The first pre-production BMW i3 — in other words, the marque’s first electric 3 Series — has been built overnight at the Bavarian brand’s Plant Munich production line.
While prototypes of the i3 have been in testing on European and American roads for some time, these were handmade test mules.
The latest development, in which a small number of what BMW calls “near-series test vehicles” were assembled properly on the production line, means the reveal of the car can only be months away.
“This marks the beginning of the final preparation phase for the start of series production in the second half of 2026,” BMW announced via media release.
Next-gen 3 Series will be offered with electric, hybrid and petrol engines
The next-generation 3 Series will continue to be sold with petrol and hybrid engines but an all-electric i3 model will be made available for the first time.
While demand for SUVs comfortably outstrips interest in sedans, the 3 Series remains a crucial model for BMW, thanks to its 51-year heritage and enduring driver appeal.
Under the skin, the combustion and electric 3 Series versions will be based on entirely different platforms with slightly varied length, but they will wear substantially similar styling.
Codenamed ‘NA0’, the i3 sedan will use BMW’s latest-and-greatest EV architecture, borrowing the Neue Klasse chassis from the lauded new iX3 midsize SUV.
At least in Europe, a broad range of i3 powertrains will be offered likely across two battery sizes.
New iX3 provides clear hints for 3 Series design and specification
The electric i3 is expected to wear slightly more conservative styling than the iX3, but expect a broad gloss black mask stretch across the front end around kidney grilles.
Inside, expect a similar floating touchscreen to the 17.9-inch unit from the iX3, along with optional fitment of BMW’s new ultra-wide 43-inch Panoramic Vision panel that runs the length of the base of the windscreen.
Standard spec’ is expected to include a glass panoramic roof while options will include high-grade driver assistance and autonomy features and Harman-Kardon audio.
Meanwhile, the ‘G50’ petrol and hybrid versions will use a modernised update of the outgoing ‘G20’ 3 Series’ Cluster Architecture chassis.
i3 to go into production first with petrol, Touring and M3 models to follow
Chasing Cars understands that the electric i3 will go into production first, likely in July 2026, with assembly of the petrol version following in November of this year.
Early 2027 will see a controversial electric iM3 with chassis code ‘ZA0’ go into production in Munich with a petrol M3 range following a year later.
By mid-2027, Touring (station wagon) versions will go into production, as well as a plug-in hybrid powertrain for the combustion 3 Series.
Both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions of both the electric i3 and combustion 3 Series will be available.