2026 BMW i3 teased, Mar 18 reveal – NA0 3 Series EV, 800V, up to 469 PS, 645 Nm, 400 kW DC fast charging

At long last, having been previewed through several Vision concepts since 2023, the “Neue Klasse” i3 is finally set to be revealed on March 18. This is not the replacement for the funky i3 city car, but rather the electric version of the iconic 3 Series – making this one of the most important BMWs ever.

To whet our appetites for this supposedly groundbreaking new model, BMW has released a brief teaser for the sedan, showing its distinctive lighting signature. As per the related iX3, you get a massive full-width double kidney graphic that tapers towards the edges, housing the quad headlights and diagonal daytime running light “slashes”.

Unlike the iX3, the i3 misses out on the cool vertical “grilles” that hark back to the original Neue Klasse models from the 1960s. To approximate the kidneys of old, there are illuminated strips in between the headlights, giving it the signature BMW look. This should placate enthusiasts spooked by the polarising i Vision Dee and Vision Neue Klasse show cars.

Also released are photos of a prototype undergoing winter testing that, while still hampered by camouflage, give us some idea as to the design of the rest of the car. With the move to electrification comes a shorter front end, with a tall bonnet to cover the BMW Panoramic Vision projection display inside. Behind that, the body is typical 3 Series, with a rather upright glasshouse and hints of the Hofmeister kink behind the disguise.

In keeping with BMW’s simplified design language, the i3 sports minimal shoulder lines on the rear haunches, along with flush pop-out door handles (good luck getting those past Chinese authorities). At the rear, the number plate recess is mounted on the boot lid (instead of on the bumper like on the iX3), sitting below the slim L-shaped taillights.

Aside from the photos, BMW has revealed some details of the new i3, codenamed NA0 and slated to enter production in the second half of the year. At launch, the car will be offered in dual-motor i3 50 xDrive guise, producing a total of 469 PS (345 kW) and 645 Nm of torque.

Car Magazine, which had the opportunity to drive the car in the Arctic Circle in Arjeplog, Sweden, reports that the top i3 will feature the same 108 kWh NMC battery as the iX3. As the i3 is likely lighter and almost certainly more aerodynamic, expect it to comfortably exceed the SUV’s 805 km WLTP-rated range.

As per the iX3, the i3 is built around an 800-volt electrical architecture and is able to support up to 400 kW of DC fast charging. If its sibling is any indication, it will be able to charge its massive battery from 10 to 80% in just 21 minutes. Aside from the regular i3, there’s also an M version being developed, previewed by the Vision Driving Experience. Excited?

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