A heavily camouflaged prototype of the updated Tesla Model Y was spotted in California.
Chinese media report that production of the updated EV will start in Shanghai next month.
The Model Y Juniper will feature exterior, interior, and mechanical upgrades.
The Tesla Model Y is gearing up for its most significant update since its 2019 debut. Of course, by “significant,” we mean it’s still largely the same car—just with enough fresh bells and whistles to keep it reigning atop global sales charts. Now, a camouflaged prototype of the updated Model Y was spotted in California, coinciding with reports that production could kick off in China as early as next month.
According to the latest information circulating in Chinese media including Sina, production of the facelifted Model Y, codenamed “Juniper”, is set to kick off in January 2025 at Tesla’s Shanghai plant. This aligns with Elon Musk’s earlier comments indicating that the facelifted Model Y wouldn’t launch in 2024. Reports also suggest that Tesla has already built prototypes in Shanghai as part of its preparations for full-scale production, signaling that the company is moving quickly to refine the next iteration of its best-seller.
A New Longer Six-Seater Variant For China
Tesla is expected to introduce two versions of the updated Model Y: a standard five-seat model, which offers an optional third row for two additional (and very small) passengers, and a longer-wheelbase six-seater variant designed exclusively for the Chinese market, set to arrive in the fourth quarter of 2025. Both versions will come with a range of exterior, interior, and mechanical updates to keep the Model Y fresh and competitive.
The redesigned bodywork of the Model Y is expected to echo the updates seen on the Model 3 ‘Highland’, featuring slimmer headlights and a more streamlined front bumper. In a recent spy video shared on X by photographer Colin W., the new DRLs (daytime running lights) can be seen glowing through a thick camouflage wrap. The prototype is also equipped with newly styled wheels. While the rear end remains fully covered, earlier spy shots revealed a full-width LED taillight bar with a frosted finish, adding a more modern touch to the design.
Inside, the Model Y is expected to ditch its wiper and turn signal stalks, along with the gear shifter, in favor of an even more minimalist design. However, it will gain a redesigned steering wheel, an infotainment display with slimmer bezels, more comfortable seats, multi-color ambient lighting, and an additional touchscreen for rear passengers to control climate settings, just like the Model 3 facelift.
More importantly, the EV will reportedly benefit from better-quality materials inside the cabin and improved NVH, courtesy of chassis and suspension upgrades. These will be likely joined by onboard technology upgrades too.
Battery and powertrain options should be carried over from the outgoing model, although a more powerful Model Y Performance trim sounds plausible, mirroring the specs of the Model 3.
In the lead-up to the updated model’s release, Tesla has cut the price of the Model Y in China by an additional ¥10,000 ($1,370), dropping it to its lowest price ever. The move seems to be paying off: between January and November 2024, the Model Y was China’s best-selling vehicle, with 373,000 units sold, accounting for 73% of Tesla’s sales in the region.
Prospective Tesla Model Y buyers in the U.S. face a tough decision: wait for the updated model or buy the current version now to secure the $7,500 federal tax credit, especially with the possibility that the next administration may follow through on its promise to eliminate it.
A camouflaged prototype suggests that BYD is working on a new electric sports car.
The EV looks like the production version of the Fang Cheng Bao Super 9 concept.
The electric coupe is set to debut under the Denza brand at the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show in April.
Update 12/19: New photos of the camouflaged prototype have surfaced online, showcasing its muscular stance, haphazard camouflage, and unfinished bodywork from various angles. Check them out below.
Remember when Chinese automakers were known for making knockoff versions of Western cars with all the structural integrity of a soda can? Well, those days are officially dead. BYD, the company that’s already entered the world of supercars with the YangWang U9 capable of jumping (literally) and doing zero-to-sixty in sub-two seconds has now decided to give the world one more reason to side-eye Stuttgart: a Denza-branded electric sports car rumored to launch in 2025.
The teaser comes in the form of a camouflaged prototype that was spotted in China on a flatbed truck. The blurry Weibo snapshot shows a coupe with classic sports car proportions but missing vital bits like the headlights and rear bumper, which either weren’t ready or BYD decided to keep them a surprise. Think of it as a sneak peek at your dream car before it puts its pants on.
A BYD Sports Car? Blame Wolfgang Egger
Now, if you’re wondering who’s responsible for BYD’s glow-up from “budget EVs” to “supercar contender,” point your finger squarely at Wolfgang Egger. This is the guy who’s worked at Audi, Lamborghini, Alfa Romeo, and basically every design studio with a leather couch and espresso machine.
Egger reportedly put his stamp on the concept car that inspired this prototype: the Fang Cheng Bao Super 9, a two-door coupe unveiled in April 2024. Think of it as the sports car you’d design if you had a portfolio full of Italian exotics and a mandate to beat Tesla. And yes, BYD seriously needs to rethink its naming strategy, as “Fang Cheng Bao Super 9” sounds less like a sports car and more like the combo platter you regret ordering at 3 am.
Of course, BYD isn’t stopping at just one version. Rumor has it a roadster variant is also on the way, that’ll look more similar to the speedster concept.
BYD didn’t reveal much in the way of technical details during the concept’s presentation, aside from confirming its fully electric nature. However, Car News China speculates that the production version could borrow the tri-motor powertrain from the Denza Z9. With a combined output of 952 hp (710 kW / 965 PS), this setup promises some seriously impressive performance.
Europe, You’re Next
What makes things more interesting is that the Denza-badged sports car won’t be exclusively available in China, as it could also be offered in Europe. Denza will make its debut in the Old Continent with the Z9 GT in 2025, and the electric sports car sounds like a great option for expanding its lineup.
The EV is expected to debut at the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show in April, exactly one year after the concept. As reported by local media Autohome, pricing could start from around ¥300,000 (equal to around $41,200) in China, making it significantly more affordable than any variant of the Porsche 911 despite offering high levels of performance.
The new EV rocks a pair of slim HED headlights and has short front and rear overhangs.
In August, the Russian brand quietly previewed an electric sedan.
This is our first proper look at Russia’s new home-grown EV, known as the Kama Atom. The electric SUV has been in the works since as early as 2021 and extensive testing and development is underway, ahead of a market launch perhaps as early as 2025.
The new model is being brought to life by startup Kama, which has secured heavy funding from the Russian Direct Investment Fund and has strong ties to Atom Automotive Engineering and Technology in the Chinese city of Nanjing. With the Russian car market crippled since the escalation of its war with Ukraine in February 2022, it’s hardly a surprise that it’s looking to grow its local industry with its trusty friends from China.
We were provided with our first glimpse of the new EV in May 2023, but the vehicle in these photos from Kolesa appears quite a bit larger and has a different design. It’s unclear if this is what the concept has morphed into for production, or if this is a separate vehicle from the one from last year.
