Story and photos by Andreas Conradt, Automedia
Neue Klasse BMW 3-Series Spotted at the Nürburgring
The BMW Group has indicated that much of the Neue Klasse electric-vehicle (EV) design and cabin experience will be transferred from electric to internal-combustion (ICE) cars and crossovers, and new images have proven those indicators right.
Captured by SEMA News sources, the images show an ICE-powered variant of the Neue Klasse sedan featuring a virtually identical design as the EV version, although with a different name: while the petrol burner will likely to be named the 3-Series, the all-electric variant will be called the i3. Both are expected to hit showrooms in 2026.
The ICE and electric variants of the future BMW compact class have restrained proportions, as has been the norm for almost all deliveries, featuring the same one-piece integrated headlights on board both prototypes of the new iX3 and the new X5. For now, the double ovoid grille is missing but is hidden in the middle.
As reflected in the images, the hood no longer rests directly over the headlights, but now on a large, sweptback beam, and temporary rear lights positioned high on the rear deck lid.
The photos don't show the shape of the fixed rear windows with the famous Hofmeister kink, but the car features colored brake calipers, indicating it has a more dynamic and sportier chassis setup compared to standard models.
The engine lineup for the ICE-powered 3-Series will match that of today's car, while the all-electric i3 will be starting with 300 hp and a new-generation battery that will offer more than 600 miles on a single charge.
Facelifts Coming for Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe 53 & 63
New images of the redesigned AMG variants of the Coupe 53 and 63 have emerged.
Clearly visible are the new inner graphics of the cars' front and rear lamps, which are reminiscent of the parent company's three-pointed star.
The decision to prolong the life span of the model is likely a result of the ongoing debate about the end of internal combustion engines in Europe and elsewhere.
We expect nothing more than a few cosmetic changes to the front and the inner graphics of the lamp units both ends of the car. These minor changes could be completed by a small makeover of the interior plus updated safety assistance systems and a revised infotainment system including bigger screens.