BMW begins the final phase of winter testing for its new i3 saloon from the Neue Klasse

BMW is one step closer to bringing its new i3 electric saloon to market, the second model from the Bavarian brand belonging to the Neue Klasse. The company is currently in the final phase of winter testing for this new model, which is being carried out at BMW’s Test Centre in Arjeplog, Sweden, above the Arctic Circle.

These sessions focus on refining the vehicle’s dynamic behaviour on snow-covered surfaces and frozen lakes, as these extreme conditions are ideal for precisely calibrating the systems involved.

At this stage, the engineers have already passed the basic checks of operation and thermal management. Now, the focus is on fine-tuning the so-called Heart of Joy, the central control unit of the Neue Klasse vehicles from BMW, responsible for managing driving dynamics. This component coordinates the powertrain, the brakes, part of the steering and energy recovery. It performs this task on the basis of the BMW Dynamic Performance Control software.

The latest technology

According to the Bavarian manufacturer, this new brain is up to ten times faster than the previous systems used in the brand’s vehicles, allowing it to deliver an extremely precise and agile response. Thanks to the ability of electric motors to react almost instantaneously, it is possible to enjoy superior stability and smoother behaviour, even in limit conditions. In this way, the intervention of traditional systems such as stability control (DSC) is also reduced, resulting in more natural, consistent and predictable driving, with a greater sense of safety and comfort, both in corners and when approaching the limits of grip.

The new i3 -not to be confused with the city model that was sold until a few years ago- is the new electric saloon of the Neue Klasse from BMW and sits within the popular 3 Series of the brand. It incorporates the sixth generation of the eDrive system and adopts an all-wheel-drive configuration in its initial version, the i3 50 xDrive, with 345 kW of power. It also debuts an 800-volt architecture, thanks to which it can recharge in much less time, supporting power of up to 400 kW.

As far as its design is concerned, BMW has already hinted at what we will find in the final production version, with a front end very faithful to the Vision Neue Klasse prototype presented in September 2023, and a modern, sharp styling. The definitive design will be unveiled in just over ten days, this coming 18 March 2026 in Munich.