Visually, the vehicle has a somewhat similar profile to the MG 4 but is quite a bit taller and looks a little longer. The front end includes a pair of narrow LED headlights that look to be connected by a light bar. There’s no traditional grille and the main headlights are hidden within the front bumper. The Atom has quite an intriguing look and is certainly reminiscent of some recent EVs to come out of China.
2023 Atom show car
When viewed from the side, the short front and rear overhangs catch the eye, as does the relatively long wheelbase. The side windows also sit pretty high on the body. Few technical details are known about the new model, including what kind of battery pack it will have or what kind of electric motors it will use.
After some digging, we discovered that the Russian brand quietly previewed a new electric sedan known as the Lightning in August. A delivery van version of the Atom is also in the works.
The new-gen 2026 Mercedes CLA has been spied wearing less camouflage than ever before.
The four-door coupe adopts a streamlined design, but sports an awkward greenhouse.
It will be offered with hybrid and electric powertrains as well as front-, rear-, and all-wheel drive.
The redesigned Mercedes CLA has been a familiar sight for the past 22 months, but the model is finally entering the homestretch. It’s now celebrating by stripping down and showing some skin.
While the front and rear ends are heavily camouflaged, the latest prototype has an exposed body. It’s immediately familiar, but incorporates some cues from the EQE and EQS.
The changes are readily apparent as we can see streamlined bodywork as well as flush-mounted door handles. The greenhouse has also been completely revamped and it’s an awkward mess as the third quarter glass extends into the rear door. As a result, there’s mismatched lines and an unappealing mix of shapes.
At the ends, there are star-infused lighting units which have become a hallmark of the modern Mercedes. They’re joined by an evolutionary single bar grille and new bumpers.
The redesigned CLA will debut next year and ride on the new Mercedes Modular Architecture. The company has revealed quite a bit in recent months and has previously confirmed an electric variant with a rear-mounted motor producing 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS).
Customers can also opt for a 4Matic variant, which adds a 107 hp (80 kW / 109 PS) motor up front. It only has a ‘boost’ capability as the motor engages when extra power or traction is needed.
We’ll learn more about the electric powertrain closer to launch, but Mercedes has already confirmed the CLA has an 800-volt electrical architecture as well as a DC fast charging capability of up to 320 kW. The company also has plans to offer an optional 85 kWh silicon oxide battery.
If you’re not sold on the electric revolution, you can look forward to a new family of four-cylinder petrol engines. Americans will get a hybridized powertrain that consists of a 1.5-liter engine, a small battery, and an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission with an integrated electric motor. The engine produces 188 hp (140 kW / 190 PS), while the motor contributes an additional 27 hp (20 kW / 27 PS). Front-wheel drive comes standard, but all-wheel drive will be optional.
BMW M has dropped the first pictures of what appears to be a Neue Klasse EV prototype .
The company seemingly referred to the model as a high-performance battery electric vehicle.
It could have a quad-motor all-wheel drive system, similar to their i4-based prototype.
Spy photographers recently snapped the first pictures of the Neue Klasse i3 and now we’re getting a look at the M variant. Little is known about it, but BMW M quietly dropped a handful of images on Instagram and their website.
The company isn’t saying much at this point, but noted the car is a prototype and is “on the way to set new standards.” The automaker also referred to the model as the “HP BEV,” which presumably means high-performance battery electric vehicle.
If those weren’t enough hints, the images were accompanied by a quote from BMW M’s head of development, Dirk Häcker, who said “Electrification opens up completely new degrees of freedom for us to create M typical dynamics.”
Moving onto the pictures themselves, we can see the model follows in the footsteps of previous prototypes as well as the Vision Neue Klasse concept. However, the M prototype is more aggressive as it appears to have a wider track as well as lightweight wheels wrapped in high-performance rubber. The car also sits low, which hints at a sportier suspension setup.
There isn’t much else to see, but the car has retractable door handles and a relatively flat roof. They’re joined by a plain rear end that unsurprisingly lacks an exhaust.
While BMW isn’t saying much, the wrap echoes the one found on the i4-based quad-motor prototype that has been undergoing testing for the past few years. Rumors have suggested the model could have more than 1,000 hp (746 kW / 1,014 PS) as well as advanced torque vectoring and even a tank turn capability.
Given that BMW M has been on an electrification teaser spree as of late, we wouldn’t be surprised if more information were to follow in the coming days.
A Polestar 5 prototype was spotted in Scandinavia undergoing rigorous testing.
The electric sedan can be seen rocking a set of huge carbon ceramic brake rotors.
Driving the Polestar 5 will be two electric motors, making it the brand’s quickest model.
Polestar’s road to launching the 5 has been anything but swift. Over two and a half years after its prototype debuted at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the Volvo offshoot that’s primarily owned by China’s Geely is still putting its Porsche Taycan rival through its paces, with recent spy shots from Scandinavia offering a glimpse at its progress.
We’re not sure why Polestar has bothered to clad the car in camouflage, given the finished design has already been revealed. Nevertheless, there’s no denying this will be the sleekest model in their line-up while maintaining plenty of Polestar design elements, making it easily recognizable.
The front fascia features a pair of split headlights with sharp DRLs that catch the eye, as does the small black grille and black splitter. As there’s no engine up front, the hood sits particularly low and does wonders for the overall look of the EV. This prototype can also be seen rocking a set of black wheels and massive carbon ceramic brakes, hinting at its performance focus.
Other parts of the 5’s design that stand out include the door handles, which sit flush with the bodywork, and a huge panoramic glass roof that stops just right where a traditional rear window would be, much like the Polestar 4. It also has sharp LED taillights, a light bar, and a tow bar.
A couple of years ago, Polestar said the 5 would hit the market with a pair of electric motors delivering 872 hp and 664 lb-ft (900 Nm) of torque. However, we wouldn’t be surprised if these figures change slightly when the model hits the market, particularly since Porsche and Audi have boosted the power outputs for the facelifted RS e-tron GT and Taycan models.
Whatever the final horsepower and torque figures end up being, the 5 will be the brand’s quickest model as it should be capable of running 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in around 3 seconds, if not slightly quicker.
Charging technology might be another ace up its sleeve. Polestar is experimenting with StoreDot’s ultra-fast-charging batteries, which promise 100 miles of range from just five minutes of charging. Whether this cutting-edge tech makes it to the final product remains to be seen.
Tesla is on track to launch an entry-level Model Q EV in H1 2025, according to a report from Deutsche Bank.
The new car will be smaller than Tesla’s Model 3 and retail for $30k if EV credits carry on, the story claims.
The news reportedly came from Tesla’s investor relations boss Travis Axelrod at a Deutsche Bank conference in NYC.
