ℹ️ Skipped - page is already crawled
| Filter | Status | Condition | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| HTTP status | PASS | download_http_code = 200 | HTTP 200 |
| Age cutoff | PASS | download_stamp > now() - 6 MONTH | 0.1 months ago |
| History drop | PASS | isNull(history_drop_reason) | No drop reason |
| Spam/ban | PASS | fh_dont_index != 1 AND ml_spam_score = 0 | ml_spam_score=0 |
| Canonical | PASS | meta_canonical IS NULL OR = '' OR = src_unparsed | Not set |
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| URL | https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/news/general/2026/predrive-bmw-i3.html |
| Last Crawled | 2026-04-09 10:01:23 (3 days ago) |
| First Indexed | 2026-03-05 14:25:24 (1 month ago) |
| HTTP Status Code | 200 |
| Meta Title | Final Winter Tests: The New Fully Electric BMW i3 |
| Meta Description | The new fully electric BMW i3 completes final winter testing in Arjeplog. State-of-the-art Gen6 technology and the Heart of Joy set new standards in dynamics and precision. |
| Meta Canonical | null |
| Boilerpipe Text | Company
05.03.2026
3 MIN
Final tests for the new BMW
i
3
and the Heart of Joy at the Arctic Circle.
The BMW 3 Series has been setting standards in the premium midsize class for five decades. With its exceptional sportiness, precise handling, effortless agility and long-distance driving comfort, the model series embodied driving pleasure - the BMW 3 Series established itself as an automotive icon. With the eighth model generation comes the first sedan based on the Neue Klasse: the fully electric BMW i3. Equipped with the sixth-generation eDrive (Gen6), the model transfers the typical characteristics of the sporty sedan into a completely new vehicle concept while remaining true to the DNA of the BMW 3 Series.
Before the new BMW i3 celebrates its design premiere on 18 March 2026, prototypes are undergoing final endurance tests in Sweden. The BMW Group's winter test centre in Arjeplog offers ideal conditions for testing and optimising suspension and drive systems. Here at the Arctic Circle, the BMW i3 is receiving the finishing touches on the home stretch of series development.
Vehicle testing
in extreme sub-zero temperatures.
No other test drives present people and vehicles with similar challenges as the tests in winter conditions in northern Sweden. For BMW engineers, they have been part of the development programme for every new model for decades. On snow-covered roads and specially prepared ice surfaces, they form the foundation for the distinctive driving pleasure that BMW is known for. In the field of electronic control systems, for example: On smooth surfaces with low coefficients of friction, the development team tests and analyses under precisely reproducible conditions - and thus develops optimal coordination.
Innovative technology as a prerequisite
for a technological quantum leap for driving dynamics.
As a consequence of comprehensive trials in freezing conditions, the new BMW i3 establishes new benchmarks in driving dynamics on icy roads, featuring light-footed propulsion and smooth yet accurately controlled handling. To achieve this, the essential requirement is a powerful drive and vehicle dynamics control system featuring the Heart of Joy and the BMW Dynamic Performance Control software developed in-house. An extremely responsive combination that pushes the previous limits of electric mobility. The BMW i3 harnesses the unprecedented potential of this drive technology. An impressive figure underlines the technological quantum leap: The Heart of Joy’s responses in the new BMW i3 are ten times faster than previous systems. It is responsible for drive, braking, some steering functions and recuperation.
Soft-Stop ensures
exceptionally smooth stopping performance.
Only electric motors can process and execute the lightning-fast commands of the Heart of Joy. They thus enable superior driving stability paired with agility and comfort. The new BMW i3's steering stands out for its supreme precision and effortless handling, crucial for ensuring a sense of assurance. The Heart of Joy reduces the number of necessary control interventions from assistance systems, making cornering behaviour even more consistent and reproducible.
