2022 Tesla Model 3 and Polestar 2 on notice! BMW i3 EV quickly returns - as new electric 3 Series sedan with rear-wheel drive and plenty of power

Well, that didn’t take long – the all-electric BMW i3 is back for a second generation, but this time around, it’s vastly different.

While not officially revealed by BMW yet, these images and information published by the Chinese government’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology show the new i3 in all its glory ahead of its expected launch next year.

And yes, this i3 looks very different and familiar in equal measures, because the recently discontinued original was a standalone small hatchback, while the successor seen here is a zero-emissions version of the seventh-generation 3 Series mid-size sedan’s upcoming midlife facelift.

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Now, it’s worth noting the example shown is destined for China, where its bootlid badging suggests it will be sold with rear-wheel drive (eDrive) and a market-specific long wheelbase (L).

But buyers in other markets, like Australia, can rejoice, as recent public pre-production testing overseas indicates the i3 will also be sold more broadly as a Tesla Model 3 and Polestar 2 rival, albeit in standard-wheelbase form.

Either way, the Chinese-market version is confirmed to be powered by a 250kW rear-mounted electric motor, which helps the i3 shift its 2029kg kerb weight to a top speed of 180km/h.

Given the 3 Series and i3 share their CLAR platform with the already unveiled 4 Series Gran Coupe and i4, it’s no surprise the i3 ‘35’ that’s been detailed seemingly has the same powertrain as the i4’s ‘40’ variant, which is due in Australia early next year.

This means the i3 35 should be also fitted with the i4’s 84kWh battery, which provides 590km of WLTP-certified driving range in the i4 40. The latter also supports 200kW DC fast charging, which can increase capacity from 10 to 80 per cent in 31 minutes.

Much like the i4, the i3 also stands out from the internal-combustion crowd with a blanked-out take on BMW’s signature kidney grille, unique bumpers, alloy wheels and blue exterior trim as well as taller side skirts that help to conceal its underfloor battery.

The i3’s interior hasn’t been outed yet, but it and that of the facelifted 3 Series is expected to be headlined by a new 14.9-inch touchscreen iDrive8 multimedia system and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster shared with – you guessed it – the i4.