BMW held its 105th annual meeting today, and most of them focused on financial figures with which we will not be bored. However, CEO Oliver Zipse gave a long speech that focused on the much -related revival of the new class. During the live stream from Munich’s Olympic hall, two camouflaged prototypes were rolled onto the stage.
The IX3 and i3 have finally shed their bulky camouflage in favor of a much thinner wrap. This automotive striptease gives us a clearer view of the design of the electroduo. The crossover looks almost ready to produce from the two, which makes sense because the world premiere is only a few months away. BMW will present the IAA Mobility Show the IAA Mobility Show the IX3 (“Na5”) of the second generation in September.
The i3 (“Na0”) has to wait. His last taillights are missing and we are not quite sure that the front lights are the production units. This means that the shape and size of the front light will not change. The electrical limousine will be near the twin of the next generation (“G50”) or vice versa. BMW previously confirmed that the two will be almost identical, with EV a shorter front end. Dance shots also indicate somewhat different belt lines, but overall the two cars share a large part of their design.
While the i3 prototype goes to standard alloys, the IX3 stands out with aerodynamically optimized bikes. BMW did not say whether they are equipped with removable aero covers, but it is clearly a new design. In an interview with BMWblog During the Auto -Hanghai, the design of the BMW group confirmed that new body colors and bike designs come to new class models.
Although the i3 and IX3 are closely connected, they are not built in the same place. The production of the IX3 begins later in the new BMW factory in Debrecen, Hungary. In the meantime, the i3 in Munich will be put together, which will only produce EVS from 2027. This transition means that the next generation of 3 is built elsewhere, but still in Germany. Current indications indicate Dingolfing as a likely place.
The IX3 is sold worldwide, but China will receive a long -wheel version from 2026. We would not be surprised if the i3 receives a similar LWB treatment. In fact, in view of the sale of BMW, it has already sold an extended electric 3 series sedan in China under the name “i3” since the quirky assembly line was discontinued in 2022.
BMW has already confirmed a high-fat M version of the Future I3, and we expect the IX3 to receive M treatment. The X3 is still exceeded with the M50 cited by B58 for those who prefer internal combustion, while an M3 of the next generation (“G84”) has been confirmed with an inline-six engine. Today it will not be the 3.0-liter twin-turbo twin turbo, since the “S58” will probably receive mild hybrid technology in order to comply with stricter emission standards.
Source: BMW