The BMW i3 remains effortlessly controllable even when approaching the limits. Thanks to the Heart of Joy's precise control processes, the high driving stability also delivers improved efficiency through maximum energy recuperation, even when cornering. The new BMW i3’s Soft-Stop function sets another milestone: With precise control of the electric motors, it delivers the smoothest stopping process in the BMW 3 Series' history, without any jerks or brake noises. “Sheer driving pleasure” redefined. |
| Markdown | Skip to main content
[ ](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en.html)      
en
[DE](https://www.bmwgroup.com/de/news/allgemein/2026/predrive-bmw-i3.html)
The Company BMW Group
Innovation
Responsibility & Sustainability
Investor Relations
[News](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/news.html) [Media](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/) [Careers](https://www.bmwgroup.jobs/en.html)
[Search](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/search.html)
[ ](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en.html)      
The Company BMW Group
Innovation
Responsibility & Sustainability
Investor Relations
[News](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/news.html) [Media](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/) [Careers](https://www.bmwgroup.jobs/en.html)
[dummy](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/news/general/2026/predrive-bmw-i3.html)
[Overview](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/investor-relations.html)
[BMW Shares](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/investor-relations/bmw-shares.html)
[Ad hoc & other Capital Market Notifications](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/investor-relations/adhoc-capitalmarketnotifications.html)
[Debt & Ratings](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/investor-relations/debt-and-rating.html)
[Company Reports](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/investor-relations/company-reports.html)
[Corporate Events](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/investor-relations/corporate-events.html)
[Annual General Meetings](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/investor-relations/annual-general-meetings.html)
[BMW Group Annual Conferences](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/investor-relations/annual-conferences.html)
[Telephone Conferences](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/investor-relations/telephone-conferences-quarterly-reports.html)
[Contact Persons](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/investor-relations/contact.html)
[Overview](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/sustainability.html)
[Circular Economy & CO₂ Reduction](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/sustainability/circular-economy.html)
[Supplier network & Raw Material Management](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/sustainability/supply-chain.html)
[Respect for people and the environment](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/sustainability/human-rights.html)
[Employees](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/sustainability/employees.html)
[Society](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/sustainability/society.html)
[Overview](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/innovation.html)
Drive Technologies
[Automated Driving](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/innovation/automated-driving.html)
[Artificial Intelligence](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/innovation/artificial-intelligence.html)
[Connected Car](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/innovation/connected-car.html)
[Concept Cars & Design](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/innovation/concept-cars-and-design.html)
Innovation Network
[Overview](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/company.html)
Leadership & Governance
[Corporate Strategy](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/company/strategy.html)
[Neue Klasse](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/company/neue-klasse.html)
[Brands & Business Segments](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/company/brands-products.html)
[Production](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/company/production.html)
[History](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/company/history.html)
[Locations](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/company/locations.html)
[Dialogue](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/company/dialogue.html)
[Advocacy](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/company/advocacy.html)
[Compliance](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/company/compliance.html)
[Overview Innovation Network](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/innovation/innovation-network.html)
[Tech Offices & IT- and Software-Hubs](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/innovation/innovation-network/tech-offices.html)
[Technology Trend Radar](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/innovation/innovation-network/technology-trend-radar.html)
[BMW Group Startup Garage](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/innovation/innovation-network/startup-garage.html)
[BMW Open Innovation](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/innovation/innovation-network/open-innovation.html)
[Overview Drive Technologies](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/innovation/drive-technologies.html)
[Renewable Fuels](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/innovation/drive-technologies/renewable-fuels.html)
[Electric Drives](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/innovation/drive-technologies/electromobility.html)
[Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/innovation/drive-technologies/hydrogen.html)
[Leadership & Governance](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/company/leadership-and-governance.html)
[Board of Management](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/company/leadership-and-governance.html#Board-of-Management)
[Supervisory Board](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/company/leadership-and-governance.html#Supervisory-Board)
[Corporate Governance](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/company/leadership-and-governance.html#corporate-governance-at-the-bmw-group)
[ Company 19.03.2026 5 MIN The new BMW i3: The second Neue Klasse model.](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/news/general/2026/bmwi3.html)
[ Innovation 09.04.2026 9 MIN Technology-open approach meets the art of engineering: New hydrogen tank system in the BMW iX5 Hydrogen.](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/news/general/2026/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-tank-system.html)
[ Sustainability 25.03.2026 5 MIN How the BMW Group brings sustainability into the vehicle interior.](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/news/general/2026/sustainability-in-vehicle-interiors.html)
[ BMW Group Report 2025](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/investor-relations/company-reports.html)
