BMW leaks new i3 EV days before its debut [Images]

The new i3 will make its official debut in two days, but we are already getting a look at it after BMW accidentally leaked the Neue Klasse EV online.

BMW leaks i3 Neue Klasse EV ahead of its debut

BMW is preparing to launch what’s widely considered its most important vehicle in company history. Following the iX3, the i3 will be the second Neue Klasse EV to launch later this year, and the first sedan in the lineup.

Pre-series models are now rolling off the production line, and BMW is wrapping up testing at its winter test center in Sweden.

Up until now, we’ve only seen a few camouflaged prototypes with what appears to be a similar Neue Klasse style as the iX3. The new design adopts a cleaner overall look featuring a slimmer kidney grille and “four-eyed” front face.

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BMW will reveal the new i3 in full on March 18, but the company accidentally leaked the design video, which was meant to premiere on Wednesday.

While the video has since been deleted, Instagram user Wilco Blok was able to grab a few screenshots. While you can see a few Neue Klasse design updates, it still remains close to the classic 3 Series look. Perhaps, a little too close. It’s still an improvement from BMW’s current lineup.

The interior shares a design with the iX3, featuring a 17.9″ central touchscreen and a redesigned steering wheel. Although it’s not shown, it will be equipped with BMW’s new iDrive system and BMW Panoramic Vision, a head-up display that stretches across the windshield.

BMW’s new iX3 interior (Source: BMW)

BMW will reveal the Neue Klasse i3 in full on March 18, with series production scheduled to begin in the second half of 2026.

We will learn prices, range, and other final specs closer to launch, but the Neue Klasse i3 is expected to be available with the same 108.7 kWh battery pack as the iX3, which provides up to 805 km (500 miles) of WLTP range.

BMW i3 Neue Klasse EV prototype (Source: BMW)

Since the iX3 can regain 373 km (231 miles) of range in around 10 minutes, you can expect the new i3 to offer similar charging speeds.

The Neue Klasse i3 is expected to go on sale in Europe, the US, and other global markets later this year or early 2027 as a direct rival to the Tesla Model 3.

We know the i3 will be available in the US with 40 xDrive and 50 xDrive variants after BMW accidentally leaked its 2027 lineup last month. It will join the iX3, set to go on sale this summer, the upcoming iX4 (which we caught a sneak peek of earlier this week), and the iX5.

With the Neue Klasse models on the way, BMW is offering stackable discounts worth up to $12,500 off and low financing rates on its current EV lineup to make room for them. You can use the links below to find local offers and view available models at a dealer near you.

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