“When it [Neue Klasse] hits the market, it will be concentrated on the 3 Series segment and at that point in time the market will have developed into a size where it is reasonable to have only one drivetrain in that architecture.”

The second part of his statement is interesting as Zipse suggests there might not be a need for a combustion engine anymore. As a refresher, Neue Klasse was announced as a platform mostly dedicated to EVs, but with ICE support. Zipse’s comment indicates it might evolve into an electric-only architecture.

Neue Klasse Will Be Used From The 3 Series And Upwards

BMW’s top brass added Neue Klasse will be “mainly focused on the midsize segment. It does not cover from the lower segments all the way to the luxury segments”. Separately, a company spokesperson told ANE “there is more to come” following the initial model due in 2025.

What else is known about the Neue Klasse? The luxury brand has already ruled out swappable batteries. Solid-state batteries will be supported, while high-performance M cars riding on the NE underpinnings are planned. Expect “bold and meaningful” designs from the new wave of EVs. These will make use of recycled materials and sustainably sourced steel.

Before a global electric counterpart of the 3er arrives in 2025, BMW has technically unveiled a regional model already. The i3 eDrive35L will be made and sold in China as a long-wheelbase 3 Series Sedan turned into an electric vehicle.

Source: Automotive News Europe

The post BMW hints at new 3 Series electric after 2025 appeared first on EVGLOBE - News on Electric Vehicles and Hybrids.

If a new report from Autocar is to be believed, a 3 Series EV developed right from the start as an electric car will be out as early as 2025. It’s said to usher in BMW’s Neue Klasse bespoke electric platform and utilize the next generation of motors and batteries. A maximum range of 700 kilometers (435) miles is rumored, along with fast charging at 350 kW to mirror the Porsche Taycan and Audi E-Tron GT.

As expected from a dedicated electric car, the 3 Series without a gasoline or diesel engine will have a completely flat floor and a longer wheelbase after shaving off the front and rear overhangs. The base version is believed to have a rear-wheel-drive layout with an electric motor mounted at the rear while the more expensive ones will add a front motor to enable xDrive and greater power.

Weight will certainly be a concern, but we’re hearing a mix of aluminum and carbon fiber will minimize the extra bulk commanded by the heavy battery pack. Inside, the cabin is rumored to adopt recycled materials to help the Bavarian marque reach new sustainability targets as hinted last month at IAA Munich in Germany where it unveiled the i Vision Circular concept.

BMW’s decision to engineer a 3 Series bespoke EV won’t spell the end of traditional powertrains as the sports sedan will get a next-generation model with gasoline and diesel versions. The two will peacefully coexist for a number of years before the ICE-powered model will be discontinued as it’s only a matter of time before the German luxury marque will switch exclusively to EVs.

As a matter of fact, BMW has alluded it could be ready for an internal combustion ban as early as 2030, even though that’s highly unlikely to happen so soon, at least not on a global scale. Europe will probably be the first to outlaw sales of new cars equipped with gasoline or diesel engines, but the official proposal made by the European Comission refers to 2035 as being the cutoff date for the ICE.

Source: Autocar

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