Redesigned BMW 3-Series and i3 sedans were spied undergoing tests.
Each model rides on a unique platform, featuring unique, but similar styling.
The i3 50 xDrive could have 463 hp and an EPA range of around 400 miles.
BMW is working on 40 new or updated models and that includes the redesigned 3-Series and 3-Series EV, known as the i3. Both were recently spied undergoing testing and they sport some notable differences.
While both cars have a Neue Klasse front end, the gas-powered model has a prominent lower intake that appears to have an active shutter grille. The lower bumper on the i3 is covered by camouflaged mesh, but it should feature a similar setup.
More notable differences are revealed in the comparison images as we can see the two models have different rooflines. The i3’s is relatively flat, while the 3-Series has a subtle slope.
We can also see slightly different greenhouses with diverging rear door designs. The ICE-powered model has a nearly vertical partition, while the EV has a more angular design with a triangular base. Furthermore, both cars have unique rear quarter glass.
Baldauf
Even something as mundane as the location of the charging/fuel door is different. On the 3-Series, it’s located towards the front of the rear fender and sits slightly above the top of the rear taillights. This contrasts with the i3, which has a charging port that is located lower and towards the middle of the panel.
All of this suggests a lot of manufacturing complexity and few shared components – at least on the outside. Speaking of which, spy photographers did get a glimpse of the cabin and it shows a freestanding display and a new steering wheel.
The rest of the interior is covered by black cloth, but one of the images clearly shows a pillar-to-pillar Panoramic iDrive display at the base of the windshield.
Powertrain details remain scarce, but the i3 should follow in the footsteps of the iX3. The crossover is being launched in 50 xDrive guise, which features a dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing a combined output of 463 hp (345 kW / 469 PS) and 476 lb-ft (645 Nm) of torque.
This enables the model to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 4.9 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 130 mph (210 km/h).
The motors are powered by a 108.7 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which provides a WLTP range of up to 500 miles (805 km). The impressive numbers extend to the 400 kW DC fast charging capability, which enables the battery to go from a 10-80% charge in as little as 21 minutes.
Baldauf
BMW has already confirmed further electric variants will follow including an entry-level model with rear-wheel drive. It’s likely that a number of these powertrains will be shared with the i3.
The 3-Series will be more evolutionary as it will ride on an updated version of the CLAR platform. However, previous reports have suggested we can expect an updated engine lineup including a new M350 with over 400 hp (298 kW / 406 PS).
Bavarian Econs Tech converted a 1972 BMW 2002 into an EV.
It uses a 33 kWh BMW i3 battery and a Tesla Model S motor.
Offers 178 hp, 125 lb-ft of torque, and a 124-mile driving range
Electric vehicles have a way of making everyday driving feel effortless. being quiet, smooth, and free from the clatter and compromise of combustion. As a daily companion, they can make traditional gas-powered cars seem like holdovers from another era.
But there’s a reason enthusiasts still care about engines. They give a car its personality, especially in vintage models like the BMW 2002. So here’s the question: would you want to cruise around in a 1972 BMW that’s been reworked to run on electric power?
Currently listed on Bring a Trailer, this 1972 BMW 2002 in Golf Yellow, now known as the 2002te, has been given a new lease on life courtesy of Bavarian Econs Tech, a specialist outfit based in Munich. The conversion is thorough. The factory engine and drivetrain are long gone, replaced by the 33 kWh battery pack from a BMW i3.
Feeding that battery’s energy to the wheels is an electric motor sourced from a Tesla Model S. The motor delivers 178 horsepower and 125 lb-ft (170 Nm) of torque, all managed by a 400-volt electrical system.
Light, Quick, and Quiet
Bring a Trailer
According to the seller, the car can drive up to 124 miles (200 km) on a single charge and run to 62 mph (100 km/h) in a swift 6.2 seconds, more than anyone really needs in most situations. It also tips the scales at just 2,400 lbs (1,088 kg), and we’re sure it’s plenty of fun to throw around corners.
However, in addition to lacking an engine and all of the associated noises and vibrations, the car doesn’t have a transmission, so the next owner won’t be able to enjoy the thrill of changing gears.
An individual from Bavarian Econs Tech who built the car says the 2002 arrived at their workshop with just 31,000 km (19,262 miles) under its belt and was free from rust. Impressively, the exterior paint remains original, as is most of the interior.
There are updates, though. A new set of bucket seats have been installed alongside refreshed carpets and an updated air conditioning system. Helping to further modernize the car is a Bluetooth audio system with eight Helix speakers and a subwoofer.
Adding to the car’s striking looks are 13-inch Alpina wheels clad in Michelin XDX-B tires. The EV-powered BMW has also been equipped with adjustable KW Racing V3 Classic coilovers and all of the important bushings have been replaced with polyurethane ones from Powerflex.
If a classic with an electric twist is right up your alley, the auction is now live on Bring a Trailer. Take a look at it over here and get your bid in while it’s still up.
One in five cars in Germany failed annual roadworthiness inspection.
