MSRP: From ~$53,000 (50 xDrive)
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Overview
The all-new 2027 BMW i3 is a compact luxury electric sedan and the second BMW Neue Klasse model, after the iX3. It’s the electric counterpart to the gas-powered 3 Series, just as the i5 and i7 are for the 5 and 7 Series, and has nothing to do with the quirky little electric hatchback produced from 2013 that was also called i3. The 2027 i3 runs on BMW’s new 800V electrical architecture and launches as a single 50 xDrive trim for now, with 463 horsepower and a claimed 440-mile range. It targets performance-minded buyers who want a sporting electric sedan with real range.
BMW
What’s New for 2027
The i3 is all-new and is BMW’s most significant electric sedan in years, being based on the brand-new 800V electrical architecture and Gen6 eDrive technology already seen on the iX3, and enabling headline figures of 400-kW DC fast charging and a maximum range of 440 miles for the launch model.
BMW’s Heart of Joy control system integrates powertrain, braking, and dynamics to ensure the signature BMW driving experience, alongside BMW Symbiotic Drive driving assists. The cabin gets the full-width BMW Panoramic Vision display beneath the windshield and the new BMW Operating System X. It also comes with an NACS charge port, giving it access to Tesla’s Supercharger network, as well as bidirectional charging ability.
BMW
Exterior
Far from the controversial tall grille interpretations of some recent BMWs, the Neue Klasse i3 gets a clean, athletic design that integrates the kidney grille and LED headlights into an expressive horizontal unit. Long horizontal LED taillights echo this theme in the rear. The proportions are lean, the wheel arches bulge subtly, and the profile presents a planted stance that should appeal to sports-sedan buyers. It’s 1-2 inches larger in all directions, on a 114.2-inch wheelbase.
BMW
BMW
Interior
The ultra-modern cabin places a full-width BMW Panoramic Vision display that serves as a gauge cluster and information display just beneath the windshield, while the center touchscreen (which is reported to measure 17.9 inches) leans toward the driver and runs BMW Operating System X, which promises a more intuitive and personalized experience.
The minimalist dashboard design incorporates configurable ambient lighting and slim, hidden air vents, while available cabin themes include a black BMW M design with Veganza/M PerformTex upholstery, a Bicolor Digital White theme, and a BMW Individual Merino leather option. Cabin space is expected to easily eclipse that of the current 3 Series, thanks to the flat floor and larger dimensions.
Price Range and Best Value Trim
The 2027 BMW i3’s price has not been released yet, but the sole initial 50 xDrive trim is expected to cost just over $50K.
| Trim | Price |
| Base trim: i3 50 xDrive | ~53,000 |
| Top trim: Not yet announced | Not available |
| Best value trim: To be determined | Not yet announced |
Industry observers expect a starting price of between $50,000 and $55,000, competing with the similarly sized Mercedes-Benz CLA EV and Tesla Model 3.
2027 BMW i3 Specs Overview
We have compiled the specs below from BMW’s official figures and widely reported, currently available details from third-party sources.
Powertrain and Battery Options
| Powertrain type | System horsepower | Torque | Battery capacity (kWh) | Drivetrain |
| Dual electric motors (800V) | 463 | 476 lb-ft | ~109 (usable) | xDrive AWD |
Range and Efficiency (MPGe / MPG / Electric Range)
No claimed MPGe figures or official EPA-certified figures were available at the time of writing, but BMW claims an estimated range of 440 miles on a full charge for the i3 50 xDrive, which beats everything in this class, including the Tesla Model 3.
Charging
The 800V electrical architecture is responsible for a class-leading 400-kW maximum DC charging speed, assuming you can find such a charger, and a native NACS port means you can charge at any Tesla Supercharger. You get CCS compatibility via an adapter. Reportedly, U.S. i3s will get a 15.4-kW AC charger. The i3 supports bidirectional charging, so you’ll be able to use it as a mobile power bank.
Performance and 0-60 MPH
No performance claims were available at the time of writing, but the iX3 with the same 463-hp powertrain sprints to 60 MPH in 4.7 seconds, so we expect the i3 50 xDrive, which is nearly 200 pounds lighter, to be capable of around 4.5 seconds. The dual-motor xDrive ensures unshakable grip, and the Heart of Joy system should integrate all systems to provide the kind of driving pleasure we’d expect from an electric 3 Series.
BMW
Dimensions
The i3 is similar in footprint to the gas 3 Series, but BMW says it’s slightly larger, so our estimates below are based on how much bigger it’s been reported to be than the 3 Series.
| Dimension | Measurement |
| Length | ~187.5 in |
| Width | ~73.4 in |
| Height | ~58.4 in |
| Wheelbase | ~114.2 in |
Interior Space (Front and Rear)
No official interior dimensions were available at the time of writing, but the slightly larger size, longer wheelbase, and flat floor should ensure that it beats the gas 3 Series.
| Measurement | Detail |
| Seating capacity | 5 |
| Detailed dimensions | Not published by BMW |
Cargo Space
The i3 is a traditional 3-box sedan, not a hatchback, but preliminary reports point to a roomy cargo hold of around 18.3 cu-ft, which is bigger than the outgoing gas 3 Series’ 16.9 cu-ft. The rear seats fold to expand cargo space. There is also a 1.1-cu-ft frunk.
BMW
BMW
BMW
Ground Clearance
Though official numbers have not been published, existing data indicate that the i3’s ground clearance will be somewhere between 5.5 and 6 inches – typical for a sedan, and not suitable for much more than good paved roads.
Warranty
Warranty coverage is expected to match that of the new iX3:
| Coverage | Term |
| Limited warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| Powertrain warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| High-voltage battery | 8 years / 100,000 miles |
| BMW Ultimate Care (complimentary maintenance) | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Class-leading estimated range up to 440 miles
- Ultra-fast 400-kW charging
- Standard NACS port
- 463-hp dual-motor performance
- Sharp Neue Klasse design and tech
Cons:
- Pricing not yet announced
- Range and power are preliminary estimates, not EPA-certified
- Dimensions unconfirmed
Verdict
The 2027 BMW i3 seems set to catapult right to the top of the class based on its impressive headline figures of 400-kW charging capability and a 440-mile range. The compact luxury segment built BMW’s reputation, and with this electric 3 Series, BMW wants to remain the benchmark in the compact sports sedan space – the electric segment included.
It’s expensive for now, with just a high-performance 50 xDrive trim initially available, and we don’t know the final price or performance and EPA figures yet, but we can make estimated guesses, and nothing seems to be a deal-breaker, however it pans out. The i3 will likely emerge as the go-to compact electric sedan.
BMW
Competitors
- Mercedes-Benz CLA EV
- Tesla Model 3
- Lexus ES EV
About the author
Cobus F. Potgieter
Reviews and Features Editor