Update: Becky Peterson, a journalist from the Wall Street Journal, says she’s acquired a copy of the Deutsche Bank report from the Autonomous Day conference that took place in NYC on December 5. The report confirms many of the points mentioned in the Chinese media, including that Travis Axelrod met with Deutsche Bank during the conference.
Peterson outlines five key points from the report, including that Deutsche Bank refers to the “new Tesla model” as the “Model Q.” The report also mentions that the EV is expected to launch in the first half of 2025, priced under $30,000 with federal tax credits or less than $38,000 without, and built on Tesla’s existing platforms. However, it’s unclear from her tweet whether these statements are Axelrod’s own words or Deutsche Bank’s assessment.
In another tweet, Peterson pointed out that the report makes no mention of “Redwood, the internal code name for a mass market vehicle, built on a new platform, which Musk paused earlier this year” adding that “It also doesn’t say anything about the size or cost, or how it might differ from a Model 3”.
We’ve reached out to Peterson and will update this story if we hear more.
I got a copy of the Deutsche Bank report.
Here's what it does say:
1. @travisraxelrod met with DB for its Autonomous Driving Day on December 5 in NYC. 2. DB describes "the new Tesla model" which it calls "Model Q". 3. DB says it will launch in the first half of 2025, and…
If a report coming out of China, citing statements from a Deutsche Bank conference and Tesla’s VP of Investor Relations, is to be believed—and that’s a big if until there’s official confirmation or firsthand verification, Tesla is allegedly gearing up to launch a new EV called the Model Q next year, priced at just $30,000.
Or at least that’s the gist of a story currently doing the rounds in the Chinese media. The report claims that Travis Axelrod, Tesla’s head of investor relations, confirmed the existence and impending arrival of the new entry-level car during a Deutsche Bank Autonomous Driving Day conference.
The story appears to have originated with Wall Street CN, which claims Axelrod said the baby Tesla will debut in the first half of 2025 prices at $37,500. But if returning president, Donald Trump, opts not to trash the current EV tax credit system the transaction price could drop to just $30k.
And that’s not the only secret car Tesla has in store for us next year, according to the same report. It claims the automaker will also launch other new models to expand its market size in a bid to hit a 25-30 percent growth target. One of those additional EVs could be a long-wheelbase, three-row Model Y conceived primarily with China in mind, but which could also work well in other countries and help plug the huge gap between the Y and X SUVs. The Model Y is also scheduled for a facelift in 2025.
Tesla warned however, that rolling out new product would inevitably lead to a temporary drop in profitability, Chinese media says. Other news supposedly coming out of the conference includes Tesla’s affirmation that it would launch a self-driving taxi service in California and Texas in 2025 using Model 3 and Y vehicles ahead of the launch of the company’s real robotaxi, the Cybercab, in 2026. Tesla will eventually cut the cost of Cybercab production to $30k per unit, the report claims.
We reached out to Travis Axelrod, Tesla’s Investor Relations team, as well as Deutsche Bank’s North American and Chinese divisions for comment, but have yet to hear back from anyone, so for now you probably ought to take the news with a pinch of salt. But if it’s true, legacy carmakers are going to have a nightmare on their hands trying to compete.
Note: The images in this story are digital renders by Francois Hubert/SB-Medien of how a new small Tesla crossover could look, and are not endorsed by Tesla.
Illustrations Jean Francois Hubert/SB-Medien for Carscoops
The new compact electric hatchback will be sold in China and throughout Europe.
Nio may establish a dedicated battery swap network for the Firefly brand.
The new brand will slot below the Onvo family in Nio’s portfolio.
New spy shots have surfaced online of the new EV from Firefly, the entry-level brand from Chinese automaker Nio. The car is tipped to be showcased to the world on December 21 at the annual Nio Day in Guangzhou.
While Nio itself is only a relatively young EV startup, it’s following the lead of other Chinese automakers in launching separate brands dedicated to building cheaper and more accessible cars. Firefly will slot below the recently introduced Onvo brand from Nio and focus on small and mid-size EVs. These photos confirm its first model will be a compact hatchback.
We first caught a glimpse of the new car back in March, but new photos give us a better look at it. The car’s proportions are fairly typical for a hatchback of this size, and key elements like the short front and rear overhangs immediately catch the eye. Viewed from the side, it’s impossible not to notice the car’s thick C-pillars as well as the aero covers over the wheels. The dimensions resemble vehicles like the five-door Mini Cooper and BYD Dolphin.
Nio’s engineers have done a good job hiding the car’s front and rear fascias from prying eyes, even going to the trouble of affixing faux headlights and taillights to the black body cladding. It’s safe to assume that both the headlights and taillights will be LED units.
Photos of the Firefly’s interior have also been published by IT Home and CarNewsChina. Like plenty of other EVs out there, the Firefly sports a large central infotainment screen that looks like a huge tablet has been stuck to the dash. Despite the car’s budget positioning, Nio has also managed to add a digital instrument cluster, which is a nice touch (take note, Tesla). A simple two-spoke steering wheel and a flat floor are also visible.
Technical specifications about the car remain unclear, but it will reportedly support battery swapping through dedicated Firefly swap stations. It’ll initially launch in China but should also be sold in Europe, although recent tariff hikes will likely make it more expensive than originally planned. China prices could start between ¥100,000-200,000 (~$13,700 – $27,400), while European prices should kick off from under €30,000 (~$31,500).
A pre-production prototype of the 2026 BMW iX3 was spotted in the wild.
The latest batch of spy shots reveals the lighting signature of the electric SUV.
BMW’s first Neue Klasse production offering will hit the market in 2025.
Our spy photographers caught one of the pre-production prototypes of the upcoming BMW iX3 Neue Klasse SUV, shortly after it rolled off the production line in Hungary. The fully electric model goes through the latest stages of development testing ahead of its market launch in 2025.
The BMW iX3 Neue Klasse made its spy debut in November 2023, but early prototypes were fitted with provisional lighting units. The new prototype is fitted with the production headlights and taillights, revealing a modern LED lighting signature. This was the last missing piece of the puzzle, as the bodywork of the SUV has already been uncovered in recent patent drawings.
The new prototype was also photographed with the hood open. Unlike other EVs, the BMW iX3 doesn’t appear to have a frunk, with the space being occupied by mechanical components. We can also see the iX3’s pop-out door handles, which are less futuristic than the fin-shaped solution of the Vision Neue Klasse X concept. Judging from earlier spy shots, these will likely find their way into the larger iX5.
The wheels of the prototype suggest that this is one of the lesser versions of the BMW iX3. Our spy photographers suggest that the wheel diameter of the production model will be between 18 inches and 22 inches depending on the trim. The larger size will likely be reserved for the performance-focused offering by BMW M.
