--- title: "Next BMW i3 Will Look More Normal, Whatever That Means Now" description: "According to BMW development boss Frank Weber, the next-generation BMW i3 will look more normal than the old car." date: "2023-10-21" modified: "2023-10-21" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/next-bmw-i3-will-look-more-normal-whatever-that-means-now" categories: - "BMW News" - "News" - "News by Brand" tags: - "BMW" - "Electric Vehicle" - "i3" --- # Next BMW i3 Will Look More Normal, Whatever That Means Now ![]() *BMW* Last year, BMW killed off the i3, its quirky electric hatchback, but it's working on a successor. Many [BMW ]()fans will be relieved to hear that it won't share its predecessor's funky looks but will instead look more traditional. "A lot of people liked \[the original i3\], but in the eyes of others, [the i3]() was not a real BMW. A bit of an outsider in the classroom if you will. We will not repeat that in this form," BMW development boss Frank Weber told [*Automotive News'* ]()sister site *[Automobilwoche]()*. ![]() **BMW i3* | *BMW** The next BMW i3 will be built on the Neue Klasse platform, a new all-electric architecture that will underpin all of the brand's new electric vehicles. BMW recently debuted its Vision Neue Klasse concept, which is[ rumored to be the next-generation i3](), and it ditches the old i3's futuristic hatchback shape for a more traditional sedan body. While still a bit funky, the Neue Klasse has shades of classic BMW designs, such as the E12-generation 5 Series. The idea is that its more traditional design will make it feel less like an outsider to loyal BMW fans, which is especially important because the next i3 will be the brand's electric entry point for most customers. "BMW definitely needs to bring to market an affordable, compact car,” Weber told *Automobilwoche*. "We attach great importance to offering customers the best possible access to the BMW brand. That is why we are thinking very carefully about how an entry offering can be part of the [Neue Klasse]() family." ![]() **BMW Neue Klasse* | *BMW** It seems unfair to lob design criticism at the BMW i3, though. As strange as the i3's design was, it was far from being as offensive and controversial as some of BMW's other recent designs, such as the XM and M4 Competition. Yes, the Neue Klasse is far more traditional looking than the i3 but the i3 wasn't the problem. At least its strangeness was charming. Regardless of which Bimmer becomes the design scapegoat, though, it's encouraging that BMW understands its customers' wishes for simpler, more traditional designs moving forward. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()