VW’s Golf, Touareg, and T-Roc dominated rankings across segments.
Mercedes led long-term quality with lowest defects among older cars.
Germany’s car-check watchdog has crunched the reliability numbers and once again, Tesla finds itself parked at the very bottom of the heap. The 2026 TÜV-Report, covering annual roadworthiness inspections of approximately 9.5 million vehicles between July 2024 and June 2025, found that Tesla EVs occupied the two bottom spots in the league table.
The Model 3, which was the worst-ranked car for the two previous years was found to have a defect rate of 13.1 percent, meaning one in every 7.6 cars in the two-to-three-year-old ages group failed the Hauptuntersuchung safety check.
Why Is The Model Y So Troubled?
But the Model Y was even worse. It had a defect rate of 17.3 percent, versus 3.5 percent for a Mini Cooper SE, making it the worst TÜV has seen in this age group in a decade. The biggest defect culprits were the axle assembly, suspension, brakes and lighting.
Pulling back to look at the bigger picture covering cars of all ages reveals that 21.5 percent, or one in five cars failed the inspection due to a “significant” or “dangerous” defect, an increase of 0.9 percent on last year, ADAC reported. And the proportion with minor defects rose 0.8 percent to 12.3 percent.
Other reliability villains include the BMW 5-series and 6-series in both the 4-5-year-old and 8-9-year-old age groups, the Dacia Duster in the 6-7 and 10-11 age groups and the Renault Clio among 12-13-year-old cars.
But with every list of losers there has to be a list of winners, and for cars that have passed their fourth birthday, this one is headed by Volkswagen.
The VW Golf wagon and T-Roc scored well in the 4-7-year-old categories and the automaker’s Touareg was top of the oldies. The Mazda CX-3 and Mercedes B-Class were also commended.
Looking at the 2-3-year-old group, Fiat’s 500e toped the small car category, proving to Tesla that EVs can be reliable, the Mazda 2 and BMW 1-series were the top-rated small car and compact, and the C-class took the mid-range award (if you’re reading from the US, those classifications will look kinda messed up).
The T-Roc popped up again to take best SUV, and the B-class bagged most reliable nearly-new minivan.
One big change in this year’s study is the introduction of an award for long-term quality, handed out to brands whose vehicles, aged 10+ exhibit the lowest average defect rate for safety-related faults and stand for quality, durability, and good service.
Mercedes took gold with an 18.5 percent defect rate – almost matching that of a 2-3-year-old Model Y – Audi was second with 19.2 percent and Toyota snuck onto the podium’s last step with a 22 percent defect rate.
BMW’s iX3 50 xDrive completed a 626-mile drive from Hungary to Munich.
The team finished with 2 percent battery left, enough for another 12 miles.
The SUV used smaller 20-inch wheels and skipped HVAC to save energy.
BMW’s latest step into its electric future comes with more stamina than we expected. The second-generation iX3 , unveiled a few months ago with a projected range of 497 miles (800 km) under the WLTP cycle, has quietly outperformed even BMW’s own estimates, though, as always, there are a few caveats tucked in the fine print.
In a real-world run, the electric SUV managed to stretch its legs to more than 621 miles (1,000 km) on a single charge.
Eager to see how far their new creation could really go, a small team from BMW decided to take the iX3 on a proper road trip. They set off from the Debrecen plant in Hungary, where the model is built, and pointed it toward Munich, the automaker’s home base in Germany.
Not only did they complete the 626.1-mile (1,007.7 km) journey, but they did so with 2 percent charge remaining, which could have been enough to travel an extra 12 miles (20 km).
What Are The Caveats?
As you could have probably guessed, the team did everything they could to extend the iX3’s driving range. For example, they avoided highways during the journey, sticking to smaller and lower-speed roads where the SUV’s regenerative braking system would be most effective.
Additionally, the iX3 was equipped with smaller 20-inch wheels, rather than the 21- and 22-inch wheels it’s also available with. They also didn’t use the heating, cooling, or radio during the test, to save as much energy as possible.
BMW picked the iX3 50 xDrive, the only version announced to date, which has a pair of electric motors delivering 463 hp and 476 lb-ft of torque, meaning it can hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 4.7 seconds, and a sizeable 108.7 kWh battery pack.
BMW could introduce a two-door i4 Coupe EV by late 2028.
These renderings show the car with Neue KIasse design cues.
It’s possible an i4 Convertible could follow up on this model.
BMW is deep into one of the most ambitious product overhauls in its history. Over the next few years, dozens of new or comprehensively reworked models are set to arrive, and among them may be something rather special: a two-door i4 Coupe.
Believed to carry the internal codename NA2, this sleek coupe is expected to serve as the all-electric successor to today’s 4-Series Coupe, provided it receives final approval for production. It could even pave the way for an i4 Convertible, reportedly called the NA3.
The renderings shown here offer a glimpse of how that future might look in coupe form.
Created by Sugar Design, these illustrations envision the two-door i4 adopting the styling cues of BMW’s recent Neue Klasse concept cars, albeit made to look even classier.