The new BMW iX3 will be the first production model to adopt the Neue Klasse styling language before it gets applied to the automaker’s entire range of combustion and electric models. The iX3 will be followed by the i3 sedan, the similarly-sized 3-Series, and the new generation of the X5/iX5, which are set to debut in the coming years.
The Neue Klasse underpinnings are compatible with single and dual electric motors, rumored to produce anywhere between 300 and 600 hp. Furthermore, a new generation of batteries is expected to bring a 30% improvement in charging speed and range, taking the latter to a maximum of over 800 km (500 miles).
BMW recently stated that series production of its first Neue Klasse SUV will begin in late 2025.
A camouflaged prototype of the Citroen C5 Aircross was caught by our spy photographers.
The compact SUV will be larger than its predecessor, measuring 4,65 cm (183.1 inches) long.
The new C5 Aircross will be available in petrol, hybrid, and fully electric versions.
The second-generation Citroen C5 Aircross was spotted testing ahead of its market launch in 2025. The compact SUV, which was shown in concept form at the Paris Auto Show in October 2024, will ride on the STLA Medium architecture, offering a choice between petrol, mild-hybrid, and EV powertrains.
The camouflaged prototype spotted by our spy photographers looks similar to the concept, with only a few toned-down features. The most obvious differences are the conventional door handles, the larger mirror caps, and the greenhouse with the thicker pillars that appear to be shared with the Opel Grandland.
The production version of the 4,65m (183.1 inches) long SUV retains the slim LED headlights of the concept, although the taillights appear to protrude less from the bodywork. The front end and the boxy wheel arches look similar to the smaller C3 Aircross, but the surfacing is more sophisticated. Finally, the wheels are slightly smaller in diameter but still boast a futuristic design.
A closer look at the spy shots shows a hint of a digital cockpit, that appears to be integrated within the dashboard. Staying true to its heritage, Citroen has promised a spacious and comfortable lounge-like five-seater cabin, describing the SUV as “genuine cocoon on wheels”.
The Citroen C5 Aircross will be the fifth Stellantis model to ride on the STLA Medium platform, following the Peugeot 3008/5008, the Opel Grandland, and the upcoming DS N°8.
Citroen has confirmed that the SUV will be available in ICE, hybrid, and EV forms. Judging from the closely related Stellantis SUVs, the C5 Aircross will be fitted with the turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine in non-electrified and mild-hybrid forms.
The fully electric versions are expected to be powered by single-motor (FWD) or dual-motor (AWD) setups, offering a choice between 73 kWh and 98 kWh battery packs for a maximum range of 700 km (435 miles) between charges. The architecture is also compatible with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, although it is not clear if Citroen will apply it to the C5 Aircross.
Citroen has not set a debut date for the new C5 Aircross, other than confirming it will be unveiled in 2025.
A prototype of the 2027 Mercedes GLC EV has been spotted shedding some camouflage
The electric crossover is slated to be launched in 2026 and ride on the MB.EA platform.
Styling echoes the EQE and EQS SUVs, but it appears the GLC EV will have a bit more character.
Spy photographers have caught the Mercedes GLC EV undergoing testing ahead of its launch in 2026. While the prototype is still heavily camouflaged, some of the disguise is starting to come off.
Unfortunately, there isn’t much to see up front as the prototype has a fully enclosed grille that is flanked by temporary headlights. They’re joined by a wide lower intake and a streamlined hood, which is hidden beneath bulky padding.
The sides show a lot more detail as we can see pronounced wheel arches with plastic body cladding. They’re joined by flush-mounted door handles and a greenhouse that mimics the EQE and EQS SUVs. However, the GLC EV has more traditional front side glass and that’s a welcome change.
Designers also gave the crossover an upward sweeping beltline and muscular rear haunches. Elsewhere, there are circular taillight graphics inspired by the Mercedes star emblem. We can also get a glimpse of a minimalist spoiler and a plain rear bumper.
Baldauf
We still haven’t gotten a good look inside, but the crossover will presumably echo newer models and feature a freestanding digital instrument cluster as well as an infotainment system with a portrait orientation.
Mercedes hasn’t said much about the GLC EV, but CEO Ola Källenius recently confirmed it will arrive in 2026 and ride on the MB.EA platform. Little is known about it, but the architecture should be more advanced than the MMA platform that will underpin entry-level models such as the redesigned CLA.
That particular car hints at the GLC’s capabilities as it offers an 800-volt electrical architecture and a 320 kW DC fast charging capability that can deliver up to 186 miles (300 km) of range in as little as ten minutes. The model also promises a WLTP range in excess of 466 miles (750 km).
While a lot of this is an apples to oranges comparison, some electric motors may carryover. As a result, it’s interesting to note the CLA will have a rear-mounted motor with up to 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS). 4Matic variants add a front-mounted motor producing 107 hp (80 kW / 109 PS).
The new SUV will look radically different than the brand’s other models.
It’s unclear if the company will develop the powertrain in-house.
Range-extender EVs are proving popular for those seeking maximum driving range.
Xiaomi isn’t willing to rest on its laurels and bask in the success of the SU7 sports sedan. In addition to developing an SUV version of the SU7, Xiaomi’s automotive arm has also started testing its third model, codenamed the N3.
This new model will take the form of a large SUV designed to rival the Li Auto L9. Like the L9, and unlike the SU7, the brand’s second SUV will be an extended-range electric vehicle. Technical specifications about this powertrain aren’t known, but a leaked document concerning Xiaomi’s future product plans has confirmed the N3 will come standard with rear-wheel steering.
As Xiaomi is eager to bring new models to the market as quickly as possible, it may decide to source a small-capacity internal combustion engine from another automaker for the EREV, as opposed to developing one itself. CarNewsChina notes it may also need to use new electric motors, as the ‘V6’ and ‘V8’ motors found in the SU7 have been designed for an 800-volt electrical architecture, whereas most EREVs use 400-volt systems.
A heavily-disguised prototype of the N3 was recently snapped by Chinese media during testing. Despite being clad in thick cladding and camouflage, it’s obvious the shape of the N3 shares very little in common with the SU7 and its upcoming SUV sibling. It is much boxier than the SU7 and has quite a conventional SUV shape, complete with a tall front fascia and a flat roof. The N3 appears more than large enough to support a third row of seats.
Xiaomi’s third model is expected to launch as early as 2026. Before that happens, the SU7-based SUV will hit the market. It should ride on the same Modena platform as the sedan and will likely be offered with similar powertrain configurations. This means the entry-level model will probably have a single electric motor with 295 hp and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm), while an all-wheel drive version with 664 hp could also be on the cards.
The world’s best-selling vehicle in 2023 is up for a mid-cycle update for 2025.
