As early as 2023, we reported that BMW plans to introduce an i3 sedan of the new generation that was built on the new class architecture. In addition to the standard I3 sedan, BMW will initiate a long-wheel variant especially for the Chinese market. These electrical models, which are known internally as NA8, will enter production in the Shenyang plant in China in China.
The long wall base i3 setup includes four variants: 30l, 40l, 50l and the performance-oriented M60L XDrive. Similarly, the standard limousine NA0 i3 offers at least five variants: the entry level i3 40 and i3 40 XDrive, the middle i3 50 and i3 50 XDrive and the flagship with high performance i3 M60 XDrive.
We can now only confirm through our sources that the Top BMW i3 M60 XDRIVE and I3 M60L XDRIVE will produce about 630 hp. These models are expected to reach around 750 kilometers (466 miles) in the WLTP cycle. In addition, the most efficient Na8 i3l variant and the NA0 i3 according to the less strict WLTP test standard could deliver up to 900 kilometers. The corresponding EPA rating for the US market will probably be lower.
As already mentioned, BMW will build the new i3 series on the latest new class architecture in new class, which is the future direction of the brand for electric vehicles. If it matters at some point, the i3 will have the cylinder batteries of the gene6 and electric motors of the next generation, which we recently disassembled. The new batteries offer an increased range, improved energy density and faster charging skills. In addition, the new class architecture uses an advanced 800-volt system that is increased by 20 percent compared to previous technologies.
The production of the BMW i3 and i3l sedans begins in the second half of 2026, whereby the standard wheel version is set to roll off the assembly line in the Munich plant from BMW.