The front end stretches long and low, framed by sharp headlights and slender kidney grilles. Though the new model will be offered solely as an EV, it’s hard not to imagine what sort of combustion engine BMW might have tucked beneath that hood in another era.
There’s a lot to like about the sides, too. As a two-door, it instantly looks better than the four-door Vision Neue Klasse that was unveiled two years ago. The rear also looks pretty neat, sporting thin horizontal LED taillights.
What Do We Know About The i4 Coupe?
Talk of a two-door i4 first surfaced last year, with reports suggesting the car had already been given the go-ahead for production starting in the latter half of 2028, likely sharing most of its parts with the upcoming i3 Sedan. That timeline, however, may not be set in stone.
With the global auto market shifting rapidly, BMW could easily adjust its schedule, or even its entire strategy, before the car reaches showrooms.
There’s also a broader question of timing. The market for new EVs has cooled from early expectations in the States, BMW’s most crucial market, and two-door models typically attract smaller crowds even when there’s a combustion engine under the hood.
For BMW, launching an electric coupe right now would be less about market logic and more about image. It’s the kind of car built to make a point rather than a profit. Whether that’s enough to make the NA2 a reality will depend on how the next few years play out.
The 2026 i4 lineup gains both extra power and extended range.
Now travels up to 333 miles per charge with improved efficiency.
The new i4 M60 delivers up to 593 horsepower in Sport mode.
BMW introduced the updated i4 lineup earlier this year and now the company has announced US specifications. They’re worth getting excited about as customers will find more power and range.
Kicking things off with the entry-level i4 eDrive40, the model gains more efficient SiC inverters from the i5. Thanks to the change, the car offers up to 333 miles (536 km) of range when equipped with 18-inch wheels. That’s an improvement of 15 miles (24 km).
Upgrading to 19-inch wheels comes at a cost as the range falls to 307 miles (494 km). However, that’s still 12 miles (19 km) more than last year’s model.
Meet The New i4 M60
The i4 M50 gives way to the new i4 M60, which gains power as well as new SiC inverters. Starting with performance, the car now produces 510 hp (380 kW / 517 PS) at start-up. That’s a sizable increase of 41 hp (31 kW / 42 PS).
When My Modes Sport is selected, the output climbs to an impressive 593 hp (442 kW / 601 PS). That’s up 57 hp (43 kW / 58 PS) and it means the car can rocket from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in a mere 3.6 seconds. To put that into perspective, that’s a half second faster than the standard M3 and is almost as quick as the M3 Competition xDrive.
Aside from the extra oomph, the model is more efficient than its predecessor as M60s with 19-inch wheels have 278 miles (447 km) of range. With 20-inch wheels, the model maxes out at around 232 miles (373 km). Those are improvements of 11 miles (18 km) and 5 miles (8 km), respectively.
Besides increased range and performance, there are a handful of other minor updates. All models now come with a Seal & Drive Tire Kit, while a Drive Recorder has been added to the Parking Assistant Professional package. Customers can also get optional glass controls on all i4 models.
On the styling front, there isn’t much to report. However, black mirror caps and M Sport brakes with blue calipers are now part of the Shadowline package on the i4 eDrive40 and xDrive40. These items are also available as standalone options.
The 2026 i4 will go into production in November and pricing starts at $57,900 for the i4 eDrive40. The i4 xDrive40 will set you back $62,300, while the range-topping i4 M60 begins at $70,700.
BMW will expand Neue Klasse with a new i1 electric hatch.
Rendering imagines the i1 with sporty shooting brake styling.
Market demand in Europe keeps BMW’s compact lineup alive.
BMW’s next generation of models is rolling out fast, and the brand isn’t shy about spreading the Neue Klasse concept across its range. What began with the iX3 will soon expand to the fully electric i3 sedan, and not long after, the iX4 Coupe SUV too, which we covered earlier today.
The 1-Series hatchback is also being prepared for a new chapter, one that could see it offered with both combustion engines and electric power. The EV variant, expected to wear the i1 badge, might resemble what you see here in these new renderings.
Created by digital artist Sugar Design, the i1 hatch blends cues from the Neue Klasse concepts with elements of the second-generation iX3. At the front, it wears BMW’s latest interpretation of the kidney grille.
Unlike the iX3, this interpretation of the i1 uses the elongated grille design previewed by the Neue Klasse sedan concept, merging the lighting units into a single visual element.
Sugar Design
Of course, it’s the overall shape of the i1 that has us really excited. It has an elongated roof and a steeply raked rear window, giving it the Shooting Brake vibes that so many car enthusiasts love, all in a more compact, hatch profile.
Admittedly, not having a more upright rear window would impact luggage capacity, but if you look this cool, who cares?
The Next 1-Series
Earlier this year, the senior vice president of BMW Brand and Product Management, Bern Koerber, underscored the importance of the combustion 1-Series and said that it will live on. The current ICE model is crucial in markets including Greece, Spain, and Italy, and serves as an appealing entry into the BMW family.
