Carmakers usually keep their new designs a closely guarded secret before unveiling them in glamorous world premieres. However, it seems that BMW has inadvertently offered a glimpse of a future electric model on its own website, sparking a wave of speculation among car enthusiasts.
The mysterious car, a sleek and sporty electric sedan, appeared not on a concept page, but in animated videos intended to demonstrate the high-tech driver assistance features of the all-new BMW iX3 SUV.
Instead of using the iX3, the animations introduced a completely different, never-before-seen four-door car. This digital model clearly carries the design language of BMW's next generation of electric vehicles, called the “Neue Klasse“.
The new "Neue Klasse" (New Class) family of electric vehicles represents a monumental shift for the Bavarian manufacturer, focused on sustainability and a fresh design philosophy. The first confirmed models are the iX3 SUV and the sedan that will revive the i3 name.
However, the car in the video does not fully correspond to the upcoming i3. This animated sedan appears wider, sits lower and has a more aggressive stance, leading experts to speculate that it could be yet another, sportier addition to BMW's growing electric lineup.
It would be easy to assume that the car is a generic digital model, but a few details suggest otherwise. Most telling are the side mirrors. Futuristic concepts typically use small cameras or no mirrors at all, while this sedan features conventional mirrors typical of a production model. It's a strange detail for a random animation, which reinforces the belief that the design is much closer to a finished product.
The design is a clean interpretation of BMW's future style. The characteristic kidney grilles are thin and stylized, flanked by narrow, horizontal LED headlights. The bodywork is smooth, with door handles that are flush with the doors. The overall shape is athletic, hinting that this car is aimed at drivers who prioritize performance.
The most popular theory is that the mysterious electric car is a preview of the next-generation BMW i4. The current i4 is known for its controversial design, but it is also a key competitor in the premium electric sedan market. The animated car's proportions fit perfectly into the role of a sportier counterpart to the more traditional i3 sedan.
The new, dedicated Neue Klasse electric platform would allow the future i4 to offer more interior space, better range, and faster charging than the current model. BMW has not commented on the unexpected appearance yet, but the detailed and specific design shown on the main product page suggests that this was hardly a simple oversight.
