BMW Previews the i3 Electric Sedan at the Munich Auto Show

The Munich Auto Show put the spotlight on BMWUAE BMWBahrain BMWKSA BMWOman BMWQatar BMWEgypt BMWKuwait BMW’s latest step into the electric future. Alongside the official debut of the production spec iX3 SUV, the Bavarian brand surprised the audience with an early look at its upcoming i3 sedan. Set to join the lineup next year, the i3 will serve as the electric counterpart to the legendary 3 Series, combining BMW’s new Neue Klasse design language with advanced performance and long range battery technology.

Contemporary Design Inspired by Neue Klasse

During its first public appearance, the i3 sedan showed up under heavy camouflage, yet its silhouette revealed strong hints of BMW’s new identity. At the front, the design is defined by a horizontal strip that integrates slim headlights with a sleeker, more modern interpretation of the iconic kidney grille.

This fresh design direction, introduced through the Neue Klasse platform, reflects BMW’s ambition to move confidently into a new era where sportiness meets elegance. With many styling and technology cues borrowed from the iX3 SUV, the i3 is shaping up to become a strong contender in the premium electric sedan segment.

Electric Performance Inspired by the iX3

BMW has not yet revealed official technical details for the i3 sedan, but it is almost certain that it will share its platform and drivetrain with the iX3. The version shown of the iX3 came in the xDrive 50 specification, offering:

• Dual electric motors producing 463 horsepower

• 645 Nm of torque

• Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds

• A 109 kWh battery pack

• An estimated driving range of 644 km according to EPA figures

• Peak charging capacity of 400 kW, adding around 372 km of range in just 10 minutes

These figures position the i3 as a strong contender among premium electric sedans, especially since BMW aims to make it the natural electric successor to one of its most popular models, the 3 Series.

Continuing the Legacy of the 3 Series Alongside the i3

Despite the arrival of the i3, BMW has confirmed that it will not discontinue the traditional 3 Series with internal combustion engines. Instead, the company will continue to offer it alongside the electric version, with visual updates planned over the next few years to align its design language with its new electric sibling. This approach gives customers the freedom to choose between the familiar performance of gasoline power and the advanced experience of electric mobility, depending on their needs.

Future Plans and the High Performance iM3

BMW is preparing for the full reveal of the i3 next year, with sales expected to begin before the end of 2026. The company has also confirmed that future variants are in the pipeline, including the highly anticipated iM3 performance model, scheduled for release in 2027. Aimed at driving enthusiasts, the iM3 will bring sportier dynamics and higher power, expanding the i3 family to cover both the long range practicality of a premium sedan and the thrill of a performance focused electric car.