The Company BMW Group
Innovation
Responsibility & Sustainability
Investor Relations
[News](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/news.html)
[Media](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/)
[Careers](https://www.bmwgroup.jobs/en.html)
Back
[Overview](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/investor-relations.html)
[BMW Shares](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/investor-relations/bmw-shares.html)
[Ad hoc & other Capital Market Notifications](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/investor-relations/adhoc-capitalmarketnotifications.html)
[Debt & Ratings](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/investor-relations/debt-and-rating.html)
[Company Reports](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/investor-relations/company-reports.html)
[Corporate Events](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/investor-relations/corporate-events.html)
[Annual General Meetings](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/investor-relations/annual-general-meetings.html)
[BMW Group Annual Conferences](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/investor-relations/annual-conferences.html)
[Telephone Conferences](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/investor-relations/telephone-conferences-quarterly-reports.html)
[Contact Persons](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/investor-relations/contact.html)
Back
[Overview](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/sustainability.html)
[Circular Economy & CO₂ Reduction](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/sustainability/circular-economy.html)
[Supplier network & Raw Material Management](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/sustainability/supply-chain.html)
[Respect for people and the environment](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/sustainability/human-rights.html)
[Employees](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/sustainability/employees.html)
[Society](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/sustainability/society.html)
Back
[Overview](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/innovation.html)
Drive Technologies
[Overview Drive Technologies](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/innovation/drive-technologies.html)
[Renewable Fuels](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/innovation/drive-technologies/renewable-fuels.html)
[Electric Drives](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/innovation/drive-technologies/electromobility.html)
[Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/innovation/drive-technologies/hydrogen.html)
[Automated Driving](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/innovation/automated-driving.html)
[Artificial Intelligence](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/innovation/artificial-intelligence.html)
[Connected Car](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/innovation/connected-car.html)
[Concept Cars & Design](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/innovation/concept-cars-and-design.html)
Innovation Network
[Overview Innovation Network](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/innovation/innovation-network.html)
[Tech Offices & IT- and Software-Hubs](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/innovation/innovation-network/tech-offices.html)
[Technology Trend Radar](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/innovation/innovation-network/technology-trend-radar.html)
[BMW Group Startup Garage](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/innovation/innovation-network/startup-garage.html)
[BMW Open Innovation](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/innovation/innovation-network/open-innovation.html)
Back
[Overview](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/company.html)
Leadership & Governance
[Leadership & Governance](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/company/leadership-and-governance.html)
[Board of Management](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/company/leadership-and-governance.html#Board-of-Management)
[Supervisory Board](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/company/leadership-and-governance.html#Supervisory-Board)
[Corporate Governance](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/company/leadership-and-governance.html#corporate-governance-at-the-bmw-group)
[Corporate Strategy](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/company/strategy.html)
[Neue Klasse](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/company/neue-klasse.html)
[Brands & Business Segments](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/company/brands-products.html)
[Production](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/company/production.html)
[History](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/company/history.html)
[Locations](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/company/locations.html)
[Dialogue](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/company/dialogue.html)
[Advocacy](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/company/advocacy.html)
[Compliance](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/company/compliance.html)
[ Company 19.03.2026 5 MIN The new BMW i3: The second Neue Klasse model.](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/news/general/2026/bmwi3.html)
[ Innovation 09.04.2026 9 MIN Technology-open approach meets the art of engineering: New hydrogen tank system in the BMW iX5 Hydrogen.](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/news/general/2026/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-tank-system.html)
[ Sustainability 25.03.2026 5 MIN How the BMW Group brings sustainability into the vehicle interior.](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/news/general/2026/sustainability-in-vehicle-interiors.html)
[ BMW Group Report 2025](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/investor-relations/company-reports.html)
en
[DE](https://www.bmwgroup.com/de/news/allgemein/2026/predrive-bmw-i3.html)
[Search](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/search.html)
…
[News](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/news.html)
Final Winter Tests: The New Fully Electric BMW i3
Page Overview
Search
[Contact](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/general/contact.html)

Company 05\.03.2026 3 MIN
# Final tests for the new BMW i3 and the Heart of Joy at the Arctic Circle.
The BMW 3 Series has been setting standards in the premium midsize class for five decades. With its exceptional sportiness, precise handling, effortless agility and long-distance driving comfort, the model series embodied driving pleasure - the BMW 3 Series established itself as an automotive icon. With the eighth model generation comes the first sedan based on the Neue Klasse: the fully electric BMW i3. Equipped with the sixth-generation eDrive (Gen6), the model transfers the typical characteristics of the sporty sedan into a completely new vehicle concept while remaining true to the DNA of the BMW 3 Series.
