With the i3, BMW’s subsequent technology 3 Collection is partially right here. The absolutely electrical BMW i3, constructed on the Neue Klasse platform, represents a clean-sheet rethink of the model’s most necessary automobile. However it’s only half the story. Alongside it, BMW is making ready a petrol-powered successor to at this time’s 3 Collection, code-named the G50, that can carry the method ahead in a really completely different manner.
We’ve been monitoring this dual-track technique for years, however now it’s lastly coming into focus. BMW will not be changing the three Collection with a single automobile. It’s redefining it with two essentially completely different fashions that can share practically similar design.
From the surface, that shared id will likely be nearly seamless. The brand new BMW i3 and the upcoming G50 are anticipated to look practically similar, right down to their proportions, lighting signatures, and total stance. BMW is intentionally aligning the design of each vehicles in order that, at a look, they learn as the identical 3 Collection.
Beneath, they’re something however.
The BMW i3 and Neue Klasse Platform
Alongside the all-electric i3, BMW is making ready a petrol-powered 3 Collection code-named the G50. At its core, this automobile will likely be a closely reworked model of at this time’s G20, persevering with on the CLAR platform with up to date variations of the B48 and B58 engines.
These will not be carryover engines within the conventional sense. Count on significant revisions to satisfy stricter EU emissions requirements, together with incremental features in effectivity, refinement, and hybrid integration. This would be the most superior and sure the ultimate evolution of BMW’s present combustion 3 Collection method.
From an engineering standpoint, it’s evolution somewhat than revolution. From a design standpoint, it’s one thing else solely.
The G50: A New 3 Collection Constructed on CLAR
In the event you’re anticipating the G50 to seem like a facelifted G20, assume once more. BMW is planning to align it nearly solely with the design of the brand new i3.
Meaning the identical proportions, the identical front-end remedy, and the identical lighting signatures that outline the Neue Klasse look. Park the 2 vehicles subsequent to one another and most of the people gained’t have the ability to inform which one is electrical and which one isn’t.
The i3 is a clean-sheet EV constructed on BMW’s Neue Klasse structure, with a flat battery, new electronics, and a completely completely different strategy to packaging and dynamics. The G50 continues with a longitudinal engine format, rear-wheel drive bias, and all the pieces that has outlined the three Collection for many years.
Why The Twin Technique?
For years, shifting to an EV meant shopping for into a distinct design language and, in some circumstances, a distinct id altogether. BMW is eradicating that friction. As an alternative of asking clients to decide on between two completely different interpretations of a 3 Collection, it’s providing one design with two essentially other ways to energy it.
It’s a technique MINI started exploring with the newest Cooper, the place electrical and combustion variations share practically similar design cues regardless of fully completely different architectures. BMW is now making use of that pondering to its most necessary mannequin. The speculation is that clients will likely be ready to select that’s merely about drivetrain and never design not any completely different from selecting between diesel or petrol in years previous.
What This Means for the Way forward for the three Collection
What makes the G50 notably fascinating is what it represents within the broader context of BMW’s lineup.
This isn’t simply one other mid-cycle replace. It’s the continuation and sure the ultimate full evolution of the combustion-powered 3 Collection. The B48 and B58 engines will stay on right here, refined and optimized to satisfy regulatory calls for whereas preserving the efficiency traits fanatics anticipate.
On the similar time, the automobile will undertake a design that belongs to BMW’s future somewhat than its previous.
That creates a novel second the place probably the most conventional model of the three Collection appears to be like nearly similar to its most forward-looking interpretation.
Two Paths, One Identification
The i3 represents the place the model goes, with a clean-sheet platform and a brand new strategy to software program, electronics, and electrification. The G50 represents the place the model is at this time, refined to its highest stage however nonetheless rooted in acquainted engineering.
What ties them collectively is design.
For the primary time, BMW is separating what you see from how the automobile is engineered. Two fully completely different vehicles will share the identical face, the identical stance, and the identical id.
The Actual Query
This raises a query that goes past specs or platforms. If two vehicles look the identical however are essentially completely different beneath, what truly defines a 3 Collection?
BMW appears to imagine the reply will not be the engine and even the platform. It’s one thing extra intangible, one thing tied to design, steadiness, and the general expertise. We’re about to seek out out if that perception holds up. As a result of for the primary time, the way forward for the three Collection and its previous will likely be parked facet by facet.
