Fully-Electric BMW 3 Series Spied During Testing

BMW has big plans for the electric vehicle era. The German carmaker has set the goals to introduce a wide range of electric vehicles by 2023. The electrified version of the 3-Series is going to be a part of the list as well. Recently, a test mule with 3-Series with camouflage was spotted on test. It is suspected to be the electrified version of the BMW 3 Series. Also, rumours claiming that BMW might launch an electric version of the BMW 3 Series in the near future are further strengthening the guesses.

A prototype vehicle spied during testing is suspected to be the electric version of 3 Series 

The vehicle in question was spotted under heavy camouflage. From the first look, the prototype bears a lot of similarities with the outgoing BMW 3 Series. Additionally, the electric vehicle sticker on the front windshield gives us hints that it is going to be a new electric vehicle from BMW. Moreover, the prototype does not have exhaust pipes like other regular BMW vehicles, which further strengthen the speculation of a new all-electric BMW 3 Series. For now, the company has not given any official statement regarding the possibility of a BMW 3 Series EV.

All-electric BMW 3 Series is not yet confirmed by BMW 

In the meanwhile, BMW has confirmed the launch of 4 Series Grand Coupe EV, which will be the first electric saloon from the German luxury car brand. As per an interview with Autocar UK, Domagoj Dukec, Head of BMW Design, revealed the reason why BMW planned for the i4 instead of the 3 Series EV. According to him, BMW is concerned about the buyer’s sentiment toward EVs. Apparently, the customers are less likely to choose the electric version of over the ICE counterpart due to the hefty price of EVs. For that reason, he claimed that i4 will make more sense than an electric 3 Series.

That being said, the possibility of a 3 Series is not entirely crossed out. As mentioned earlier, BMW will work on a series of hybrids and EVs in the upcoming years. It also requires times for car customers to acquire affection for all-electric vehicles. With the current momentum, it is likely that BMW will soon roll off the 3 Series EV. If approved for launch, the BMW 3 Series EV is likely to share the same powertrain as the upcoming iX3.

Image source: Carscoop