BMW's New 3 Series Is Ready To Light Up The Luxury Sedan Game

And calling it a new chapter isn't just alluding to this being a new generation - the Neue Klasse 3 Series is going to be the single biggest technological leap for the 3 Series, arguably since it first arrived on the scene in 1975. And we now know when the new 3 will be unveiled: March 18.

Reusing An Old Name With A New Purpose

While van Hooydonk may have only referred to it as the new 3 Series, BMW Group posted the same teaser on its social media channels confirming the model will go by the name "i3." That means BMW is reusing the name of its first production EV, but for something entirely different from that carbon fiber hatchback from a decade ago.

But what won't change is that the i3 will have an electric powertrain, the first in the 3 Series' history anywhere outside of China, where an electric i3 sedan has been available for a few years. This will be the second model built on BMW's Neue Klasse platform, a new generation of dedicated BEV architecture that already underpins the iX3, and uses the "Heart of Joy" computing system, plus BMW's sixth-generation eDrive powertrain technology enabling range and performance that could kiss range anxiety goodbye.

What We Know So Far
Because we've already become well-acquainted with the Neue Klasse iX3, we have a pretty good idea of what to expect from the 3 Series. The two will share powertrains, meaning the i3/3 Series will be topped - for the time being at least - by an '50 xDrive' derivative with two motors, 463 horsepower, a range in excess of 400 miles, and the ability to charge from 10-80% in 21 minutes.

Our experience with the new iX3 left us thoroughly impressed, and if the i3 mimics that brilliance, it should be a class-leader in the compact luxury sedan segment.

We have further details courtesy of a BMW insider, who goes by the handle 'ynguldyn' online. Thanks to their insights, we know the i3 will carry the chassis code 'NA0', entering production in July 2026 with an anticipated life cycle taking it to 2035. US models will only enter production in November, at which time the 40 xDrive trims also enter production.

Later updates to the lineup will see those two trims joined by an M60 xDrive variant, while some markets may also receive rear-wheel-drive 20, 40, and 50 variants, too. And the M60 won't be the only M model, as BMW's M division has already confirmed a full-fat Neue Klasse M3 is coming with a quad-motor powertrain, which we anticipate will be revealed in 2027.

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Of course, full details will arrive imminently, and with a reveal less than two weeks away, expect BMW's teasers to kick into high gear soon enough.