BMW looks set to electrify its volume selling 3-Series sedan as pressure mounts to counter Tesla.

Numerous reports out of Europe suggest the Bavarian auto maker is readying an all-electric version of its popular four-door.

BMW has a history of electric vehicles with its stand-alone i3 and i8, along with plans for an all-electric version of the upcoming third-generation X3 SUV that was recently revealed.

According to German publication Handelsblatt the potential success of the upcoming Tesla Model 3 - which would compete directly with a 3-Series sized EV - has forced the decision. Tesla allegedly has received 400,000 pre-orders for the Model 3.

This move follows the recent reports that the brand had axed its i5 electric sedan, which was going to be built on unique underpinnings similar to how the i3 and i8 are produced, and instead is focusing on electrifying existing platforms to keep costs down.

BMW plans for all-electric models to become a staple of its future line-ups with an electric version of the X3 to also join the 3-Series in the future.

This all follows on from BMW's CEO, Harald Krueger, who earlier this year at the company's annual general meeting wanted create electric, plug-in hybrid and traditional combustion vehicle for each model series.

The 3-Series EV is due to arrive with the next-generation, with BMW aiming to offer about 400 kilometres of range.

The new 3-Series is expected to break cover at the 2017 Frankfurt motor show later this year, with production for regular models to commence the following year and EV and plug-in hybrid models closer to 2020.

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