Technical details about the next-generation 1-Series are still limited, though it’s expected to share much of its underpinnings with other Neue Klasse models. It may also incorporate components from within the broader BMW Group, particularly from Mini.
A new coupe SUV prototype by BMW has been spotted testing.
The Neue Klasse model is expected to adopt the iX4 moniker.
It will share its platform and interior with the upcoming iX3.
Update: Not long after the first prototype of BMW’s upcoming iX4 was caught testing out in the open, digital artists wasted no time trying to imagine what the final production model might look like. The early spy shots offer just enough visual clues to fuel some well-informed renderings, even as BMW keeps the real details under wraps.
With its close ties to the new iX3, connecting the dots isn’t especially difficult, though a few surprises may still surface in the finer details, particularly around the taillights.
Illustrations Sugar Design
These digital interpretations from Sugar Design present a convincing idea of BMW’s next electric crossover, a model positioned squarely against one of the world’s best-selling EVs, the Tesla Model Y.
Both share a similar overall silhouette, marked by a hatchback-style arched roofline and a steeply slanted rear window that lends the iX4 a more dynamic profile, though the BMW shows more individuality in its detailing, particularly around the front fascia.
BMW is already working on a replacement, but it reimagines the formula for the electric age. The all-new iX4 is designed as a sportier counterpart to its square-roof sibling, the Neue Klasse iX3.
Our spy photographers captured the first camouflaged prototype during development testing. At a glance, the iX4 appears to borrow its front end from the iX3, including the headlights, grille, bumper, hood, and fenders.
From the B-pillar rearwards, though, the bodywork tells a different story. The profile has been reworked with a sloping roofline that flows into a fastback-style tail.
SH Proshots
The rear glass is more steeply angled than on the outgoing X4 and carries a discreet spoiler at its tip. Its sportier posture is further accentuated by broader, muscular rear shoulders that appear cleaner and more sculpted than those of the smaller, boxier X2 and iX2.
At the rear, the iX4 features slim LED taillights positioned close together, while the license plate has been relocated to the bumper. The prototype sits on ten-spoke alloy wheels with a diamond-cut finish, though it remains uncertain whether this design will make it to the production version.
Although exact dimensions remain unconfirmed, the iX4 is expected to be marginally longer than the new iX3, which measures 188.3 inches (4,783 mm), while maintaining the same 114.1-inch (2,898 mm) wheelbase. It may also improve upon the iX3’s already low drag coefficient of 0.24 cd.
That means BMW’s Panoramic iDrive stretching pillar to pillar, a 17.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, and an optional 3D head-up display, all running on the new BMW Operating System X.
The new model will be built on the Neue Klasse architecture, meaning it will be offered exclusively as a battery-electric vehicle. Its powertrain range is expected to mirror that of the iX3.
Currently, the iX3 50 xDrive delivers 463 hp (345 kW / 469 PS) through dual electric motors, while future variants are expected to include single-motor rear-wheel-drive options and higher-performance M-badged versions.
The BMW iX4 is expected to debut in late 2026. It will be the second fully electric coupe SUV from the Bavarian company, following the iX2 that was introduced in 2023. A larger iX6 is also rumored to follow at a later stage.
The BMW sedan hit the Cybertruck, pushing it into an 18-wheeler.
Police are investigating if the BMW driver was impaired that night.
More than 230 people were injured in wrong-way crashes last year.
Crashes on Houston’s busy freeways are an unfortunate reality of city life, and one earlier this week proved especially tragic. The driver of a BMW was killed, and the driver of a Tesla Cybertruck died in hospital after the two vehicles collided in Houston, Texas.
Shockingly, police say the BMW’s driver had mistakenly entered the freeway, traveling the wrong way after driving down an exit ramp and heading westbound in the eastbound lanes.
The crash occurred around midnight on October 28 along the I-10 Katy Freeway. According to police, the BMW, whose specific model hasn’t been identified, slammed into the Cybertruck and burst into flames almost instantly. The force of the impact also pushed the Tesla into an 18-wheeler.
Initially, it was only the driver of the BMW who was declared dead on the scene, and the driver of the Cybertruck was taken to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Sadly, the Tesla driver succumbed to their injuries.
Houston Police Department Sgt. Rebecca Dallas told KHOU that the BMW driver had entered the freeway in the opposite direction, ignoring multiple Do Not Enter and Wrong Way signs along the ramp.
Investigators are expected to conduct an autopsy of the BMW driver to see if they were impaired at the time of the collision. The name of the driver who caused the crash hasn’t been released. However, the driver of the Cybertruck has been confirmed as a 38-year-old father of two young children.
Accidents Like This Are Far Too Common
Accidents like this are far from rare. More than 1100 wrong-way fatalities have been recorded across Harris County in the past decade, and last year alone, 233 people were injured in similar incidents throughout the area. Clearly, something needs to be done to reduce these numbers.
Local authorities may need to explore a combination of measures, from adding more signage to exit ramps to enhancing driver education. Small changes could go a long way toward preventing future tragedies on Houston’s highways.
M-tuned BMW iX3 prototype caught testing with upgraded components.
