BMW has officially announced that the next-generation i3 electric sedan will be available as a Touring (estate) model. This move signals a major shift in the brand’s strategy toward electric vehicles and a direct appeal to families and business customers who prefer the practicality of a wagon.
Neue Klasse: A New Era for BMW
The i3, with its impressive 559-mile range, represents the beginning of BMW’s “Neue Klasse” era. This is a fundamental redesign of how BMW develops cars for the electric age – a full-scale shift inspired by the original Neue Klasse vehicles of the 1960s that revitalized the brand.
The company is not merely electrifying existing models; it’s building cars from the ground up with electric powertrains and battery technology at their core. The i3 saloon features a high-capacity 108kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt battery and advanced electric motors, making it currently the longest-range EV on the UK market.
Touring Model: Practicality Meets Electric Power
During the unveiling of the i3, BMW briefly displayed a silhouette of the Touring variant, highlighting its distinctive roofline and hatchback design. According to BMW Group chief Oliver Zipse, the Touring has historically been a favorite among business and family buyers, suggesting that the company expects strong demand for this version.
While BMW has not yet released exact cargo space figures for the i3 Touring, the current 3 Series petrol model offers 480 liters in the saloon and 500 liters in the estate. The new i3 is expected to offer competitive space while maximizing efficiency and range.
The Future of the 3 Series
The transition to Neue Klasse will also impact the petrol-powered 3 Series. BMW engineers have confirmed that the existing gasoline model will receive significant updates to align with the new EV platform, essentially making it a completely revised car.
The i3 and its Touring variant mark not just an expansion of BMW’s electric lineup but a broader commitment to reimagining the future of automotive design and engineering. The new class represents a pivotal moment for the brand as it navigates the growing EV market.
