BMW‘s new era begins in 2025. A new chapter is set to open for the German manufacturer, which will soon begin production of the first models inspired in design by the Neue Klasse concept. Among them will be the new 3 Series, which will be available in both battery-only and electrified versions.
The M3 will have to wait a little longer, while the first sports model to be launched could be the M340i.
Unprecedented shapes
Taking our cue from spy photos of early prototypes, we have shaped the future M340i in our render. As you can see, the look of the 3 Series will be profoundly different from all BMWs currently in the range, with a full-width double kidney grille integrating slim LED headlights.
Photo by: Motor1.com
BMW M340i (2025) rendered by Motor1.com
As this is a sporty version, we expect specific bumpers with some additional air intakes and a 10-20 mm lowered stance to give an even more menacing appearance. There should also be specific alloy wheel choices, flush door handles and exclusive gloss black detailing.
Electric or combustion?
We come to the most important point, however: will the M340i be electric or combustion? It is not confirmed, but it is most likely that the new 3 Series will be offered with both types of powertrains. This is because the new Neue Klasse platform on which the battery-powered car is surely based brings with it many innovations from an engineering point of view.
In particular, the electric 3 Series will have an 800 Volt architecture for recharging up to 270 kW, while the batteries could have a capacity of at least 75 kWh. According to BMW, the new platform also allows for higher energy density and lower production costs.
As far as combustion engines are concerned, it is reasonable to expect extensive use of 48V mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions, but it remains to be seen whether we will still find six- or eight-cylinder engines under the bonnet or whether the company will prefer to focus on the four-cylinder – heavily electrified – in order to keep emissions down.
Photo by: Motor1.com
BMW M340i (2025), a rendering detail from Motor1.com
Ultimately, the new M340i will certainly have more than the 374 PS currently delivered by the 3.0-litre six-cylinder mild hybrid, but it remains to be seen whether this power will be electric-only or supported by a combustion engine.
But when will the new 3 Series be unveiled? BMW hasn’t officially announced it yet, but we think the IAA 2025 in Munich next autumn could be the right occasion to make some important announcements.
