Camouflage could indicate that the EV version of the 3 Series will be based upon the 3 Series facelift.
The M3 touring and the i4 are not the only additions to the 3 Series/4 Series lineup. BMW is also developing a 3 Series Sedan with no combustion engine. The prototype is EV-powered, and it has been seen again.
Further, the “Electric Test Vehicle” stickers on the front doors indicate that the car was not burning fossil fuel. The thicker side skirts indicate that the prototype’s batteries are under the car. This should ensure that practicality will not be affected by the switch from ICE to EV.
Two possible reasons BMW camouflaged their car could be cited. Scenario A: This is an early test mule using a modified body from a 3 Series. Scenario B will show the electric sedan that will be built on the 3er’s mid-cycle facelift. You will notice that the headlights on the front are placeholders.
BMW chose to completely camouflage its front grille. However, it is not unreasonable to think that it will feature the same retro-esque kidneys like the Concept i4 or the next production model. Bavaria’s Tesla Model 3 rival had mismatched wheels and had some of the swirly camouflage on its roof.
The 3 Series EV will not match the electric power of the M-badged, which is scheduled for a 2021 launch. The electric “gran coupe”, which is based on the CLAR platform, will have more than 500 horsepower. However, the 3er’s quieter counterpart should have a much lower output.
The rear-wheel drive iX3 has a single electric motor and is capable of producing 282 horsepower (400 Nm) and 295 lbft (282 hp). The 3 Series EV’s specifications remain a mystery, though an additional electric motor could greatly improve output and offer a more grippy xDrive all wheel-drive system.
Rumours have suggested that BMW will add the i3 badge to its vehicles, but it is not certain. The German marque may not want to link the EV’s name to the quirky hybrid / electric hatchback, particularly since the i3 is still being produced. According to reports, the oddly-shaped city car won’t be renewed for the second generation. It could also be discontinued before the arrival of the 3 Series Electric. We are betting on a new name to differentiate the two cars.