Lowered suspension, larger wheels and beefier brakes hint at its performance.
An iX3 M60 could debut next year followed by a full-blown iX3 M in 2027.
BMW seems quite content with the early reception of the Neue Klasse iX3, and development is already pressing ahead on new versions of the electric SUV. Some of these will naturally lean hard toward the sharper end of BMW’s performance range, shaped by the M division.
Our photographers recently caught a performance-focused iX3 prototype testing on public roads near the Nürburgring. Compared with earlier development cars, this M-badged version looks further along, wearing components that appear nearly production-ready.
What’s BMW Testing Here?
BMW is believed to be preparing not one but at least two M versions of the iX3: an M Performance model expected to carry the iX3 M60 nameplate, and a full-blown iX3 M.
It’s not clear which variant was on test here, though the prototype’s sculpted hood, featuring what appear to be vents, hints that this could be the higher-performance M model.
SH Proshots
That raised section on the hood may serve as either an aerodynamic channel or a cooling duct. If so, because the standard iX3 includes a front trunk, BMW could be trading some of that storage space for M-specific power electronics and/or cooling.
Moving down from the hood, the front bumper sports a more aggressive design than the optional M Sport Package already offered for the standard iX3, though it avoids looking excessive.
There are also new side skirts and lower bumper extensions, with the front likely to reveal larger air intakes once the camouflage comes off. Subtle fender flares and a fresh set of five-spoke alloy wheels give the prototype a more athletic posture.
SH Proshots
At the back, this test car omits the optional spoiler extension shown at the IAA Mobility show in Munich but gains sharper contouring around the bumper.
A redesigned diffuser with a central opening rounds out the treatment, suggesting BMW is leaning toward functional restraint over visual drama, though the final design could still change as testing continues.
Beyond the visual tweaks, the SUV will also benefit from a sharper chassis setup for improved handling. The camouflaged prototype appears to ride on a lowered suspension and features larger perforated disc brakes.
The German carmaker typically introduces M Performance variants first, followed by full-blown M models. The iX3 M60 is expected to debut next year, likely featuring dual electric motors with output comfortably above the 463 hp (345 kW / 469 PS) of the iX3 50 xDrive, possibly pushing past the 600 hp mark.
BMW officials have already confirmed that their pure M electric cars will use a setup with four motors governed by an electronic control unit named the “heart of joy.” In theory, this architecture could deliver up to 1,341 horsepower, though that won’t apply to the iX3 M or its sibling, the i3M.
A more realistic figure for the iX3 M would be in the 700 to 800 hp range, with room for higher-output variants later on, perhaps including a Competition model that edges closer to 1,000 hp.
Don’t expect to see the iX3 M reach showrooms before 2027.
BMW says iX3 production plans can’t keep up with overwhelming demand.
Prices in Germany start at €68,900, with a more affordable trim coming.
Neue Klasse architecture delivers greater range, faster charging, and power.
BMW officially entered its Neue Klasse era after unveiling the 2026 iX3 at last month’s Munich Motor Show. Not only does it usher in a new period for the broader BMW model range, it also has the ingredients to be competitive on the world stage.
And based on early responses, consumers appear to be excited about the new-age model.
Less than two months after the Munich unveiling, BMW Group head Christian Ach shared that interest in the iX3 has surpassed even their most optimistic forecasts. “We have received over 3,000 orders for the iX3 in the first six weeks after its launch at the IAA in Munich,” he told Automobilwoche, likely referring to demand within Germany alone.
One might argue that 3,000 orders sound modest compared with figures from China, but the context tells a different story. Germany recorded 2.8 million new passenger car sales last year, while China’s total exceeded 31 million.
The response appears all the more impressive given that BMW hasn’t begun offering test drives. In Germany, the 2026 iX3 will start at €68,900 ($80,600), with a lower-priced variant expected next year, starting closer to the €60,000 ($70,200) mark is expected next year.
Just one version of the iX3 will be available at launch. Known as the iX3 50 xDrive, it employs two electric motors to deliver a combined 463 hp and 476 lb-ft (645 Nm) of torque and can hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in a rapid 4.7 seconds.
Of equal, if not more, importance is the driving range: 400 miles (644 km) as per the EPA, thanks to the 108 kWh battery pack, which can charge from 10-80 percent in just 21 minutes.
While speaking with Automobilwoche, Ach added that the company’s planned production rate for the iX3 through 2026 “will not be able to meet the high demand”.
The next model in BMW’s Neue Klasse lineup will be the i3. Despite the familiar badge, this version will arrive as a fully electric 3-Series rather than the compact, unconventional hatchback or MPV the name once denoted. It’s expected to share much of its powertrain technology with the iX3.
BMW teamed up with Sipaboards to design an electric paddleboard.
The board includes a built-in 300-watt motor for assisted riding.
It offers up to 3.5 hours of battery-assisted water cruising time.
