MUNICH: The all-electric BMW i3 is the first sedan model of the Neue Klasse, and prototypes are undergoing a test programme at the BMW Group winter test centre in Arjeplog, Sweden.
The new i3 will have its design premiere on March 18, 2026 and features a sixth-generation eDrive (Gen6).
“The BMW i3 applies the sporty sedan’s typical characteristics to a completely new vehicle concept defined by the BMW 3 Series DNA. At the same time, pushing the conventional boundaries of electric mobility into new territory, thanks to the potential of our Neue Klasse,” says Neue Klasse BMW head Mike Reichelt.
The control unit consisting of the “superbrain” Heart of Joy and the BMW Dynamic Performance Control driving stack takes driving dynamics to an entirely new level.
As the new i3 approaches series-production readiness, the test and development team is performing the final fine-tuning of driving dynamics components on the snow-covered roads and frozen lakes of Sweden.
Endurance tests in freezing temperatures and wintry road conditions in Sweden’s extreme north are a long-standing BMW tradition.
The snow-covered roads around Arjeplog and the specially prepared surfaces of frozen lakes provide the ideal environment for evaluating and fine-tuning drive and suspension systems.
Electronic control systems are a good example – the low friction coefficients of surfaces covered by snow and ice enable engineers to test, analyse and optimise the interactions of these systems under precisely reproducible conditions.
This provides the foundation of the hallmark BMW driving pleasure.
The Heart of Joy is one of four “superbrains” in the Neue Klasse.
Complemented by the BMW Dynamic Performance Control software developed in-house, it forms the powerful new driving and dynamics control unit in the i3, controlling the powertrain, brakes and some steering functions along with recuperation.
Its responses are 10 times faster than with previous systems.
Even on slippery surfaces like those in Arjeplog, the Heart of Joy ensures agile propulsion.
In addition, the extremely fast control of the two electric motors ensures superior driving stability.
Only electric motors are capable of processing and executing the lightning-fast commands.
Second model of the Neue Klasse: BMW i3 50 xDrive
- Start of production: Second half of 2026
- Sixth-generation BMW eDrive (Gen6) with 800-volt technology
- Charging capacity: peak charging capacity up to 400kW
- Electric drive unit with EESM technology (rear axle), ASM technology (front axle)
- Maximum system output: 345kW/469hp
- 645Nm of torque
