BMW Begins Pre-Production of Next-Gen i3 as Gas-Powered 3 Series Moves Forward

BMW began pre-series production of the all-new i3 sedan on February 4 at its Munich plant. Built on the Neue Klasse platform, these prototype vehicles are for testing purposes, aimed at validating performance and optimizing assembly processes. The new model is expected to launch first in Europe in the second half of this year. The high-end variant is likely to be the i3 50 xDrive, featuring an M Sport package, exclusive two-tone wheels, and Tanzanite Blue paint. Additional variants—including the i3 M60 xDrive and a quad-motor M3 ZA0 version—will follow. Meanwhile, the combustion-engine-powered next-generation 3 Series (codenamed G50), based on the CLAR platform, will also debut this year. It shares a highly similar exterior design with the i3 but features a longer front overhang. BMW Brilliance Automotive plans to produce a long-wheelbase version of the i3, with series production models expected to enter customer deliveries in 2027.