Enthusiasts eagerly anticipating the all-electric Bmw I3 sedan have a date to circle on their calendars. While the next-generation iX3 crossover is on the horizon for later this year, many eyes are fixed on the i3 sedan, a vehicle poised to redefine electric driving in the BMW lineup. BMW has officially confirmed that pre-production for the “NA0” i3 sedan will commence in Munich before the close of 2025. However, the wait for the series production model will extend into the following year, with reports indicating a July 2026 start date for European customers.
Initially, the production line will prioritize fulfilling orders within Europe. For BMW fans in the United States, patience will be required, as the US-spec i3 sedan is slated to begin assembly in November 2026. These key dates, while still unconfirmed by BMW officially, are attributed to a reliable BMW insider known for their accurate information on the Bimmer Post forums.
Further details emerging from the report corroborate what spy photographs have already suggested: the new i3 sedan will mirror the aesthetic of the upcoming next-generation 3 Series, codenamed “G50.” Considering their respective debut timelines, it might be more accurate to say the G50 will take design cues from the i3. Both models’ designs were finalized under the direction of Domagoj Dukec, BMW’s former head of design. It is plausible that the design processes for both vehicles occurred concurrently, emphasizing a unified design language across the BMW range, regardless of powertrain.
Rumors even suggest a shared wheel design philosophy between the electric i3 and the combustion engine 3 Series. Adrian van Hooydonk, BMW Group’s head of design, previously hinted at this convergence, stating that future electric and internal combustion engine models would share a very similar visual identity. Interestingly, the report indicates that the i3 sedan might feature a more premium feel compared to the next 3 Series. A notable example is the potential availability of optional massaging seats exclusively for the Neue Klasse-based i3 model, highlighting its position as a flagship electric sedan.
For those familiar with BMW’s global strategy, the i3 sedan nameplate is not entirely new. A BMW i3 sedan has been available in China for approximately three years. This China-exclusive model is based on the long-wheelbase 3 Series (“G28”) and utilizes the same CLAR platform as the globally available 3 Series, demonstrating BMW’s prior commitment to an i3 sedan variant, albeit in a specific market.
Enthusiasts who prefer the traditional combustion engine within the 3 Series framework can anticipate the next generation model entering production around November 2026. The initial flagship combustion engine model is expected to be the M350 xDrive, with the high-performance M3 (“G84”) variant projected to commence production in July 2028. A significant shift in production strategy will see the successor to the current Munich-built 3 Series being manufactured in Dingolfing. BMW has already announced its strategic realignment, designating the Munich plant exclusively for EV production starting in 2027, marking a pivotal transition towards electric vehicle manufacturing at its historic home.
Source: Bimmer Post
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