BMW teases the Neue Klasse the iX3 and i3

BMW gave the world a clearer look at two important upcoming electric cars during its 105th annual meeting. While much of the event focused on financial figures, the real excitement for car fans came when camouflaged versions of the next-generation BMW iX3 and BMW i3 rolled onto the stage.

Both cars were wrapped in a thinner camouflage than seen before, giving us a much better idea of their final shapes. The electric crossover, the BMW iX3, looked particularly close to being ready for showrooms. This makes sense because BMW plans to officially show off the second-generation iX3 in September at the IAA Mobility Show. Codenamed "NA5," the new iX3 is a key part of BMW's push into the growing electric SUV market.

The BMW i3 sedan, known internally as "NA0," is a little further out. The prototype shown was missing its final taillights, and it wasn't clear if the headlights were the exact ones that will be on the cars customers buy. However, the basic size and shape of the front lights are set. The new electric i3 will share a lot with the next version of the popular BMW 3 Series sedan, which has the code "G50."

BMW has said these two cars will be nearly twins, though the electric i3 will have a shorter front end. Looking closely at earlier photos of test cars also suggests there might be slight differences in the body lines along the side, but overall, the design will be very similar between the electric and gasoline versions.

Spotting the differences between the two camouflaged EVs, the i3 prototype had standard wheels, while the iX3 sported wheels designed to cut through the air more easily. BMW hasn't confirmed if these special wheels have covers you can take off, but they are definitely a new design. The head of design for the BMW Group mentioned recently that new colors and wheel styles are planned for all the upcoming Neue Klasse models, so expect more fresh looks.

Interestingly, even though the i3 and iX3 are closely related, they won't be built in the same place. The new BMW iX3 will start production later this year at BMW's brand-new factory in Debrecen, Hungary. Meanwhile, the i3 sedan will be put together in Munich. The Munich plant is set to build only electric cars starting in 2027. This shift means the next gasoline 3 Series sedan will need to be built somewhere else, likely in Germany at BMW's Dingolfing factory.

BMW plans to sell the iX3 around the world. China will even get a version with a longer wheelbase starting in 2026. It wouldn't be a shock if the i3 sedan also gets a long-wheelbase option, especially since BMW already sells a stretched electric 3 Series sedan in China under the "i3" name.

For those who like more power, BMW has already confirmed a high-performance M version of the future i3. It's expected the iX3 crossover will also get the M treatment down the road, offering a faster, sportier electric option for SUV buyers.

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