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The BMW i3 Returns: 2027 Pre-Production Has Begun

The "Neue Klasse" era has officially arrived at BMW’s home base. This week, the very first pre-series models of the all-new BMW i3 sedan rolled off the assembly line at the Munich plant. While it shares a name with the quirky carbon-fiber hatchback of the past, this new i3 is a completely different beast: a sleek, three-box saloon designed to be the electric heart of the BMW brand.

This milestone marks the final countdown to full-scale production, which is slated for the second half of 2026. For the first time, BMW has integrated every step of the manufacturing process, from the modernized press shop to a state-of-the-art paint facility, into a single digitally connected loop. It isn’t just a new car; it’s a demonstration of how the world’s most famous driving machines will be built for the next decade.

Performance Redefined by the "Heart of Joy"

Beneath the camouflaged exterior lies a technological breakthrough that BMW engineers have dubbed the "Heart of Joy." This super-fast central processor is the brain of the vehicle, consolidating the control of the electric motors, regenerative braking, steering, and stability systems into one unit. By processing data ten times faster than previous systems, it minimizes latency to milliseconds, ensuring that the i3 retains the sharp, responsive handling that enthusiasts expect from a 3 Series equivalent.

The hardware supporting this "brain" is equally impressive. The i3 will utilize BMW’s sixth-generation eDrive technology, featuring an 800-volt system that allows for lightning-fast charging. If the specs from its sibling, the iX3, are any indication, we can expect a massive 109kWh battery and a WLTP range pushing toward the 500-mile mark. This combination of "Heart of Joy" intelligence and high-voltage power aims to prove that an EV can be just as soul-stirring as a petrol-powered M-car.

A Return to Classic, Clean Proportions

Perhaps the most discussed aspect of the new i3 is its visual direction. Early glimpses of the pre-series car suggest that BMW is pivoting back toward a more "normal" and classic design language. The polarizing, oversized grilles of recent years have been replaced by a narrower, more integrated kidney grille that echoes the brand’s heritage while looking firmly toward the future.

The i3 sedan maintains the clean, solid proportions of a traditional sports saloon, a move that is already winning back fans who were skeptical of the bold "Vision Neue Klasse" concept cars. By blending a timeless silhouette with futuristic details, such as the dashboard-spanning Panoramic iDrive display, BMW is positioning the i3 as a "game-changer" that doesn't need to shout to get noticed.

Why Munich Matters for the Future of BMW

The fact that the i3 is being built in the heart of Munich is a significant structural turning point for the company. Plant Director Peter Weber noted that this is the first time an i3 has been built entirely on-site using these specific "Industry 4.0" digital processes. The Munich plant has undergone a massive reconstruction to handle the complexity of the Neue Klasse architecture alongside existing models.

As these pre-series vehicles undergo final testing and fine-tuning, they serve as a reference for the 40 new models BMW plans to launch by 2027. The i3 isn't just another electric car; it is the blueprint for a more efficient, more sustainable, and more exciting era of German automotive engineering.

If you are looking for OEM BMW Parts, such as 2025 BMW i5 parts, check out the BMW Discount Parts product catalog. All parts and accessories are manufacturer direct, from BMW, with a nationwide warranty.

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