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2018 BMW 3 Series (G20) to Spawn Pure Electric Version Dubbed eDrive Sport?

For the seventh generation of the 3 Series, the peeps at BMW have lots of goodies in the pipeline for us. If a particular rumor turns out to be true, then the G20 will also be available as an EV.
2018 BMW 3 Series (G20) 1 photo
Photo: Stefan Baldauf/SB-Medien
This hearsay comes from AutoExpress. The British publication is alleging that the BMW G20 3 Series is “set to get an all-electric version during its lifetime” and “the manufacturer is also planning to take on the forthcoming Tesla Model 3 by offering not only a plug-in hybrid version of the car, but also a fully electric edition.” Does the rumor hold water, though? No clue, sorry.

However, think about it this way. The BMW 7 Series (G11/G12) is built on the CLAR platform, a highly customizable vehicle architecture that will also underpin the next generation of the 3 Series. The plant where the 7 Series is made (Dingolfing) also produces eDrive bits and bobs for BMW i models and PHEVs such as the 330e iPerformance. So yes, the stage is set for a 3er EV.

While BMW has never mentioned if the CLAR platform has been engineered with electrification in mind, AutoExpress mentions the following tittle-tattle: “BMW’s engineers are said to be working on the installation of a 90 kWh battery pack, potentially giving the 3 Series EV – which is likely to carry the badge eDrive Sport – a range of around 300 miles" (482.8 km). Estimated time of arrival for the BMW 3 Series eDrive Sport? Not later than 2020.

While this mumbo-jumbo is nothing more than a rumor at this point in time, one thing is certain. And that is the 2018 BMW 3 Series will make its public debut next year. Word on the street is Frankfurt will be the place of unveiling. If the BMW G20 3 Series does not happen, then the 330e iPerformance will soldier on with its 2.0-liter turbo and electric motor driving the rear wheels. If PHEVs aren't your thing, don't forget that a BMW i5 is in the offing.
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About the author: Mircea Panait
Mircea Panait profile photo

After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well.
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