BMW is in the midst of a dramatic overhaul of its line-up, preparing to launch 40 new or heavily updated models over the next two years. Yet, even with that packed schedule, the Bavarian automaker has found time to collaborate with a Slovenian manufacturer of electric stand-up paddleboards, bringing its Neue Klasse design language to a completely different kind of mobility.
While we suspect only a tiny fraction of BMW owners have even the slightest interest in stand-up paddleboarding, the company probably saw its partnership with SipaBoards as an opportunity to extend its design influence beyond the road.
Known simply as the BMW x Sipaboards, the motorized paddleboard is fitted with a compact 300-watt electric motor and a specially developed propeller. It can reach speeds of up to 4 knots, or roughly 7.5 km/h.
This motor does more than just propel the board forward, which can be particularly useful when paddling into a headwind or against a current. It also inflates the board automatically, sparing riders the usual pre-launch workout.
The board, which measures 3.65 meters in length and 0.82 meters in width, weighs just 14.9 kg (32.8 lbs) with the motor and is capable of carrying two people.
Apparently, BMW Group Designworks used Neue Klasse influences when designing the board. However, this doesn’t mean the board has features like the newly-designed lights or signature kidney grilles. Instead, the Neue Klasse influence appears to be limited to the large X motif across the base of the board.
Each board comes with a lightweight carbon fiber paddle with a Bluetooth remote control built directly into it. This allows the rider to choose between different power levels, light effects, and haptic feedback. A smartphone application has also been developed and includes GPS tracking.
Range and Pricing
Initially, the board will be sold exclusively with a pair of 90 Wh battery modules that offer up to 3.5 hours of riding time. Next year, a version with two 180 Wh batteries will become available, allowing for rides lasting as long as seven hours.
The price for this Neue Klasse-inspired board? €3,990 (about $4,633). After all, it’s still a BMW product, so it’s priced like one, even if it trades the highway for open water.
BMW and Mercedes have released sales data for July-September.
Mercedes sold 441,500 cars, but deliveries were down 12 percent.
BMW sales rose 9 percent to 514,620, and by 25 percent in the US.
Rivals for decades, BMW and Mercedes largely fish in the same pool. But while one of the big German brands saw its catch rate tumble, the other is soon going to need a bigger boat, judging by sales figures released this week.
Mercedes shifted 441,500 cars in Q3 (plus 83,800 vans), a drop of 12 percent on the same quarter in 2024, while BMW moved 514,620 BMW-branded vehicles, representing a rise of 5.7 percent. Factor in the BMW Group’s other brands, including Rolls Royce, BMW M and Mini, and total sales hit 588,300, or 8.8 percent more than in Jul-Sep last year.
What’s really interesting is how differently the two brands performed in certain key markets. In the US for instance, which has been impacted by tariffs this year, it’s probably not a surprise to see that Mercedes sales dropped 17 percent to 70,800 units.
But turning that logic on its head, BMW actually grew its US sales by a whopping 24.9 percent in the same period to 297,247.
And even in China, where both brands – like many Western automakers – are having a tough time, Mercedes fared much worse. Benz sales sank by a shocking 27 percent but BMW escaped with an 11 percent drop. Still terrible, but much less so.
BMW vs Mercedes Sales Q3
Q3 25
Diff.
YTD 25
Diff.
Mercedes cars
441,500
-12%
1.34 million
-9%
Mercedes Group
525,300
-12%
1.6 million
-8%
BMW brand
514,620
5.7%
1.59 million
0.1%
BMW Group
588,300
8.8%
1.8 million
2.4%
SWIPE
The electric (and electrified) numbers deepen the divide. For Mercedes, battery-electric vehicle (BEV) deliveries flatlined. The company delivered 42,600 BEVs in Q3, essentially holding steady year-on-year as it battles cost pressures, tariff headwinds, and intensifying EV competition in China.
BMW’s story is more complicated. The BMW Group’s electrified portfolio (including BEV + PHEV) showed healthy growth overall, as it moved 151,282 electrified units in Q3, up 8 percent. But they were down 2.8 percent in the US. Full EV sales in that same period fell by 0.6 percent to 102,864 units globally, though they’re up 10 percent YTD.
Both automakers have some crucial new products coming through including the GLC with EQ Technology and iX3, so it’ll be fascinating to see how those cars impact next year’s numbers.
X7 gets a major redesign inspired by the iX3’s Neue Klasse styling.
Panoramic Vision tech adds a massive pillar-to-pillar digital display.
Gasoline and diesel engines stay, joined by the first all-electric iX7.
BMW’s largest crossover is set for its biggest makeover yet, bringing a heavy redesign that leans into the Neue Klasse school of design. Codenamed G67, the next X7 is also set to spawn an all-electric iX7 variant for the very first time.
Our spies behind the lens have snapped the new X7 testing out in the wild, but that hasn’t stopped us from decoding the camouflage to give you a sneak peek as to what Bavaria’s next luxury SUV will look like. Read on as we break down everything we’ve uncovered so far.
Controversially, the X7 retains its split-headlamp array, with the DRLs mounted high up against the hood line, whilst the main beams are repositioned into squarer units lower down. The redesigned twin kidneys remain equally as bold as before, but now feature lighting elements in place of chrome and the lower intake is more rectangular in shape.
