BMW introduced the all-electric 3 Series sedan to the world as their first full-fledged NEV. This, after having gained large popularity with the i8, was a move that introduced many more electric vehicles that we all know today. The era of Neue Klasse has arrived, with the iX3 being the first vehicle to wear the design language. BMW has shown off the incoming i3, which has been confirmed to make its first-ever debut on the 18th of March 2026.
What we know about the internals and hardware is that this new vehicle will feature a sixth-generation BMW eDrive system setup (Gen6) with 800-volt technology. This system will have a charging capacity of up to 400 kW and is said to produce a maximum output of 345 kW and 645 Nm, which will likely either drive all wheels or just the rear.
BMW also promises many well-thought-out adaptations to the drive that will consist of a recuperation energy process, which will run as often and as intensely as possible without compromising driving stability. We will be introduced to The Heart of Joy, which is the firm's new control unit and promises a fully electric vehicle that doesn't take away from the typical fun a BMW car should provide to the driver. The Heart of Joy reduces the number of control interventions required - for example, by the DSC system. This should result in regular-feeling cornering behavior that is more consistent and reproducible, giving the driver an even greater sense of assurance.
Together with The Heart of Joy, the vehicle has a new BMW Dynamic Performance Control, which is said to take driving dynamics to an entirely new level. This BMW Dynamic Performance Control is software developed in-house that forms the powerful new driving and dynamics control unit in the BMW i3, controlling the powertrain, brakes, and some steering functions along with recuperation. Its responses are said to be "ten times faster" than those of previous systems. The result of this technological will be seen in the handling ability of the new BMW i3.
The i3 was seen undergoing endurance testing in the snow of Sweden. The car is wearing some camouflage, but one can make out the quite visible exterior changes of the Neue Klasse design signature. This new body style applies the sporty sedan's typical characteristics to a completely new vehicle concept defined by the BMW 3 Series DNA. "At the same time, we are pushing the conventional boundaries of electric mobility into new territory, thanks to the potential of our Neue Klasse," says Mike Reichelt, Head of Neue Klasse BMW.
The all-new i3 looks to be a thorough BMW through and through as the company seeks to add an element that is said to be lacking in most EVs: fun . The brand reaffirms this through the onboard super-brain chips and software that are the heart of Joy and BMW Dynamic Performance Control systems. The driving experience will be lively as ever in a dynamic sense.