Before the new BMW i3 celebrates its design premiere on 18 March 2026, prototypes are undergoing final endurance tests in Sweden. The BMW Group's winter test centre in Arjeplog offers ideal conditions for testing and optimising suspension and drive systems. Here at the Arctic Circle, the BMW i3 is receiving the finishing touches on the home stretch of series development.


## Vehicle testing in extreme sub-zero temperatures.
No other test drives present people and vehicles with similar challenges as the tests in winter conditions in northern Sweden. For BMW engineers, they have been part of the development programme for every new model for decades. On snow-covered roads and specially prepared ice surfaces, they form the foundation for the distinctive driving pleasure that BMW is known for. In the field of electronic control systems, for example: On smooth surfaces with low coefficients of friction, the development team tests and analyses under precisely reproducible conditions - and thus develops optimal coordination.
## Innovative technology as a prerequisite for a technological quantum leap for driving dynamics.
As a consequence of comprehensive trials in freezing conditions, the new BMW i3 establishes new benchmarks in driving dynamics on icy roads, featuring light-footed propulsion and smooth yet accurately controlled handling. To achieve this, the essential requirement is a powerful drive and vehicle dynamics control system featuring the Heart of Joy and the BMW Dynamic Performance Control software developed in-house. An extremely responsive combination that pushes the previous limits of electric mobility. The BMW i3 harnesses the unprecedented potential of this drive technology. An impressive figure underlines the technological quantum leap: The Heart of Joy’s responses in the new BMW i3 are ten times faster than previous systems. It is responsible for drive, braking, some steering functions and recuperation.


## Soft-Stop ensures exceptionally smooth stopping performance.
Only electric motors can process and execute the lightning-fast commands of the Heart of Joy. They thus enable superior driving stability paired with agility and comfort. The new BMW i3's steering stands out for its supreme precision and effortless handling, crucial for ensuring a sense of assurance. The Heart of Joy reduces the number of necessary control interventions from assistance systems, making cornering behaviour even more consistent and reproducible.
The BMW i3 remains effortlessly controllable even when approaching the limits. Thanks to the Heart of Joy's precise control processes, the high driving stability also delivers improved efficiency through maximum energy recuperation, even when cornering. The new BMW i3’s Soft-Stop function sets another milestone: With precise control of the electric motors, it delivers the smoothest stopping process in the BMW 3 Series' history, without any jerks or brake noises. “Sheer driving pleasure” redefined.
URL of this page was copied to paste buffer
More Articles
[All Articles](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/news.html)
[ Company 16.02.2026 4 MIN BMW Group Plant Munich: Ready for the Neue Klasse.](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/news/general/2026/ready-for-the-neue-klasse.html)
[ Electromobility 19.12.2025 6 MIN 1007.7 kilometres fully electric. Without charging.](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/news/general/2025/record-run-ix3.html)
[ Company 05.09.2025 7 MIN The new BMW iX3 – First of a new era.](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/news/general/2025/the-new-BMW-iX3.html)
## More topics
[Company 61](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/news.html?topic=Company)
[Innovation 68](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/news.html?topic=Innovation)
[Electromobility 37](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/news.html?topic=Electromobility)
[Sustainability 67](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/news.html?topic=Sustainability)
[Design 13](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/news.html?topic=Design)
[ ](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en.html)      
Our brands
[BMW](http://www.bmw.com/) [MINI](http://www.mini.com/) [Rolls-Royce Motor Cars](https://www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com/en-GB/home.html) [BMW Motorrad](http://www.bmw-motorrad.com/)
Experience the BMW Group
[BMW Group Plants](https://www.bmwgroup-werke.com/en.html) [BMW Welt and BMW Museum](https://www.bmw-welt.com/en.html) [BMW Group Classic](https://www.bmwgroup-classic.com/en.html)
Services
[AREA M](https://www.bmw-m.com/en/fastlane/aream.html) [BMW Group PressClub](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/startpage.html) [BMW Group Financial Services](https://www.bmwbank.de/) [BMW Group Careers](https://www.bmwgroup.jobs/)
[Downloadcenter](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/download-centre.html) [Contact](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/general/contact.html) [Sitemap](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/sitemap.html) [Legal disclaimer](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/general/legal-disclaimer.html) [Cookies](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/general/cookies.html) [Imprint](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/general/imprint.html) [Data Protection](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/general/data_privacy.html) [Regulations](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/general/regulations.html) |
| Readable Markdown | Company 05\.03.2026 3 MIN
Final tests for the new BMW i3 and the Heart of Joy at the Arctic Circle.
