BMW has started production of the new i3: The game-changing Neue Klasse electric sedan
BMW i3: The King of the 3 Series Prepares for the Neue Klasse "Electroshock"
If the name i3 reminds you of that cute, boxy electric car that slithered through traffic in Cluj Napoca a few years ago, it's time for a "reset." BMW has officially started pre-series production of the new i3, but this time we're talking about a serious sedan, the electric successor to the legendary 3 Series.
Munich gives the signal: The Neue Klasse era begins
The Bavarians are not kidding about their electric future. At the Munich plant, the first test (pre-series) units of the new i3 have already left the assembly line. This is the second model in the new Neue Klasse family, after the iX3 SUV, and marks the definitive transition to a platform dedicated exclusively to electric propulsion.
- Official launch: Series production is scheduled for the second half of 2026.
- Design and Platform: The new i3 will borrow the futuristic visual language of the Vision Neue Klasse concept, with a long wheelbase and short overhang, optimizing interior space.
- Estimated performance: Although official data is still under wraps, the new 800V system is expected to allow a charge from 10% to 80% in just 21 minutes, offering an autonomy that could reach the 800 km WLTP threshold.
In addition, speed enthusiasts should know that this platform will serve as the basis for the first purely electric M3 in history, confirmed for launch in 2027.
The success of Series 3 in Romania: The King who refuses to surrender the crown
While Munich prepares for the great electrification, in showrooms in Romania, the thermal version of the 3 Series continues to be an indisputable "best-seller" in the premium segment. Romanians have a special relationship with this model, often considered the standard of driving pleasure.
Record figures in 2025
The year 2025 was a historic one for the BMW Group in Romania. For the first time, the BMW brand exceeded the threshold of 5,000 registered units in a single year (5,229 units to be exact, an increase of 6.9% compared to 2024).
Although SUVs (X5 and X1) lead the way (each with 13% of sales), the 3 Series (along with the 4 Series) remains the backbone of sedan and coupe sales, dominating their segment.
Top BMW sales in Romania (2025):
| Rank | Model | Sales Share | Units (Approx.) |
| 1 | BMW X5 | 13% | ~680 units |
| 2 | BMW X1 | 13% | ~680 units |
| 3 | BMW Series 4 | 12% | ~627 units |
| 4 | BMW Series 3 | ~10% | ~520 units |
| 5 | BMW Series 5 | ~9% | ~470 units |
How much does success cost?
In Romania, prices for the current generation (G20) BMW 3 Series reflect its premium positioning and cutting-edge technological features:
- BMW 318i (Petrol): Starts from around €41,900 (VAT included).
- BMW 320d (Diesel - local market favorite): Starts at around €46,500.
- BMW M340i xDrive: For those who want pure performance before the electric era, the price jumps to €72,000.
Interestingly, although the market is moving towards electrification (25% of BMWs sold in RO in 2025 were electrified), mild-hybrid engines (diesel and gasoline) still represent 62% of Romanians' options, demonstrating that the "thermal king" is still very relevant.
Conclusion: An electric future with pedigree
The transfer of the i3 name to a sedan body is not just a marketing strategy, but a promise that the values ??of the 3 Series will survive in the battery age. With a solid fan base in Romania and revolutionary technology on the horizon, the new i3 has every chance of becoming the new obsession of those who do not want to give up the Bavarian dynamics for a sustainable future.