2026 BMW i3 pictured in final winter testing

The all-new Neue Klasse BMW i3 has been pictured undergoing final cold-weather testing ahead of its global unveiling later this month.

The first all-electric BMW 3 Series will make its worldwide debut on March 18 ahead of going on sale later this year.

In advance of that, BMW has shared images of the cutting-edge saloon at its Swedish proving ground, where engineers are fine tuning the powertrain and suspension setups.

While still under camouflage, the new car clearly shares proportions with the existing 3 Series saloon while exhibiting the brand’s new Neue Klasse design language in its tapered headlights and slimline illuminated grille. It’s also expected that the i3 will get a scaled-down version of the vertical kidney grille that debuted on the newly launched iX3 SUV.

Whether or not it shares the kidney grille with the iX3, the 2026 BMW i3 will share its technical underpinnings.

Both Neue Klasse cars are based on an entirely new EV-only platform and bring 800V architecture for high performance, long range and rapid charging.

At launch the 2026 BMW i3 will feature the same two-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain as the iX3 50 xDrive, packing 463bhp and 476lb ft. BMW hasn’t given any performance figures but expect the lower, lighter i3 to be even quicker than the iX3’s 0-62mph time of just 4.9 seconds.

We’d also expect the less bulky saloon to be more efficient than the SUV, which means a range of well over 500 miles from its 108.7kWh battery. Like the IX3, the i3 will charge at up to 400kW, allowing a 10-80% refill in 21 minutes.

Mike Reichelt, head of Neue Klasse BMW, commented: “The BMW i3 applies the sporty sedan’s typical characteristics to a completely new vehicle concept defined by the BMW 3 Series DNA. At the same time, pushing the conventional boundaries of electric mobility into new territory, thanks to the potential of our Neue Klasse.”

The current testing is focused on fine tuning the new i3’s “Heart of Joy” drive management system. One of four electronic “superbrains” that manage all the car’s functions, this is responsible for the car’s powertrain management, traction control and suspension settings.

BMW says the new system is 10 times faster than previous EV management setups and will allow the 2026 i3 to set new standards in driving dynamics.

BMW has also already confirmed that there will be an all-electric M3 in the coming years, hinting that it will pack 1,000bhp from a quad-motor set up.