Other than the obvious stickers indicating that this was an electric test vehicle, there are many clues to indicate that it did not have a combustion engine.
In 2016, BMW electrified its 3Series with the plug-in hybrid model 330e. Now, the Bavarians are looking to get rid of the combustion engine. After last year’s rumor of a 3 Series EV, which never materialized (we got instead the i Vision Dynamics concept), it seems like the company is serious about creating an electric version its most popular car.
It might appear to be a regular prototype of the next-generation 3 Series. However, the obligatory “electric test vehicle” stickers on the rear bumper and front doors reveal the car’s true identity. Another sign that the test vehicle did not have an ICE, which would have required cooling, is its closed-off front grille. It does have two exhaust tips at its back. But, those are just for us to be confused, much as Porsche was trying to do with the Taycan prototypes.
Our spy tells us BMW that the 3 Series Electric Vehicle was being tested in company with a Tesla Model 3. This makes it clear that the vehicle we are looking at is completely electric. The premium sedan with zero emissions had a camera mounted on the windshield. Another one was attached to the upper portion of the rear window. It is worth noting that the front doors have a red label that indicates a fire extinguisher. This may be required when electric cars are being tested by automakers.
It looks just like the next-gen 3 Series prototype. We expect BMW to make subtle styling changes to distinguish the eco-friendly model from the more conventionally powered version.
There is no word on the technical specifications at this time, but BMW is aware that the Model 3 will be competing with its electric 3 Series. This is why an electric range of almost 300 miles (482 km) is possible to match the Tesla’s 310 mile range. According to BMW’s CEO promise, the iVision Dynamics concept that will become the i4 will have 340- 435 miles (547-700 km) of range. We won’t be surprised if the 3 Series EV will also use the same hardware. However, Harald Kruger likely meant a NEDC figure. Therefore, the range in real life will be much lower.
BMW is expected to unveil the next-generation 3 Series at the Paris Motor Show in October, according to rumours. It is likely that the one without a combustion engine will arrive later in its life cycle.