2027. The i3 sedan and Touring will offer variants such as the 40 xDrive, producing 374 CV from an 82.8 kWh battery, and the 50 xDrive, producing 469 CV from a 108.7 kWh battery with a WLTP range of up to 912 km. ~~To prepare~~ Recent developments confirm the electric i3 is expected to offer a range exceeding 800 kilometers on a single charge. BMW is pursuing a dual-track approach for ~~potential global~~ core models, developing separate architectures for internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and fully electric models. This means the Series 3 and the i3 will feature different dimensions and platforms. For instance, the ICE Series 3, such as the M350 xDrive, will utilize a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine paired with a 48-volt mild hybrid system. To prepare for potential global ICE bans, the M division is advancing its high-performance electric future. The seventh-generation M3 will include both electric and ICE options. ~~A near-production~~ The electric ~~prototype, designated ZA0, recently underwent testing at the Miramas proving ground in France. This model~~ M3 is expected to feature four individual electric ~~motors,~~ motors and a battery capacity exceeding 100 ~~kWh, and performance potentially reaching 800 to 900 hp.~~ kWh. BMW plans to begin production of the electric M3 at its Munich plant in 2027, followed by a gas-powered version ~~featuring a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine~~ in 2028. This transition coincides with the 40th anniversary of the M3. While the electric M3 utilizes the BMW M eDrive system for precise torque distribution, BMW continues to develop a traditional inline-six engine for combustion enthusiasts.

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