The Tesla Model Y Juniper will bring styling, interior, and mechanical upgrades.
The electric crossover will get a more powerful Performance variant as well.
Tesla’s Model Y isn’t just a hit, it’s a phenomenon. Consider that in 2023, it didn’t just dominate the EV segment, it topped global car sales outright, shifting a staggering 1.23 million units, according to JD Power. To put that into perspective, it outsold long-standing juggernauts like Toyota’s RAV4 (1.03 million) and the Corolla (1.01 million), relegating them to second and third place respectively.
Not bad for a five-year-old design that, let’s be honest, is starting to look a bit tired. Enter the Model Y codenamed project “Juniper,” a long-awaited refresh aimed at keeping Tesla’s golden child ahead of the pack.
Fresh Face, Familiar Silhouette
Launched in 2019 as a slightly taller, longer and more family-friendly sibling to the equally popular Model 3, the Model Y has enjoyed plenty of incremental improvements over the years, but its exterior hasn’t seen any changes. The Juniper update aims to freshen up its looks, bringing sharper styling inspired by last year’s updated Model 3 Highland. Tesla isn’t rocking the boat too much as the familiar egg-like silhouette remains, but spy shots and leaks suggest notable updates to both the front and rear.
Illustrations: Thanos Pappas for CarScoops
Camouflaged prototypes and leaked images have offered clues about Tesla’s design direction. Early test cars teased some daring ideas, including split headlights and a Cybertruck-inspired full-width LED light bar. However, more recent leaks suggest Tesla is gravitating toward a cleaner, more understated aesthetic.
In particular, our exclusive rendering draws on a leaked infotainment display image from a prototype spotted in China. It showcases a redesigned front end with slimmer headlights, a cleaner—albeit more generic—nose, and a sculpted bumper devoid of side intakes, all borrowing heavily from the updated Model 3. If this is indeed the final design (and we strongly suspect it is), it’s a sharper, more refined evolution. That said, it still sticks to the same old “Model 3 after a helium party” aesthetic, complete with its puffer-fish-style greenhouse. Some things, it seems, are just part of the Tesla DNA.
Moving to the rear, more changes are expected. A full-width LED taillight bar with a frosted finish will replace the existing design, while Tesla’s badge will give way to “TESLA” lettering, a trend we’ve seen across other models. The panoramic roof, a signature feature of the Model Y, will be maintained enhancing its light-filled cabin. Spy shots also suggest the rear license plate holder may move to the bumper, streamlining the tailgate for a cleaner overall appearance.
Practical Efficiency Gains
Besides its cleaner and sharper styling, the updated design is expected to deliver aerodynamic improvements, boosting efficiency, much like the related Model 3, which saw its drag coefficient drop from 0.225 to 0.219.
There’s also speculation about a larger 95 kWh battery pack, which could extend the Model Y’s range beyond the current 81 kWh version. However, even if this rumor proves true—and that’s a big if—it may be limited to certain markets, such as China, while other regions could retain the existing options.
Similarly, the electric motors are expected to carry over from the current model, with outputs believed to be around 295 hp (220 kW / 299PS) for the Standard RWD variant and 384 hp (286 kW / 389 hp) for the dual-motor Long Range AWD, though no one really knows for sure as Tesla doesn’t communicate trivial things like specifications. The Long Range variant is also anticipated to offer a paid Acceleration Boost option, a feature Tesla has already begun rolling out for the updated Model 3 in select markets. Again, no official figures but this upgrade usually brings the LR very close to the Performance variant.
Performance And Rumors Of Plaid
The Standard and Long Range versions of the Model Y will be joined by a Performance trim, mirroring the lineup of the Model 3. In its current configuration, the Model Y Performance is estimated to deliver 456 hp, but it may adopt the newer dual motors from the Model 3 Performance, which would raise output to 510 hp.
With the current Model Y Performance already clocking a 0–60 mph (96 km/h) time of 3.5 seconds, the potential upgrade could shave off a few tenths, nudging it closer to the 3.0-second mark. However, as with many Tesla stats, these figures come with an asterisk—namely, the inclusion of a rollout.
Visually, the Performance variant is likely to distinguish itself with a slightly more aggressive body kit featuring a vented front bumper, rear spoiler, red brake calipers, and unique wheels (hopefully equipped with all-season tires) paired with a lowered stance. An adaptive suspension system and, perhaps, a dedicated track mode could also be part of the package.
As for the rumors of an even more powerful Model Y Plaid, we’re not biting. While Tesla could theoretically produce an absurdly fast version of its family-oriented crossover, such a model feels more suited to the Model 3 than the practical, family-focused Model Y. And let’s be totally honest—a 510-hp Performance variant is already more than enough for most of you out there.
Improved Interior Yet Divisive Changes
The interior of a prototype Model Y Juniper caught in China (Photo Weibo)
Interior updates for the Model Y are set to prioritize better materials and improved build quality, addressing criticisms while aiming to rival the increasingly feature-rich Chinese EV competition. Tesla is also expected to refine ride comfort, handling, and NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) with targeted chassis and suspension adjustments. As usual, the recently refreshed Model 3 provides a solid blueprint for what to expect.
Recent spy shots reveal a new design for the steering wheel, an improved infotainment touchscreen display with thinner bezels, and carbon-style trim on the center console – just like on the Model 3 Highland. However, some functional changes will surely prove divisive. Tesla plans to replace the traditional wiper stalk with a fully automatic system, move the turn signal controls to steering wheel buttons, and relocate gear selection to the touchscreen, with additional touch buttons placed behind the rearview mirror on the roof.
Other upgrades include multi-color ambient lighting, dual wireless charging pads, and improved front seats with heating and ventilation sourced from the Model 3. Rear passengers will also benefit from a heated bench and an 8-inch touchscreen for climate and media controls. While these changes aren’t groundbreaking, they bring the Model Y more in line with competitors that are increasingly offering premium cabin features as standard.
A few months ago, reports surfaced that Tesla might be developing a six-seater Model Y specifically for the Chinese market. This version is said to feature a longer wheelbase and a more spacious cabin compared to the three-row U.S.-spec model, catering to the growing demand for roomier family-oriented vehicles in China.
Finally, Tesla may enhance the misleadingly named self-driving capabilities of the Model Y with the Juniper update, potentially incorporating new sensors and more advanced software.
According to some sources in China, limited production of the Model Y Juniper has quietly begun at Tesla’s Shanghai Gigafactory, with full-scale manufacturing expected to ramp up soon. The same sources suggest that Tesla has restricted smartphone use within the facility to minimize the risk of early leaks. However, Elon Musk has repeatedly stated that Tesla won’t launch the facelifted Model Y in 2024, hinting at a 2025 debut.
