BMW held its one hundred and fifth Annual Basic Assembly at this time, and most of it targeted on monetary figures we received’t bore you with. Nonetheless, CEO Oliver Zipse did ship a prolonged speech centered on the much-hyped revival of the Neue Klasse. In the course of the livestream from Munich’s Olympic Corridor, two camouflaged prototypes had been rolled onto the stage.
The iX3 and i3 have lastly shed their cumbersome camouflage in favor of a a lot thinner wrap. This automotive striptease provides us a clearer have a look at the electrical duo’s design. Of the 2, the crossover appears almost production-ready, which is sensible, because the world premiere is only a few months away. BMW will unveil the second-generation iX3 (“NA5”) this September on the IAA Mobility Present.
The i3 (“NA0”), alternatively, must wait. It’s lacking its remaining taillights, and we’re not fully positive the entrance lights are the manufacturing models both. That stated, the form and measurement of the entrance lights received’t change. The electrical sedan will likely be a close to twin of the next-gen 3 Collection (“G50”), or vice versa. BMW beforehand confirmed that the two will be nearly identical, with the EV sporting a shorter entrance finish. Spy pictures additionally trace at barely totally different beltlines, however general, the 2 vehicles share a lot of their design.
Whereas the i3 prototype rides on normal alloys, the iX3 stands out with aerodynamically optimized wheels. BMW hasn’t stated whether or not these are fitted with detachable aero covers, however it’s clearly a brand new design. In an interview with BMWBLOG throughout Auto Shanghai, the BMW Group’s Head of Design confirmed that new body colors and wheel designs are coming to Neue Klasse fashions.
Though the i3 and iX3 are intently associated, they received’t be in-built the identical place. Manufacturing of the iX3 begins later this 12 months at BMW’s new manufacturing facility in Debrecen, Hungary. In the meantime, the i3 will likely be assembled in Munich, which is about to provide solely EVs beginning in 2027. That transition means the next-gen 3 Collection will likely be constructed elsewhere, however nonetheless in Germany. Present indications level to Dingolfing because the possible location.
The iX3 will likely be offered globally, however China is getting a long-wheelbase version beginning in 2026. We wouldn’t be stunned if the i3 receives the same LWB therapy. Actually, it already has, contemplating BMW has been promoting a stretched electrical 3 Collection Sedan in China underneath the “i3” identify for the reason that quirky hatchback was discontinued in 2022.
BMW has already confirmed a full-fat M model of the long run i3, and we anticipate the iX3 to get the M therapy as effectively. The X3 will nonetheless prime out with the “B58”-powered M50 for many who desire inner combustion, whereas a next-gen M3 (“G84”) has been confirmed with an inline-six engine. It received’t be the three.0-liter twin-turbo obtainable at this time for the reason that “S58” is probably going getting mild-hybrid tech to adjust to stricter emissions requirements.
Supply: BMW
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