BMW Tests the i3 in Sweden Ahead of Design Reveal on March 18th

• The i3 will be the second model from BMW’s Neue Klasse platform, after the iX3 SUV.

• The “Heart of Joy” supercomputer allows more precise regenerative braking and traction control on slippery roads.

• The design of the i3 will be unveiled on March 18^th.

As cold-weather testing is underway in Sweden, BMW prepares to unveil the design of the i3 electric sedan on March 18^th.

After the iX3 SUV, the i3 will become the second product from the Neue Klasse family of BMW EVs once it arrives on the market toward the end of the year.

Like the iX3, the electric sedan features the “heart of Joy” supercomputer, which, according to BMW, helps create an “outstanding” driving experience.

This is because the computer’s very quick reaction time (about 10 times faster than previous systems) can be translated to the road almost instantaneously via the electric motors.

For example, this improves the behaviour of the traction control system, which can react more quickly and with fewer inputs than conventional systems, providing better stability around corners on slippery surfaces.

BMW also claims that the precise control of electric motors will allow the i3 to stop more smoothly than any other 3 series before.

Like many European automakers, BMW has a testing center in Arjeplog, Sweden, very near to the arctic circle. This facility allows it to test upcoming models in demanding winter conditions, including deep snow and frozen lakes.

Since production of the i3 50 xDrive is scheduled to start in the second half of 2026, engineers are now making final changes to the tuning of the car’s various systems rather than significant changes in the hardware.

At launch, this version of the i3 sedan will feature an output of 469 horsepower and 476 lb-ft of torque, along with the Neue Klasse’s 800-volt battery architecture, which allows fast charging rates of up to 400 kW.

2027 BMW iX3 50 xDrive First Drive Review: Raising the Bar on Every Front

In terms of design, the i3 is expected to combine elements seen on the iX3, such as the narrow kidney grille and the diagonal headlamps, with the overall shape of the Vision Neue Klasse concept from 2023.

We will know more on March 18, at which date the car will have its design premiere.