Plans for an electric BMW 3 Series sedan may be drawing a lot of attention, but the company says buyers will still have the option of a petrol engine in the next model.
The next-generation BMW 3 Series range may be split across two different vehicle platforms – one for petrol versions, and another for electric.
Overseas reports have previously claimed the next-generation 3 Series – due in 2025 – may switch entirely to electric power, with a brief overlap of about two years with today’s petrol-powered model.
However, BMW has confirmed it is committed to retaining the option of petrol propulsion for buyers not ready to make the switch – alongside an electric 3 Series, expected to be known as the ‘i3’, on its own dedicated electric-car underpinnings.
It is thought BMW will essentially be manufacturing two different vehicles within the 3 Series range, which will look almost identical and share many components – but one will be petrol, and the other electric.
The electric 3 Series (or i3) is expected to debut BMW’s ‘Neue Klasse’ electric platform in 2025 – while the petrol variants is expected to remain on the same ‘CLAR’ platform that underpins the current model.
“We are fully convinced that the fact that the coexistence of the best [internal-combustion engine] offerings and the best battery-operated offerings is something for the next 10 years that is going to make BMW really strong,” BMW development director Frank Weber said at a media conference this week.
VIDEO: BMW previews future electric 3 Series with colour-changing concept
“But I think what’s important now is we are really investing in Neue Klasse in high-volume segments – and of course we are certainly going to include [an electric vehicle] at volumes of the 3 Series,” Mr Weber said.
“But that doesn’t mean whatsoever [that we are going] to completely let up on the [internal-combustion engine] side. But really being very present in both segments that’s something that makes BMW so strong.”
BMW previewed the new-generation 3 Series with its Vision Dee concept shown in January 2023, and were the basis for these digital illustrations by artist Theottle, who imagined what a production version could look like (above and top).
While unusual, this won’t be the first time a car manufacturer has produced a model with different platforms hidden beneath the bodywork.
In 1998, Toyota introduced a new generation of the LandCruiser – available as either the 100 Series with independent suspension for better road comfort and handling, or the 105 Series with solid axles for improved off-road traction.
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