The i3, BMW’s distinctive electric hatchback, met its end last year, but a successor is in the works. BMW enthusiasts can expect a departure from the quirky aesthetics of its predecessor, as the upcoming model is poised to adopt a more conventional appearance.
“While some appreciated the original i3, others perceived it as not aligning with the typical BMW image. It was somewhat of an outlier in the lineup. We aim to avoid that with the new model,” shared BMW’s development head, Frank Weber, in an interview with Automotive News‘s related publication, Automobilwoche.
BMW i3 | BMW
The next BMW i3 will be based on the Neue Klasse platform, an innovative all-electric foundation that will serve as the backbone for BMW’s future electric lineup. BMW recently introduced its Vision Neue Klasse concept, speculated to be the evolution of the i3, transitioning from the unique hatchback design to a more conventional sedan body. Although maintaining a touch of eccentricity, the Neue Klasse echoes elements from the iconic BMW designs like the E12-generation 5 Series. The intention is for its traditional outlook to resonate better with loyal BMW enthusiasts, given that the upcoming i3 will serve as the primary entry-level electric model for most consumers.
“BMW is indeed keen on introducing an affordable, compact vehicle to the market,” Weber expressed to Automobilwoche. “We are committed to providing customers with seamless access to the BMW experience. Hence, we are meticulously evaluating how an entry-level model can integrate into the Neue Klassefamily.”
BMW Neue Klasse | BMW
Criticizing the BMW i3’s design seems unjust. Despite its unconventional aesthetics, the i3 stood far from the controversial designs seen in recent BMW models like the XM and M4 Competition. The Neue Klasse may present a more conventional facade than the i3, but the latter’s distinctiveness held its own charm.
Regardless of which BMW model bears the brunt of design critiques, BMW’s acknowledgement of its clientele’s preference for simpler and classical designs in the future is a positive development.
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