It’s possible that Tesla may prioritize the Chinese market initially, with North America, Europe, and other regions following later. Much of the timeline could also depend on Tesla’s ability to clear out existing inventory of the current Model Y before making room for the updated version. In any case, a global market launch is anticipated sometime in the first half of 2025.
Key rivals of the Tesla Model Y in the US market include the likes of the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, VW ID.4, Nissan Ariya, and in the near-future, the Rivian R2.
Should I Buy The Current Model Y Or Wait For Juniper?
That’s the big question popping up every 2.3 minutes on Tesla forums and Reddit threads these days. If you ask us, it really comes down to three key considerations:
A) Are you willing to risk losing the $7,500 federal tax credit, which could disappear when the new administration takes over in January, along with current offers such as 0% APR for 60 months (with 20% down for qualified buyers) and steep discounts on demo cars and existing inventory?
B) Can you hold out for a few months (potentially even more than six) for the Model Y Juniper to arrive in the U.S.?
C) Do the updates—including controversial ones like the turn signal buttons and gear shifter placement—feel significant enough to justify waiting?
If you answered “no” to at least two of those questions, you might be better off buying now. Otherwise, waiting could make more sense as you can compare the two and see which one you like more, possibly scoring an even better discount on leftover pre-facelift models.
Prototypes of the all-electric Jeep Recon have been spotted testing on public roads.
The electric off-roader shares its STLA Large underpinnings with the Jeep Wagoneer S.
Initially slated for a 2024 market launch, its debut now appears to face potential delays.
Jeep’s electrification strategy is starting to take shape, and the Recon is at the forefront. Positioned as a battery-powered counterpart to the Wrangler, it aims to blend off-road capability with zero-emissions performance. While its arrival has been teased since 2022, recent spy shots suggest we may have to wait a bit longer than expected for the production model.
Our spy photographers caught three Jeep Recon prototypes out in the wild, offering our first and clearest look yet at its production-ready design. Spotted in different colors and sporting minimal camouflage, these testers reveal a vehicle that stays true to the prototype model we saw back in 2023. The boxy styling and off-road cues align with the renderings from the official announcement in September 2022, though whether the illuminated seven-slot grille will survive to production remains to be seen.
Off-Road DNA with an Electric Twist
Jeep is clearly intent on keeping the Recon true to its off-road roots, as evidenced by its chunky 17-inch wheels wrapped in Nexen Roadian ATX all-terrain tires, complete with a full-size spare mounted on the tailgate.
Its rugged design embraces signature Jeep touches like removable doors, exposed hinges, and bright blue tow hooks. But there are some notable departures from the Wrangler playbook, including integrated swollen fenders that call to mind the Land Rover Defender, a wraparound greenhouse, and squared-off LED lights at both ends. It’s a mix of the familiar and the forward-thinking, but overall, it looks like an EV built for adventure.
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Underpinning the Recon is the STLA Large platform, a versatile electric architecture from Stellantis. While Jeep has yet to reveal exact specifications, we can glean some hints from its cousin, the Jeep Wagoneer S. That model packs a 600-hp electric powertrain and a 100 kWh battery, good for over 300 miles of range. It’s uncertain whether the Recon will match these figures or prioritize off-road capability over power.
What Jeep has confirmed is that the Recon will feature off-road tech to rival the Wrangler, including an e-locker axle and Jeep’s Selec-Terrain traction management system. If you were worried the Recon might trade its trail cred for electric street smarts, fear not, it’s built to tackle the rough stuff.
An ICE Offering Rumored
However, there’s a curveball in the mix. While all the prototypes spied so far appear to be fully electric, rumors persist that Jeep may offer a combustion engine variant. This wouldn’t be unprecedented; the STLA Large platform supports ICE and hybrid powertrains, and a gas-powered Recon would expand its appeal in regions where EV charging infrastructure remains patchy.
Delayed Debut, or Just Fashionably Late?
The new Recon was originally scheduled to begin production in 2024, but rumors of delays suggest it might not beat its cousin, the Jeep Wagoneer S, which has reportedly faced delays of its own, to the market. If true, this pushes the Recon’s launch further into 2025. For a vehicle so tied to Jeep’s electrification ambitions, it’s a curious setback. Then again, delays are practically a rite of passage in the automotive world, especially when it comes to EVs.
DS is ready to unveil a new electric crossover, slotting between the DS7 SUV and the DS9 sedan.
The EV will ride on STLA Medium architecture, offering a WLTP range of 466 miles (750 km).
The official teasers reveal an aerodynamic silhouette with sharp styling cues and fancy LEDs.
DS Automobiles has published teasers of an upcoming fully electric model, featuring a fastback crossover bodystyle. The yet-unnamed EV – expected to adopt the DS8 moniker – will offer a WLTP range of 466 miles (750 km) when it arrives before the end of the year.
The teasers show a prototype with a camouflage wrap highlighting the impressive range. The gold and black graphics are inspired by the livery of the DS Formula E single seater, and do little to hide the design underneath.
According to DS, the EV was designed with a focus on aerodynamics. The sleek roofline, the active intakes on the front bumper, the low hood and the flying buttresses contribute to a drag coefficient of 0.24 cd. The front end adopts a grille-less look with aggressive “DS Pixel Vision lights” featuring vertical DRLs, a design that is mirrored by the sharp LED taillights.
DS Automobiles
SH Proshots
The discreet plastic cladding on the profile and the raised suspension result in a crossover stance, with DS designers trying to offer a stylish alternative to coupe SUVs. The company didn’t show the interior, which promises to offer “extraordinary technology and refinement”, with a mysterious feature on the driver’s seat. Earlier spy shots have revealed a four-spoke steering wheel, a digital cockpit, futuristic switchgear on the center tunnel, and premium materials for the upholstery.
DS has previously revealed that the EV will ride on the STLA Medium architecture, which already underpins the Peugeot 3008/5008 and Opel Grandland SUVs, and will serve as the base for the successors of the Citroen C5 Aircross and DS7. Despite using the same 98 kWh battery pack, the 466-mile (750 km) range of the DS model is 29 miles (50 km) longer compared to the mechanically-related Peugeot E-3008.
As for today, the French brand hasn’t backed-up from its decision to only introduce EVs from 2024 on. However, it’s worth noting that the STLA Medium platform is compatible with mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, meaning that the new DS doesn’t have to be an EV-only affair. Given that the launch of the fastback crossover is only a few weeks away, our questions will be answered soon.
The electric Range Rover was spotted at the ‘Ring, looking the same as the ICE model.
Four Range Rover EV models will be launched by the end of 2026.
Electric versions of the Range Rover and the Range Rover Sport are in the works and not long after our photographers snapped the latter up close, JLR’s engineers have taken it to the Nurburgring for a punishing testing regime.
