BMW has unveiled impressive handling in its upcoming i3 electric sedan prototype during a test drive on frozen Swedish terrain. The vehicle, built on the new Neue Klasse platform, features advanced electronics and a powerful dual-motor setup. This prototype promises smoother driving and better performance in challenging conditions.
BMW's new i3 electric sedan, part of the company's electric vehicle lineup, was put through its paces in the Swedish wilds. The prototype, tested on glare ice and frozen lakes, showcases the capabilities of BMW's Neue Klasse architecture, a platform designed for improved efficiency and performance in electric vehicles.
The original i3, launched in 2013 as a five-door hatchback, was innovative but did not transform the market as hoped. This new i3 resets the designation to align with BMW's 3 Series, positioning it as an electric sedan. It shares the Neue Klasse platform with the iX3 SUV, incorporating a new battery pack with cell-to-pack architecture for higher capacity in a lighter enclosure, advanced electronics, and a fresh design language inspired by the 2023 Vision Neue Klasse concept.
The tested model, the i3 50 xDrive, is a dual-motor all-wheel-drive sedan delivering 463 horsepower and 476 pound-feet of torque. BMW's 'Heart of Joy' electronics suite integrates systems like ABS and traction control using powerful chips from Qualcomm, enabling seamless operation. During the drive, the vehicle excelled in braking, relying more on regenerative braking for smooth stops on ice, and in acceleration, where it intelligently managed power and brakes to handle low-grip surfaces without advanced driving skills.
Disabling stability systems allowed for controlled drifts, balancing fun with safety. The Panoramic Vision display, spanning the windshield like an ultra-wide heads-up display, offers customizable information panels but can be simplified for focus. Much of the interior remains camouflaged in this prototype.
BMW plans to reveal full details of the i3 on March 18, with pricing and final styling still under wraps. The test confirms the vehicle's potential as a strong contender in the EV market.
