[RahulNagaraj]

According to media reports, BMW will offer the next-gen 3 Series range on two separate platforms in the future - one for its electric models and the other for its internal combustion (IC) engine versions.



Reports suggest that the IC engine and hybrid powertrain versions of the 3 Series will continue to be underpinned by BMW's CLAR architecture, while its pure-electric models will be based on the company's Neue Klasse architecture. The pure-electric BMW 3 Series, likely to be called i3, has been internally designated as 'NA0' and is expected to be launched in 2027.

BMW has already announced that the first Neue Klasse-based car will enter production in 2025. However, the carmaker is yet to announce the specific model, only stating that the upcoming EV will be in the same segment as the 3 Series. BMW also refrained from mentioning the body style of the car, but reports suggest that the first Neue Klasse BMW could be the iX3.

Source: BMW Blog

Link to Team-BHP news

[daywiz]

Its a very much needed step. The BMW i4 is a classic example of the inherent design issues that come with electrification of ICE vehicles. Cramped seats, transmission tunnel hump, reduced boot space, higher seat position, etc.

2026 is bit too far, but guess if they want to perfect a scaleable platform, they will need to really strech out the timing.

[volkman10]

Next Gen 3 series rendered:






Link

[DicKy]

Originally Posted by volkman10

Next Gen 3 series rendered:

Looks more like the BEV i3 model.

The 3 series is the core identity of BMW and hope they don't go adventurous. Most of the renders give the front end a Skoda vibe.

Hope it gets the shark nose treatment of the 7 series minus the eyebrow DRLs.

[Kelly66]

A moose recently became an Internet sensation when it got loose in a BMW dealership and decided that no classic BMW 850i could stand in its way. Hilariously, many fans then proceeded to say the moose should have gone loose with BMW's modern cars rather than these traditional examples.

That's because many folks believe that Bavaria's automotive representative has gone rogue in terms of styling, and few enthusiasts like any of the recent ideas depicted through the M models especially (M2, M3, M4, XM) but also regular variations like the new X3, 7 Series and i7, X7, or many others. Well, BMW is about to end the wacky styling procedures with the advent of the 'Neue Klasse' styling – as previewed by the latest prototypes.

According to the rumor mill and the parallel universes of vehicular CGI, everything is going to be touched by the fresh design ethos – both all-electric models and their ICE counterparts. So, the members of the imaginative guild of digital car content creators are now hard at work envisioning all the upcoming models, including the big X5 and its iX5 counterpart or the run-of-the-mill BMW 3 Series and the second-generation i3, which is turning into the 3 Series with all-electric oomph instead of following up on the quirky hatchback with a CFRP body and suicide doors.

Recently, Avarvarii Automotive Artworks (aka avarvarii on social media) has taken a good, extended look at BMW's plans for the next-generation 3 Series and decided to try his best to uncover the mainstream sedan based on the latest spy shots provided by the new model hunters. According to the pixel master, BMW is testing both the all-electric i3 and the next-generation compact luxury sedan, the combustion-powered 3 Series.

However, unlike the 7 Series and i7 or the 5 Series and i5, these two won't share the same architecture – the all-new i3 will use the upcoming BMW Neue Klasse EV platform. In contrast, the 3 Series will remain underpinned by the CLAR platform to reduce costs and development time. Alas, that will result in "notable differences in stance and styling" based on the latest spy shots – which show the ICE-powered BMW 3 Series will have a longer hood, a more upright windshield, plus a "more pronounced dash-to-axle ratio, giving it a more traditional and muscular look compared to the sleeker, EV-focused i3."

Naturally, the pixel master also decided to have a go at peeling off the camouflage – and he's giving us a BMW 3 Series with M style plus the "signature shark-nose styling, aggressive bumpers, and flared fenders." There are also flush door handles, sporty wheels, and quad tailpipes at the rear (although the author hasn't shared a rear POV) for this rendering of the potential 2026 or 2027 BMW M340i. So, what do you think?

Link to article:https://www.autoevolution.com/news/n...es-243680.html


Trying to go back in time?

[volkman10]

BMW shows photos of the iM3 prototype..