The BMW 3 Series has been setting standards in the premium midsize class for five decades. With its exceptional sportiness, precise handling, effortless agility and long-distance driving comfort, the model series embodied driving pleasure - the BMW 3 Series established itself as an automotive icon. With the eighth model generation comes the first sedan based on the Neue Klasse: the fully electric BMW i3. Equipped with the sixth-generation eDrive (Gen6), the model transfers the typical characteristics of the sporty sedan into a completely new vehicle concept while remaining true to the DNA of the BMW 3 Series.
Before the new BMW i3 celebrates its design premiere on 18 March 2026, prototypes are undergoing final endurance tests in Sweden. The BMW Group's winter test centre in Arjeplog offers ideal conditions for testing and optimising suspension and drive systems. Here at the Arctic Circle, the BMW i3 is receiving the finishing touches on the home stretch of series development.


Vehicle testing in extreme sub-zero temperatures.
No other test drives present people and vehicles with similar challenges as the tests in winter conditions in northern Sweden. For BMW engineers, they have been part of the development programme for every new model for decades. On snow-covered roads and specially prepared ice surfaces, they form the foundation for the distinctive driving pleasure that BMW is known for. In the field of electronic control systems, for example: On smooth surfaces with low coefficients of friction, the development team tests and analyses under precisely reproducible conditions - and thus develops optimal coordination.
Innovative technology as a prerequisite for a technological quantum leap for driving dynamics.
As a consequence of comprehensive trials in freezing conditions, the new BMW i3 establishes new benchmarks in driving dynamics on icy roads, featuring light-footed propulsion and smooth yet accurately controlled handling. To achieve this, the essential requirement is a powerful drive and vehicle dynamics control system featuring the Heart of Joy and the BMW Dynamic Performance Control software developed in-house. An extremely responsive combination that pushes the previous limits of electric mobility. The BMW i3 harnesses the unprecedented potential of this drive technology. An impressive figure underlines the technological quantum leap: The Heart of Joy’s responses in the new BMW i3 are ten times faster than previous systems. It is responsible for drive, braking, some steering functions and recuperation.


Soft-Stop ensures exceptionally smooth stopping performance.
Only electric motors can process and execute the lightning-fast commands of the Heart of Joy. They thus enable superior driving stability paired with agility and comfort. The new BMW i3's steering stands out for its supreme precision and effortless handling, crucial for ensuring a sense of assurance. The Heart of Joy reduces the number of necessary control interventions from assistance systems, making cornering behaviour even more consistent and reproducible.
The BMW i3 remains effortlessly controllable even when approaching the limits. Thanks to the Heart of Joy's precise control processes, the high driving stability also delivers improved efficiency through maximum energy recuperation, even when cornering. The new BMW i3’s Soft-Stop function sets another milestone: With precise control of the electric motors, it delivers the smoothest stopping process in the BMW 3 Series' history, without any jerks or brake noises. “Sheer driving pleasure” redefined. |
| Shard | 61 (laksa) |
| Root Hash | 15526151219994192461 |
| Unparsed URL | com,bmwgroup!www,/en/news/general/2026/predrive-bmw-i3.html s443 |