Where the Neue Klasse aesthetic really takes hold is in the side profile, where the front and rear fenders, along with the smooth, flush surfacing, draw clear parallels to the recently revealed iX3.
Baldauf
Conventional door handles are gone, replaced by subtle ‘winglets’ that rise from the beltline in a style reminiscent of the Mustang Mach-E. The rear quarter glass is a pinch larger and has more of that traditional ‘Hofmeister kink’ than other recent BMWs.
The rear will retain the split tailgate, and the taillights will be slimmer LED units. M-performance variants will sport quad tailpipes, while the all-electric iX7 will have a different lower valance to reflect its petroleum-free powertrain.
Panoramic Vision
Inside, BMW will introduce its Panoramic iDrive infotainment system in the new X7: a pillar-to-pillar display at the base of the windshield with customizable sections for both core driver information and passenger entertainment.
This is accompanied by a 3D Head-Up Display and a large central touch display for key infotainment functions, though traditionalists ergonomics advocates alike may lament the removal of the physical iDrive rotary controller.
Other interior touches will likely follow the new iX3 in terms of cleaner surfacing and reduced clutter, but will use more glass inlays, atmospheric ambient lighting, and premium materials.
Improved driver assistance features include hands-off capabilities for motorway driving and City Assist with traffic light detection, which allows the car to stop and then resume movement automatically.
Platform and Powertrains
Underneath it all, the X7 will continue to use a heavily updated version of BMW’s CLAR architecture (Cluster Architecture). Expect adaptive air suspension with adaptive dampers, possibly including rear-axle steering and active anti-roll control.
Alongside petrol and diesel engines, there will be an electric iX7 variant for the first time. Using the iX3 as a guide, we can expect a dual-motor version pumping out 463 hp (345 kW).
SHProshots
If that’s not enough, a thumping 800-horsepower M70 is on the roster, alongside an even more powerful Alpina option. As our own Chris Chilton reports, the system will use an 800-volt architecture with a 110 kWh cylindrical-cell battery pack.
Expect the B58 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology to continue, alongside the 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 derived from the S68. The 40d xDrive inline-six diesel will also return for markets where oil-burners remain popular.
An official reveal is scheduled for sometime between late 2026 and early 2027, with production set to commence shortly thereafter. Both the X7 and the iX7 will be produced at BMW’s Spartanburg assembly plant in South Carolina.
What do you think of the X7’s Neue Klasse-inspired look? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
BMW is expected to unveil a new generation of the 3-Series sedan in 2026.
The Neue Klasse sedan will be available in ICE (3-Series) and EV (i3) derivatives.
Despite riding on different underpinnings, the models will look very similar.
Update: A lot has happened since we last looked at the future G50 3 Series. Thanks to new renderings, fresh intel, and the latest spy shots, we now have the clearest picture yet of how Munich’s defining sports sedan is set to evolve in its next generation.
Sedans may no longer dominate sales charts in an SUV-driven world, but the3-Series still has plenty of road left ahead of it. This compact executive four-door has been a pillar of BMW’s lineup for fifty years, valued as much for its reputation as for the way it drives.
The next chapter begins in 2026, when a new generation arrives in two distinct forms: the all-electric i3, codenamed NA0, and the traditional internal-combustion 3 Series, codenamed G50. If that sounds familiar, it’s because BMW’s been work-shopping this approach with their bigger sedans, the i5/5-Series and i7/7-Series.
The 3 Series and its EV sibling are now set to follow the same playbook, giving customers a choice between conventional gasoline power and fully electric performance.
Spied And Rendered
Illustrations Kelsonik / Kolesa
Recent spy shots of prototypes have revealed both gas-powered and fully electric versions of the next-gen 3-Series. While both share the “Neue Klasse” design language, the differences in proportions are telling.
The ICE testers feature a slightly longer hood, a sharper dash-to-axle ratio, and a more upright windshield. These elements combined make it look less like a complete EV-inspired redesign and more like an extensively reworked version of the current G20-generation BMW 3-Series.
These sightings have inspired digital artists Theottle and Kelsonic from Kolesa to create their own renderings of the next 3 Series, each offering an early glimpse of how the sedan’s styling might evolve.
BMW’s signature shark-nose design returns with a sharper, more athletic edge, framed by a fresh take on the kidney grilles. Slimmer and wider than on today’s models, the grilles now stretch across the front and now double as housing for sensors and tech that support advanced driver-assistance features. A deeper front bumper and lightly flared fenders complete the look, adding some muscle without drifting into excess.
Flush door handles bring the styling in line with BMW’s latest clean-surfaced aesthetic, while the greenhouse and Hofmeister kink stay intact.
The next generation of the BMW 3-Series sedan (Photos: SHProshots)
The BMW i3 Neue Klasse sedan.
