SPOT: New BMW 3 Serie Neue Klasse on public roads

Neue Klasse: a new era for BMW

BMW is about to write a new chapter with the Neue Klasse, a completely new generation of cars designed to future-proof the brand. Later this year BMW will kick off with the electric iX3 Neue Klasse, and in 2026 the new 3 Series will follow, which will be available both as an all-electric variant and with an internal combustion engine.

Secrecy

BMW is still holding its cards firmly to its chest when it comes to the Neue Klasse and the new 3 Series. So we don’t know many details yet, but there are now photos of a test model in the wild. Marek Debicki, a loyal reader of AutoRAI.nl, spotted the car during a trip in South Africa. The photos show a new 3 Series still covered in camouflage stickers.

Details

Still, some interesting details can be detected, now that we see the car in a realistic setting rather than on a computer animation or studio image. The characteristic proportions of the 3 Series are clearly recognizable, as are the pointed “sharke-nose” front end and aerodynamic profile. These elements are strongly reminiscent of the Vision Neue Klasse, the concept model BMW unveiled in 2023. Clearly, BMW is carrying forward the futuristic design of that study model to the production version.

Panoramic Vision

BMW is also still keeping the interior of the new 3 Series well hidden. It is already known that the production model will be equipped with BMW’s Panoramic Vision display, a large screen that runs the full width of the windshield. But it is still neatly covered with cloth in the test car. And that mysterious A4 on the dashboard? That, unfortunately, only shows info from the outgoing model.

800 kilometers of range

The new electric BMW 3 Series promises serious performance. According to rumors, the entry-level model will get a 300-hp electric motor. The BMW M division is said to be working on a top-of-the-line model with as many as four electric motors, good for a staggering 1,341 horsepower. Battery technology is also advancing, of course. We’re betting on a range of about 800 km and extremely high payload.

Have you also spotted anything?

Have you also come across a special car? Share your photos with us via instagram.com/autorai.nl and who knows, maybe your photos will soon be on AutoRAI.nl.

Thanks to Marek Debicki for sharing his photos

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