JLR is planning to launch four battery-electric Range Rover models by the end of 2026, and the Sport is tipped to be the second to launch. The spotted prototype looks virtually identical to the ICE-powered model, with the only obvious giveaway being the lack of exhausts and the silent running. Viewed from afar, most people wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between the EV and the regular gas model.
Few technical specifications are known about the electric Range Rover Sport. It’s expected to launch with the same 800-volt electrical architecture as the full-size Range Rover Electric. Performance should be more than adequate, and we expect it to easily eclipse the 355 hp delivered by the entry-level ICE Range Rover Sport. Whether or not it rivals the 534 hp PHEV version or the flagship SV with its 626 hp remains to be seen, but for most customers, peak horsepower won’t be particularly important.
Like most luxury vehicles, most Range Rover models these days are used to cruise through cities and on the open road. As such, the electric model should appeal to those looking for something comfortable, quiet, refined, and with adequate power, leaving drag races to YouTubers with Teslas.
Baldauf
An advanced traction control system will also come standard on all electric Range Rover models. This system will be operated by individual electric drive control units, cutting the torque reaction time at each wheel from roughly 100 milliseconds to “as little as 1 millisecond.”
Land Rover will lift the veil on the first electric Range Rovers next year.
A leaked photograph appearing to show Jaguar’s stillborn electric XJ has appeared on X.
The picture reveals the drab, derivative design of the car that was axed despite being fully finished.
On December 2 Jaguar will reveal a concept of the far more avant-garde electric GT that was developed instead.
Two weeks from now, Jaguar will reveal a concept of the four-door electric luxury sedan that it hopes will transform it from a failed BMW rival to a profitable Porsche and Bentley competitor. But the new GT only exists because Jag took a brave decision to scrap the almost production-ready electric XJ and start again – and a leaked photo proves it was the right decision.
Our spy photo team snapped prototypes of the XJ EV testing before the project was axed in early 2021 by then-boss Thierry Bolloré, but a single image apparently taken inside a JLR workshop and leaked online gives us our first camo-free look at what might have been.
They say a picture speaks a thousand words, and in this case 987 of them are synonyms for “boring” or “derivative.” The photograph shows a white XJ sedan that looks like a composite image built using various parts from other Jags and rival cars. It’s like someone started with a Tesla Model S – the XJ’s intended target – including its rising window line and pop-out door handles, then grafted on a rear quarter window from the F-type coupe and the front end of an i-Pace.
The most interesting bit is the headlights, which wrap around the corners of the car’s nose, but overall it simply looks too much like a facelifted XF and entirely lacks the wow factor a big Jag should have. We can’t imagine it would have set the market on fire, and JLR obviously thought the same.
But early indications are that the concept due on December 2 will absolutely have that wow factor. Three images of a disguised prototype released by Jaguar last week showed a long, low, sedan with a swept-back windshield – and reportedly no rear window at all.
So the stillborn X360 Jaguar ‘XJ-E’ has leaked. I’m still after the studio launch photos… pic.twitter.com/TrtdnCuOLt
When Jag scrapped the electric XJ it wasn’t simply because it had lost faith in the car, which was apparently only a year away from sale. The automaker had lost faith in its entire direction, having spent more than 20 years trying and failing to compete directly with the likes of BMW and Mercedes. Junking the XJ, and more recently, its entire product line, allowed Jaguar to start afresh.
Instead of aiming at BMW, Jag wants to move upmarket and position itself as a rival to Porsche and even Bentley. Its new generation of cars starting with next year’s sedan (pictured below) and followed by two more EVs before the decade’s end, will be more expensive, and more luxurious.
What do you think? Could the XJ in the leaked image have worked in the market or was Jaguar right to scrap it?
Mercedes has dropped more details of the powertrains that feature in next year’s 2026 CLA sedan and its SUV offshoots due later.
EV models get single- and dual-motor options with up to 375 hp, 800-volt charging tech and an expected 466-mile range.
The most potent of three 1.5-liter hybrids makes 188 combustion horses and adds 27 hp from an electric motor in the transmission.
Mercedes has begun to reveal more secrets about its crucial new CLA compact sedan that goes on sale next year, including the five different electric and hybrid powertrain options buyers will choose from. The CLA is the first of a family of new small Mercedes cars that’ll eventually consist of a sedan, wagon and two SUVs, all built around the same MMA platform capable of taking both EV and combustion tech.
And it sounds like the fully-electric versions will live up the promises made by the 2023 CLA Concept. Like the show car, the production CLA will feature 800-volt charging and expects to be rated at 466 WLTP miles (750 km) of electric range in its most efficient spec. Capable of swallowing a 320 kW DC charge, the CLA will be able to add 36 kWh of energy in 10 minutes, and can be ordered with 58 kWh LFP or larger and more energy-dense 85 kWh silicon oxide anode batteries.
Entry-level rear-wheel drive versions get a single 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS) motor on the rear axle that drives through a two-speed transmission, and all-wheel drive models add a 107 hp (80 kW / 109 PS) electric motor on the font axle that is disengaged when not needed for maximum efficiency.
Even more powerful AMG-branded CLAs will appear in time, but Mercedes isn’t talking about them just yet. But it is happy to talk about the hybrid-engined versions of the CLA that will minimise the company’s exposure to a slowdown in the EV market.
The 1.5-liter Miller-cycle combustion engine under the hood is available in 134 hp (136 PS), 161 hp (163 PS) and 188 hp (190 PS) tunes, each boosted by a 27 hp (20 kW / 27 PS) electric motor tucked inside a wide-ratio eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. As with the EV, both two- and 4Matic all-wheel drive configurations will be available, though in the hybrid’s case the base car is front-, not rear-wheel drive.
Mercedes says its choice to use four rather than three cylinders (like BMW employs) means the CLA hybrid is more refined than rival cars and explains that it can drive on electric power “at urban speeds,” though doesn’t specify how far or how fast it can move without waking the ICE motor.
Jaguar has released images of the first of three super-luxurious EVs it will launch before 2030.
We’ll see a concept on December 2 before the production car is revealed next year.
The teaser of the $130k luxury electric sedan shows it has no back window, like the Polestar 4.
Update 11/21: While the internet is busy debating Jaguar’s or rather jaGuar’s polarizing new logo and rebranding, the British carmaker has quietly revealed the first official image of its upcoming concept car—a preview of the production electric vehicle discussed below. Angular and unapologetically dramatic, the design offers a glimpse of what’s to come ahead of its debut early next month. Love it or hate it, Jaguar seems determined to make us pay attention.
