BMW Leaks Images of Electric i3 Sedan Before Debut

BMW accidentally leaked images of its upcoming electric i3 sedan online, offering an early glimpse of the vehicle just days before its official global debut on March 18. The new i3, built on the company's innovative Neue Klasse platform, represents a pivotal step in BMW's shift toward electrification, positioning it as a direct competitor to the Tesla Model 3 in markets including Europe and the United States.

The leaked screenshots, captured from a promotional video that was quickly removed, reveal a design that blends elements of the classic 3 Series with the sleeker, minimalist aesthetic of the Neue Klasse lineup. The sedan features a slimmer kidney grille, a four-eyed front fascia, and proportions that echo recent concept vehicles. While the exterior maintains familiarity, updates include a cleaner profile and shared styling cues with the iX3 SUV, the first Neue Klasse model unveiled last September. Inside, the i3 will incorporate a 17.9-inch central touchscreen, a redesigned steering wheel, and advanced systems like the new iDrive interface and Panoramic Vision head-up display, which spans the windshield for enhanced driver visibility.

Production of pre-series i3 models has...