In this articleBMW is reviving the i3 name for its first Neue Klasse sedan – a car that promises up to 900km of range, 400kW of charging and M-level performance. That’s why the 2026 BMW i3 could redefine the feel of a sports sedan in the electric age.
The new i3, internally called NA0, will launch in 2026 and will be based on BMW’s all-new Neue Klasse architecture, the same platform that will debut with the iX3 SUV next year. The name was confirmed by BMW boss Oliver Zipse during the world premiere of the iX3 in September, ending speculation about whether BMW would revive the i3 badge. And if early details are any indication, this could be one of BMW’s most exciting electric cars yet.
A complete range of products – from the alleged i3 20 to the i3 M60
BMW isn’t just bringing an i3 onto the market. Expect a full range, from the entry-level i3 20 to the i3 M60, which will serve as a preview of the first electric M3 (ZA0). Although no official specifications have been released yet, it is expected that the M60 will have a twin engine with an output of around 620 to 630 horsepower. That number fits right in with today’s i5 M60, i4 M60 and iX M60, all of which produce around 600 hp. For the New Class models, things should be a little taller – partly for bragging rights, but also to make room for the smaller versions like the i3 40 and i3 50.
It’s a smart strategy that reflects how BMW has long structured its combustion models.
Gen6 technology: More range, faster charging
This includes BMW’s latest Gen6 battery and motor technology, which promises major increases in range and performance. Depending on the model, the new i3 could cover up to 900 kilometers (approx. 559 miles) on the WLTP cycle. That’s not wishful thinking – BMW’s new cells are 20 percent more energy dense and 30 percent faster to charge than before.
Speaking of charging, the i3 will likely match the 400 kW output of the upcoming iX3. In practice, that’s about 372 km (231 miles) added in 10 minutes, or about 175 miles on the EPA cycle. Even those rumored The sportier i3 M60, which trades some range for performance, should be comfortably efficient thanks to lighter, more compact drive units and better heat management.
Design: A modern nod to the E30
If you’ve seen the Vision Neue Klasse Concept, you’ll already have an idea of what’s to come – and spy photos suggest BMW isn’t far off. The new i3 will have classic three-box proportions, a low stance and an upright rear end that is immediately reminiscent of the E30 3 Series. At the front, BMW is bringing back a shark-nose profile with smaller, illuminated kidney grilles and a modern interpretation of the twin headlight design. At the back, the car features a thin light bar that extends across the trunk lid and is flanked by slim taillights that may be integrated into the rear spoiler – just like the concept car.
It’s clean, purposeful and refreshing BMW.
A segment with room to grow
It’s been almost ten years since the Tesla Model 3 was released (2017), and surprisingly few real competitors have followed suit. Aside from the Polestar 2 and Hyundai Ioniq 6, the market for midsize electric sedans is still wide open. There’s a reason for this: margins. Automakers have focused on electric SUVs and high-end models because they are easier to sell at higher prices. Midsize sedans like the i3 are harder to make profitable, especially below the $50,000 mark.
But that’s exactly what gives BMW an opportunity. The i3 could fill a gap that enthusiasts have been waiting for – an electric car for drivers that doesn’t feel like a compromise.
Driving experience: The heart of joy lives on
At the beginning of the year I spent some time behind the wheel of the iX3 prototype, which is based on the same Neue Klasse platform. Despite being a large SUV, it was shockingly quiet. The Heart of Joy central computer – BMW’s new system that coordinates power delivery, chassis control and steering – made the car feel more alive than any electric vehicle I’ve driven from the brand to date.
Now imagine this technology in a lighter, lower sedan. This is where the i3 comes into play. It’s designed not only to be fast, but also to provide a feeling of connection, responsiveness and fun, in the way that makes BMWs special. I even like its codename: NA0, which signals the beginning of a new era for BMW.
The iX3 could be the family car I would buy spontaneously. But the i3? This is what I would buy with my heart. At least until the electric M3 shows up.