All we’re given for now is a cropped view of the rear and the sides. The first thing you’ll likely notice is the complete absence of a traditional rear window, à la Polestar 4. But the design drama doesn’t stop there. The center section of the rear is filled with horizontal slats (think window air-conditioner vibes—though probably best not mention that to Gerry McGovern), which potentially conceal the taillights. Either that, or Jaguar has been flipping through Elon Musk’s playbook and is busy reinventing how cars fundamentally work.
Adding to the above, Jaguar released two more cryptic images today. These appear to show a retractable side trim piece featuring the new leaper logo, with what looks like a camera hidden behind it.
In a statement that reads like a crash course in marketing jargon, Jaguar described the concept’s rear detail as a preview of its “design vision,” complete with “bold forms and exuberant proportions.” This study, we’re told, will serve as the foundation for Jaguar’s newly christened design philosophy dubbed “Exuberant Modernism.” Why settle for modern when you can be exuberantly modern?
The official teasers above are followed by our rendered interpretation of what the full rear might look like below.
Original article follows below.
Jaguar is about to undergo a radical reinvention as an ultra-luxurious, EV-only brand and these images give us our first look at what’s in store when the rebirth reaches the showroom next year. Three photos of a long, low sedan that looks like mashup of Porsche Taycan and a BMW i7 – or a Chrysler 300 if you’re feeling mean – show Jag’s still unnamed four-door GT in prototype form and covered in camouflage.
But we don’t have long to wait before Jaguar gives us a clearer idea of what the production car will look like when it goes on sale in 2025. The British luxury brand is to unveil a concept version of the new EV called the Design Vision Concept at Miami Art Week on December 2. While the name is still under wraps, Car&Driver discovered a U.S. trademark application for “I-Type,” which could be linked to the brand’s first EV effort, the I-Pace.
We can already see from the official spy shots that the new car has a squared-off nose and flat hood to give it real presence, but don’t expect to see that trapezoidal grille when the camo comes off. Intel suggests Jaguar is determined to make a break with its recent design themes as it moves upmarket towards Bentley territory.
The images also show short windows and bulging rear fenders to emphasise the car’s sporty character, but there’s one aspect of the exterior we can’t see and that’s the rear. Autocar reckons there’s a good reason for that, and it’s that showing us the back end now would spoil the surprise on December when we’ll discover that the sedan has no rear window, a trick Polestar employs on its new 4 crossover.
Perhaps the most eye-opening of the three shots is the profile image. It shows a dramatically swept-back windshield and huge area of sheetmetal between the door and front wheel giving the Cadillac Celestiq rival the proportions of a traditional rear-wheel drive combustion sedan. And Jaguar clearly wants us to remember that it’s made a few great examples of those over the years, even as it’s moving into new territory.
Hopefully we’ll get a look at the interior when Jaguar reveals the concept and find out more about the kind of spec we can expect from the production car. So far Jag has only said that it will have more than 567hp (575 PS), be capable of covering in excess of 430 miles (692 km) and cost more than £100,000 ($127,000).
Jaguar has promised two further EVs (including at least one SUV) based on the same JEA platform before the end of the decade. But the brand’s EV revolution comes at an awkward time and you have to wonder if there are few suits at Gaydon getting cold feet and wondering if they made a mistake in killing off its entire lineup this year.
Bentley has just pushed back its own EV-only switch from 2030 to 2035 in the face of a lack of demand for electric cars in the luxury sector and Porsche recently revealed it would build combustion versions of future cars that were originally conceived only as EVs.
A camouflaged prototype of the upcoming BMW i3 sedan was spotted in the wild.
The EV stablemate of the BMW 3-Series will ride on the Neue Klasse architecture.
The sedan is expected to debut in 2026, one year after the closely-related iX3 SUV.
BMW’s Neue Klasse initiative marks a pivotal chapter for the Bavarian brand, with at least six fully electric models set to launch by 2028. Among these, the BMW i3 sedan stands out as one of the most anticipated—a fully electric counterpart to the popular 3 Series. It’s scheduled to hit showrooms in 2026, a year after the iX3 SUV. Now, for the first time, we’ve caught a proper prototype undergoing real-world testing.
Spotted on public roads in Germany, the camouflaged tester doesn’t stray far from the visual language of the Vision Neue Klasse concept presented in 2023. Predictably, however, the production model dials down the concept’s more dramatic flourishes in favor of something more road-ready, without losing its edge. BMW itself has described the styling as “clear, elegant, and timeless,” with subtle nods to the clean(er) lines of the E30, the 3.0 CSL, and even the 2002.
At the front, the EV keeps the concept’s signature shark-nose profile but adapts it with larger, more conventional-looking LED headlights nestled into a wide, a wide yet relatively low-slung kidney grille—a welcome departure from the disproportionately oversized grilles that have plagued recent BMW designs. Another notable detail is the hood, beneath which lies a secondary trunk (or frunk), seen ajar during testing.
From the side, the prototype’s flared wheel arches could almost be mistaken for a high-performance M car if it weren’t for the no-nonsense wheels and high-profile tires clearly built for testing duties. Other production-ready elements include a more conventional greenhouse, functional mirrors, pop-out door handles, and subtly reshaped bumpers.
At the rear, provisional high-mounted taillights hint at the final design but are expected to be replaced by sleeker LED clusters as the car inches closer to production readiness.
SH Proshots
BMW Vision Neue Klasse Concept
High Tech Interior
The prototype’s interior remains under cover, but we know that production model will debut BMW’s full-width Panoramic Vision display, stretching across the base of the windshield. This will be paired with an unconventionally shaped infotainment touchscreen. While the Vision Neue Klasse concept featured colorful, avant-garde materials in its four-seat configuration, the production car is expected to tone this down in favor of a more traditional, practical five-seat layout—because, as always, function has to follow form when the rubber meets the road.
Powertrains And Range
The new i3 sedan will be the second model to leverage BMW’s Neue Klasse architecture, debuting just after the iX3 SUV. An entry-level single-motor variant is rumored to deliver around 300 hp, while dual-motor configurations will up the ante for those craving more grunt.
At the top of the lineup, a halo model from the BMW M division could redefine performance EVs entirely, with rumors swirling around a quad-motor system producing a staggering 1,341 hp. If that sounds ambitious, so too does BMW’s claim that its next-gen batteries will enable over 800 km (500 miles) of range while offering lightning-fast charging capabilities. These technological strides are essential if BMW hopes to edge out not just Tesla but a growing list of challengers from Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and beyond.
Interestingly, the i3 sedan will coexist with the combustion-powered 3 Series for the foreseeable future, reflecting BMW’s measured approach to electrification. Its direct competitors will include the Audi A4 e-tron, the forthcoming electric successor to the Mercedes C-Class, and—inevitably—the Tesla Model 3, the world’s best selling sedan.
As development of the Neue Klasse models accelerates, expect to see more prototypes emerge on European roads in the coming months.
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