BMW i3

The 2027 BMW i3 is a full-size premium electric sedan built on BMW’s new Neue Klasse platform. It replaces the i4 and targets the Tesla Model 3 and Polestar 2 directly. This is the most technically ambitious electric sedan BMW has produced — not just an upgrade, but a ground-up redesign.

What Is the BMW i3 (2027)?

The BMW i3 is a four-door electric sports sedan made by BMW AG. It uses BMW’s sixth-generation eDrive technology and sits in the mid-range of BMW’s EV lineup — above the iX3 SUV in price, below the larger i5 sedan.

The i3 is the first Neue Klasse production vehicle in sedan form, which matters because it means no compromises from a shared combustion platform. Unlike the i4 and i5, which were adapted from modified combustion architectures, the i3 is purpose-built for electric from the ground up.

Compared to the outgoing 3 Series, the 2027 i3 is wider, longer, and taller — with meaningfully more rear passenger space.

Powertrain and Charging

The i3 50 xDrive launches with dual electric motors producing 463 hp and 476 lb-ft of torque, running on an 800-volt architecture with peak DC charging of up to 400 kW. CarsDirect

BMW’s provisional WLTP range figure stands at 559 miles — but this is unconfirmed pending final certification. BMW’s own internal testing, which mirrors EPA procedures, puts estimated range at approximately 440 miles. That figure is also unconfirmed until EPA sign-off. Speed:Sport:Life

AC charging is 11 kW standard, with 22 kW available as an option. A 10–80% DC fast charge takes roughly 30 to 40 minutes. At a 150 kW public rapid charger, the i3 can add around 100 miles in 15 minutes.

The i3 also supports bidirectional charging (V2L) and, in North America, comes with an NACS port — meaning owners can access the Tesla Supercharger network without an adapter.

RWD variants (i3 40 xDrive and a base i3 20) are expected but not yet confirmed with specs or pricing.

BMW i3 Price and Availability

European production begins in August 2026 at BMW’s Munich plant, with European deliveries starting in autumn 2026. US deliveries are confirmed for 2027.

US pricing has not been officially announced. Analyst estimates put the i3 50 xDrive between $50,000 and $55,000 — treat these as directional only until BMW USA confirms.

For African buyers: the BMW i3 is not confirmed for direct retail in Nigeria, Kenya, or South Africa at launch. Grey-market import pricing via European or UAE dealers will carry significant landed-cost premiums on top of any published MSRP.

Who Is the BMW i3 For?

The i3 suits premium-segment buyers who want class-leading range and fast charging in a sports sedan — particularly those currently cross-shopping a Tesla Model 3 Long Range or Polestar 2.

Within BMW’s own range, the i3 slots above the iX3 (its Neue Klasse SUV sibling) and below the larger i5. External rivals include the Tesla Model 3 Performance and the Polestar 2 Long Range. The closest direct comparison by spec and price is the Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD.

BMW i3 Images

BMW i3

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Full Specifications