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It's no secret that BMW is planning to electrify its existing models. Earlier this year, a BMW X3 electric prototype SUV was spotted, and now our spies have caught a fully electric version of the Bavarian automaker's most popular model undergoing testing: the 3 Series.
A plug-in hybrid version of the new BMW 3 Series was expected to go on sale, and now it seems an all-electric version will also be joining it as part of BMW's ambitious plan to launch 12 new electric vehicles between 2019 and 2025. At first glance, this appears to be just another regular BMW 3 Series prototype that we've seen before, but the "electric test vehicle" stickers on the front door and rear bumper confirm we're looking at an all-electric version of BMW's popular sedan.
Also notice how the grille has been closed off since the EV obviously doesn't need any cooling. And don't be deceived by the exhaust pipes, because they're fake - BMW is trying to pull off the same trick Porsche did with the Taycan prototype. If it wasn't already obvious the BMW BMW 3 Series Electric is targetting, the prototype was being benchmarked against a Tesla Model 3.
Technical specifications are unknown at this point, but sources suggest it will have a range of around 300 miles to compete with the Tesla Model 3. BMW is expected to unveil the new 3 Series at the Paris Auto Show in October before it goes on sale next year, so it will probably be a few years before the electric version joins the line-up.