Next Big Thing in Autos: BMW’s i3 Could Reach 1,341 Horsepower!

BMW 3 Series electric vehicle model i3
Manufactured based on Neue Klasse
Expectations explode with the best performance

When the real thing of BMW’s new concept car Vision Neue’ was revealed, many people were confused. This is because the design that BMW had previously had almost disappeared, and a completely new vehicle appeared. In particular, the design of the kidney grill stands out, and the interior emphasizes its future-oriented appearance.

The 3 Series, based on the Neue Klasse, will be launched in the future. It is likely to pursue a two-track strategy by launching an internal combustion engine and an electric vehicle. Specific performance and details are being revealed slowly. Let’s take a look at the performance of the 3 Series, which will appear with a completely new look.

i3 Set to Debut in 2026
Continuation of Dual Platform Strategy

First, the name of the 3 Series, a new electric sedan model based on the Neue Klasse, is likely to be launched as i3. Although it has the same name as the existing compact electric vehicle i3, it has an entirely different appearance. Industry experts predict that the vehicle will officially debut in 2026.

The newly born i3 is scheduled to share its platform with iX3, another electric vehicle to be launched based on the Neue Klasse. As a result, BMW has continued its dual platform strategy in which internal combustion engine models and electric models such as the i3 and iX3, i5 and 5 series, and i7 and 7 series coexist.

Expected to Resemble Concept Car
High Possibility of Various Technologies Being Applied

Although no officially released images have been found, it is predicted to appear mainly similar to the Vision Neue Klasse concept car. Particularly noteworthy parts include the front kidney grille and future-oriented interior design. In the case of the new i3, we can see the will to carry on the traditional design while maintaining the shark nose-shaped front fascia and the Hofmeister kink of the C-pillar.

The interior will feature a panoramic vision interface equipped with BMW’s new iDrive operating system. Augmented reality technology, displayed throughout the front windshield, is also expected to be used, creating a completely new look. For passengers’ convenience, we can also look forward to adopting massage function seats and a wrap-around dashboard.

High-Performance Model Expected to Exceed 1,000 Horsepower
Decent performance for an entry-level model

Thanks to the versatile Neue Klasse platform, the advantage is that it can secure various driving methods, including single and dual motors. The naming of the new 3 series i3 will indicate output with two-digit numbers such as i3 30 and i3 40, and the high-performance model is likely to be i3 M50.

The base model generates an output of 300 horsepower and uses an 800V architecture to support a charging speed of 270 kW and two-way charging. Attention is also focused on whether securing a driving range of up to 800 km (497 miles) on a single charge will be possible. In the case of the high-performance model i3 M, it is expected to generate up to 1,341 horsepower through quad motors and apply torque vectoring technology.