First unreleased photos of the BMW i3. Industry expert: manufacturer intentionally kept the combustion engine proportions

The first photos of the BMW i3 that aren’t press shots have appeared online. Andy Palmer, former president of Aston Martin and one of the key figures behind the launch of the Nissan Leaf, believes BMW intentionally kept the car’s traditional combustion-engine proportions despite not having to. The electric powertrain of the BMW i3 Neue Klasse doesn’t require such a designed front end and roof line, though the battery certainly adds to the vehicle’s height.

The BMW i3 Neue Klasse up close. Delicious.

Let’s start with the photos:

The future BMW i3 Neue Klasse (NA0) spotted in real life — it’s absolutely stunning!

© Bimmerpost Forum pic.twitter.com/32k7oWAnQJ

— Gazou (@paddock_inside) August 14, 2026

The car seems to be very similar to the BMW 135i, but those who have followed the industry for longer may consider the proper reference to be the BMW ActiveE, namely the electric BMW Series 1 in coupe body style shown in 2011 (illustration below). Although the proportions are similar, the cars are separated by almost an entire era. The BMW ActiveE had a battery capacity of around 32 (28) kWh, while the BMW i3 Neue Klasse initially comes with a battery pack of ~114 (108.7) kWh. They also belong to different segments; the ActiveE is in segment C, whereas the basic dimensions of the BMW i3 50 xDrive are 4.76 meters with a wheelbase of 2.897 meters (segment D).

BMW ActiveE, the 2011 electric BMW Series 1 (c) BMW

BMW i3 Neue Klasse

It is these last aspects and proportions of the BMW i3 Neue Klasse that caught Andy Palmer’s attention (worth watching!). He noted that in the new BMW electric vehicle, the front fascia is positioned exceptionally high. In the Tesla Model 3 Highland, which serves as a benchmark for optimization, the front fascia is at an average height of 64 centimeters, whereas in the BMW i3 Neue Klasse it is at an average of 90.5 centimeters, higher than that of the gasoline-powered BMW Series 3 (G20). The electric vehicle is also taller than its gasoline-powered counterpart, likely partly due to the battery in the floor, but the Model 3 example shows that such an explanation cannot account for everything.

Interesting – analysis below.

The i3 is actually 40 mm taller than a Model 3 and 34 mm taller than the G20. Its wheelbase is only 22 mm longer than the Tesla’s despite being 40 mm longer overall.

I think BMW has deliberately sacrificed some of the theoretical EV packaging… pic.twitter.com/cisyeMCX1a

— Dr. Andy Palmer (@AndyatAuto) August 15, 2026

BMW may have chosen to rely on its existing successful designs (and memories) rather than utilizing all the advantages of the electric platform to maximize range. This is especially true since the BMW i3 Neue Klasse is equipped with battery capacities that would be impressive even in larger vehicle segments. Production of this model began a few days ago at the manufacturer’s main plant in Munich, Germany, with prices starting at 331,900 złoty for the First Edition and 290,000 złoty for the standard version.

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