2026 BMW i3: Electric 3 Series spied testing

The BMW 3 Series’ electric sibling – the i3 – is two years away from entering production, and the German carmaker is ramping up testing of the battery-powered sedan in Europe.

It’ll use BMW’s new Neue Klasse platform, which will underpin – among other vehicles – a replacement for the current iX3 electric SUV.

Bimmerpost forum user ynguldyn, who claims to compile information from sources within BMW, reports the i3 will enter production in November 2026 – first in Germany, with Mexican production commencing a year later.

Though this example being tested is covered in camouflage, its shape is almost identical to the Vision Neue Klasse concept from September 2023, which many at the time tipped would influence the i3.

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The concept featured BMW’s distinctive Hofmeister kink and trademark double-kidney grille, though the design study’s elements were accentuated. That suggests more toned-down elements could be on the finished product.

Unfortunately this prototype pre-production example is not only clad in camouflage but also plastic and metal elements which conceal a number of its styling details.

It’s also hard to see the design of its front and rear lights, both of which are expected to just be placeholders and not reflective of the final version.

It’ll reportedly remain in production until 2035, with the model range encompassing rear- and all-wheel drive variants.

BMW will also base its first electric M3 on the Neue Klasse platform, offering both sedan and wagon (Touring) body styles.

It won’t be the first time BMW has used the i3 moniker. The name was attached to its revolutionary electric city car between 2013 and 2022, while it’s also been used on an all-electric version of the 3 Series in China.