This is our first proper look at the production-spec Neue Klasse saloon – the BMW i3

After what feels like years of concepts, teaser images and infotainment walkthroughs, BMW has finally pulled the wraps off its first Neue Klasse car – the iX3 SUV.

You can read all about that (and its 500 miles of all-electric range) by clicking these blue words, but don’t go just yet…

Have a quick look at those hastily grabbed screenshots up above. They show the Neue Klasse saloon in its production form for the very first time, and we now know that it’ll be called… the BMW i3.

Yep, an old name brought back for a thoroughly modern car. Makes sense, given it’s the electrified version of the new 3 Series. And as previously reported, there will be both petrol and electric M3s too.

The i3 will be fully unveiled next year and looks like it’ll stick fairly close to the Vision Neue Klasse concept, with a proper shark nose, three-box shape and wide, illuminated kidneys. Word from BMW is that it'll get the same 108.7kWh battery as the iX3 too, so it should go a very long way on a single charge. 

We're also told it'll be one of 40 new models or updates launched by BMW before 2027. Lots to look forward to, then...