BMW to Unveil New i3 Electric Saloon on March 18

BMW plans to unveil its new i3 electric saloon on March 18, marking the return of a storied nameplate as the second model in the company's Neue Klasse lineup of electric vehicles. The sedan, positioned as the battery-powered counterpart to the next-generation 3 Series, will debut in Munich and represent a significant shift in design and technology for the German automaker.

The i3 revives the badge previously used on BMW's compact electric hatchback from the 2010s, but this version is a full-size saloon built on a dedicated electric platform. It follows the iX3 SUV, which began deliveries in markets including the United Kingdom earlier this year. Prototypes have shown a minimalist, futuristic aesthetic with sharp angles inspired by historic BMW designs. A key feature is the front-end treatment, including a wraparound illuminated kidney grille that integrates with the headlights, creating a full-width graphic element. This horizontal motif differs from the vertical kidney design on the iX3 and other SUVs in the lineup, while diagonal light signatures will unify the Neue Klasse family.

Under the hood, the launch model is expected to be the i3 50 xDrive, equipped with a dual-motor...