A NEW BMW 3 Series has been announced as the second Neue Klasse model in the German brand's portfolio.

To be known as the BMW i3 it will be fully electric and have a range of more than 500 miles on a single charge.

BMW says it will have precise handling thanks to a ‘superbrain' system that will be responsible for all driving functions.

The BMW i3 launches with the 50 xDrive model variant, which is powered by two electric motors which drive the front and rear axle to develop a combined system output of 469 hpand 645 Nmof torque.

It can be charged at speeds of up to 400kW at an 800-volt DC charging station to drastically reduce charging times. The result is up to 250 milesin just 10 minutes.

This capability is enabled by sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology, which teams highly efficient electric motors, 800-volt technology and new high-voltage batteries with energy-dense cylindrical cells.

Recognisable as a 3 Series, the BMW i3 offers a modern interpretation of hallmark BMW Saloon design with its new 2.5-box silhouette.

Reduced to the essentials, its design is characterised by a long wheelbase with short overhangs, precise lines and a sloping roofline.

Inside, there is a sporty and contemporary cockpit which is optimised around the driver.

Positioned front and centre is the BMW Panoramic iDrive, which consists of four key components - the BMW Panoramic Vision display, the optional BMW 3D Head-Up Display, the driver-oriented Central Display and the new multi-function steering wheel - helping drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

Drivers will be able to customise the interior and exterior of their BMW i3 with different trim levels, including M Sport, following its success within the UK market.

The front-end is sculpted in a sporty shark-nose design and centred around a reimagined horizontal kidney grille, where twin headlights merge with an innovative light signature.

The side profile features pronounced wheel arches, retractable flush door handles that extend automatically, and bold lines that flow to the rear where there's a refreshed BMW roundel.

The new BMW i3 will be built at the home of BMW Group, Plant Munich, which has been producing premium vehicles for over a century.

Over the last four years, the production plant has seen significant modernisation with the construction of a new body shop, cutting-edge assembly facility and logistics space.

Production will commence in August 2026, with first UK customer deliveries expected in autumn. A year later, Munich's production portfolio will switch to fully electric vehicles of the Neue Klasse.

Further information, including UK pricing and detailed model specifications will follow in due course.