Out back, heavy camouflage forces a little guesswork. Theottle’s rendering draws from the 2023 Vision Neue Klasse concept, with a full-width light bar and crisp LED signatures, while Kelsonic’s interpretation borrows slimmer light units reminiscent of the production iX3. Lower down, both envision sportier bumpers inspired by BMW’s M division, in line with prototypes wearing large alloys, upgraded brakes, and quad tailpipes.
Tech Blueprint From The iX3
While we have yet to get a glimpse of the 3-Series prototype’s interior during development testing, we have a pretty good idea of what to expect, largely thanks to the new iX3 that serves as the blueprint for BMW’s next generation of models.
At the center is the new Panoramic iDrive system that replaces the traditional instrument cluster with a wide digital display stretching across the full width of the dashboard. It places essentials like speed and electric range directly in the driver’s line of sight while allowing the rest of the information to be tailored to both driver and passenger. The screen itself is divided into three flexible sections, each configurable to suit individual preferences.
BMW will also offer an optional head-up display with animated guidance that counts down to the next turn. The setup is joined by a large, asymmetrically shaped infotainment touchscreen on the center console and a handful of physical switches for everyday functions.
Two Platforms, Two Paths
Unlike the i5/5-Series and i7/7-Series, where BMW paired EVs and ICE models on the same platform, the i3 and 3-Series are believed to head down different paths.
The all-electric i3 sedan will ride on the Neue Klasse architecture, shared with the upcoming iX3 SUV, while the combustion-powered 3-Series will reportedly stick to the CLAR platform, which also underpins the forthcoming G45 X3. This would explain the differences in proportions and styling details we see in the i3 and ICE 3-Series prototypes here.
Based on what we’ve seen with the mechanically related X3, the next-gen 3-Series will likely offer mild-hybrid upgrades of BMW’s proven 2.0-liter four-cylinder and 3.0-liter inline-six, with the latter forming the heart of the next M350. Both should see gains in efficiency and power over today’s units.
Interestingly, even the mighty M3 isn’t immune to electrification. However, as BMW officials told us in a recent trip, the next M3 will forego the heavy plug-in hybrid setup of the M5, instead opting for a lighter mild-hybrid system. This should provide outputs in excess of the current ratings of 473 hp, 503 hp, and 523 hp, depending on whether you’re looking at the standard car, the Competition, or the Competition xDrive, not to mention the inevitable special editions.
Meanwhile, for those following BMW’s EV push, a quad-motor all-electric counterpart to the M3, possibly called the iM3, is already under development. With over 700 horsepower and near instant torque, it promises tire-melting lunacy for the brave few. And there may be more to come, as BMW has hinted the setup could be pushed past 1,300 horsepower, though whether that kind of excess ever makes it to production in some form of a special edition is another story.
The downside is weight, and plenty of it, as spy shots suggest the electric M3 could be at least 465 kg (1,025 lbs) heavier than today’s car. Hardly surprising, then, if carbon-ceramic brakes show up on the options list, just as they do on the current M3 and M4.
When Will They Arrive?
The current G20-generation BMW 3-Series first graced the stage in 2018, with minor facelifts arriving in 2022 and 2024. BMW has already confirmed the electric i3 for next year, and while it hasn’t given a timeline for the ICE 3 Series, it will most likely be introduced in 2026 as a 2027 model year, with the actual market launch possibly slipping into 2027.
BMW replaces expired $7,500 federal EV credit with direct discount across lineup.
Offer includes 2.99% financing and up to $5,000 loyalty rewards on select EVs.
Incentives valid through October 31 for buyers using BMW Financial Services.
Federal EV tax credits may be gone, but automakers holding unsold electric models aren’t simply waiting for customers to arrive. Instead, they’re putting together their own incentives. BMW has stepped in with one of the most direct responses so far, offering a $7,500 purchase credit across its lineup, and in some ways the deal is more straightforward than the federal program ever was.
BMW says the incentive applies across its full EV lineup, from the $57,900 i4 to the $169,675 i7 M70. Unlike the now-defunct federal credit, this deal doesn’t hinge on income caps or complicated tax liability math; it’s a straight MSRP discount at the time of purchase.
More Than Just a Credit
The move makes BMW one of the first luxury brands to replace the credit in full, and it’s not stopping there. According to AutoBlog, buyers also get access to 2.99% financing for up to 60 months. Returning or “loyalty” customers can also get up to $5,000 extra, with the biggest rewards reserved for buyers of the equally big i7.
For some shoppers, that structure makes BMW’s plan more useful than the federal version ever was. The tax credit never helped customers who didn’t owe $7,500 in taxes, and it locked out high-income buyers and expensive models. BMW’s deal skips the fine print and extends the benefit to anyone financing through its system.
Following a Familiar Formula
While BMW stands out in the luxury field, it’s far from the first automaker to go down a similar road. Hyundai slashed sticker prices on the Ioniq 5 in recent days. General Motors and Ford both bought up a bunch of their own EV stock, obtained the federal EV credit before it ran out, and are passing it on to buyers.
BMW is just approaching the same problem with almost the exact same solution. These offers run through October 31 and, importantly, only apply to vehicles bought through BMW Financial Services.
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