BMW Unveils Vision Driving Experience Prototype, Forecasts New i3 M-Power Generation

February 16th marked the release of official images for BMW's Vision Driving Experience prototype, providing an initial look at the upcoming new car. The production version is heavily cloaked in camouflage, but reveals several key design elements.

The Vision Driving Experience prototype pays homage to the BMW Vision Neue Klasse X concept vehicle, boasting a unmistakable aesthetic. Future plans reveal that the new i3 will debut in 2026 as the M-Power iteration of the model.

According to Hofmann Kempf, BMW's Design Development Vice Chairman, design cues for the new automobile will prioritize movement and minimalism. This is discernible across various prototype elements shared; notably within it, distinct angles have been applied on vehicle front fascia, adopting a tall rectangular trapezoidal double-lens front grille, supplemented by curved LED lighting.

The wheel pattern sports glow-enhanced, 5-spoke alloy castings that emphasize technology, while two vertically-placed LED rear lights form along either side of the back plate in sync with horizontally situated turn signals. It's worth noting that this new automobile draws strong inspiration from BMW's recent design language.

One notable feature of BMW Vision Driving Experience prototypes is their utilization of a wide display bridge integrated into windscreen components beneath glasses, projecting speed and other metrics onto an instrument face for enhanced road visibility. By mounting these gauges higher on the screen, potential visibility gain increases when compared to prior models, greatly reducing visual disorientation while navigating.

As part of its development process, BMW developed its latest platform – named the Neue Klasse – on which this vision prototype is based. As a successor to iX3 and marking only the second entry for the manufacturer's new vehicle construction strategy, the model features high performance capabilities including power from electric motors built under 800V structures. High performance variants will support either single or dual motor all-wheel drives; though BMW currently has forecasted mileage exceeding half of 804 km following the use of an enhanced power train platform.

As further updates unfold through their communications, more refined details are expected to clarify design objectives and specifications on upcoming production models that bring significant new upgrades in terms of engineering capabilities, aesthetics, and overall driving performance.