BMW has officially revealed next year’s i3 model, but the car community is already digging around for more leaked images of other future vehicles.
A few days ago, sources shared images of the i3 ahead of time and the officially shared images offer much of the same. While less exaggerated than the Neue Klasse concept car, this “authentic BMW sports sedan” has an aggressive shark-style nose and pointed rear that make it longer and more aggressive than the previous i3. The thin, LED-lined kidney grille is more intense than previous bulbous grille designs. The lines throughout the body provide a sharp, sporty look while still keeping a pretty classy appearance. The interior has a bunch of screens, ambient lighting, and a funky, sporty steering wheel.
BMW has called the new i3 “a technological quantum leap” over the previous i3. It will initially launch with an all-wheel-drive 50 xDrive powertrain with an electric motor at each axle. This gets you 463 horsepower and 476 pound-feet of torque. The new motor setup reduces overall energy losses by 40%, manufacturing costs by 20%, and weight by 10%.
The battery is another important piece of learned information. While BMW hasn’t said its size, we know it will have a range of 440 miles. Thanks to the Neue Klasse’s 400-kW DC fast-charging capability, the i3 will also charge 30% faster than BMW’s current EV lineup. The Neueu Klasse platform also has a four-zone electrical architecture with four “superbrains,” each controlling a different component: driver-assist, infotainment, powertrain, and vehicle dynamics. The “Heart of Joy” controls brakes, drivetrain, and steering. With this new system, expect the steering wheel to only need a “light touch for maximum accuracy.” We’re expecting a pretty sporty driving experience.
BMW stated that it will start production in August over in Munich. The launch price is expected to be around $60,000, but who knows right now. Later trims will probably be cheaper, the usual play by carmakers these days.
Instead of discussing the design and price point and stuff, BMW enthusiasts are already wondering about some other leaked images they’ve gotten a hold of.
BMW X5 and 7 Series leaked images
Right after the BMW i3 leak, an Instagram account appeared to get a hold of even more leaked images. It was the BMW X5 and 7 Series, which are apparently getting a major facelift, according to the photos.
While the images are not the most clear, we can see that the BMW X5 is the M60e xDrive variant, powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo six-cylinder engine with an electric motor for 570 horsepower (an earlier leak in March said it could be more like 394 hp). Like the i3, the X5 appears to be inspired by the Neue Klasse concept’s design as well, featuring a smaller kidney grille outlined in LED lights.
The second image shows off the back of the BMW X5, which appears to have a pretty bulky build but aesthetic lines and slim LED taillights.
The car community reacted with hostility towards the leaked images (although, isn’t that always the case when a vehicle gets a redesign?). Some said they missed the looks of BMW’s 1980s and 1990s designs, questioning the new vehicle’s dimensions and facelift. It sorta looks like a sedan from the front and an SUV from the back. One hater simply put: “It looks like a pig.”
The BMW 7 Series is also getting a lot of modern details, like a bold kidney grille outlined in LED lights once more. The obscured image of its front also shows many dynamic angles and aggressive features.
BMW can’t seem to catch a break with its constant leaking. Earlier this year, BMW’s entire 2027 lineup was leaked, revealing a bunch of names. I sorta wish we could get leaked photos of the AWD M2 reportedly coming next year, I’m not really all too excited with these SUVs.
But I’m sure American drivers may be interested. Drivers are moving away from luxury electric SUVs, prompting many automakers to pivot. Porsche recently gave up on the EV SUV race and decided to focus on its sports cars instead. It has also been testing a gas-powered Cayenne. While it’s said that BMW will release electric versions of the X5 and 7 Series alongside the gas-powered versions above, it looks like the automaker isn’t willing to give up on internal combustion engines just yet.
