Why did BMW select to debut the brand new iX3 as its first Neue Klasse mannequin within the trendy period? As a result of as a lot as we love vehicles, SUVs pay the payments. Nonetheless, Munich is aware of sedans will all the time have a spot within the lineup and many years of custom to uphold. Come 2026, the i3 will make a world return after years of being restricted to China as a long-wheelbase, electrical 3 Sequence.
Codenamed “NA0,” the i3 will primarily function the sedan counterpart to the iX3. Based on a dependable BMW insider who often (and precisely) posts on the Bimmer Submit boards, the primary model to reach would be the 50x. It’s set to launch initially in Europe, with manufacturing starting in July subsequent 12 months. U.S.-spec fashions will comply with in November 2026.
The i3 50 xDrive is anticipated to reflect the iX3 50 xDrive’s technical specs. Nevertheless, it could ship an extended vary, on condition that sedans are usually lighter and extra aerodynamic than SUVs. BMW guarantees a most WLTP vary of 500 miles (805 kilometers) for the crossover. An informed guess tells us the three-box saloon ought to barely exceed that. In the USA, BMW estimates round 400 miles for the iX3 primarily based on the EPA’s testing process.
Whereas the iX3 is slated to achieve a single-motor, rear-wheel-drive 40 sDrive variant in 2027, there’s no affirmation but of the same i3 model. On the different finish of the vary, the identical insider claims an M Efficiency i3 will enter manufacturing in March 2027 for each Europe and the U.S.
This hotter variant is reportedly named the i3 M60 xDrive. Though full specs stay beneath wraps, it’s secure to imagine the electrical sports activities sedan will pack extra energy than the 463 horsepower and 476 pound-feet (645 Newton-meters) of the i3 50 xDrive. A full-blown M model can be in improvement for early 2027. Following BMW’s long-standing observe of assigning distinctive inner codes to M fashions, it’ll carry the designation “ZA0” reasonably than “NA0.”
All i3 variations might be inbuilt Munich, however the combustion-powered 3 Sequence (“G50”) received’t be a part of them. As a substitute, manufacturing of the gas-fueled 3er is allegedly transferring to Dingolfing. The just lately noticed M3 (“G84”) ought to roll off the identical meeting line as soon as manufacturing begins in July 2028.
Supply: Bimmer Submit