The 2027 BMW i3 is the first fully electric BMW 3 Series and the second Neue Klasse model, following the iX3. It pairs the proportions and driver focus of a classic 3 Series with sixth-generation eDrive technology, an 800V electrical system, and an estimated range of up to 468 miles. The i3 50 xDrive launches first, and the M Performance i3 M60 xDrive follows later in 2027.
In this post, we're focused on the all-electric i3 3 Series model. To learn about the entire Neue Klasse 3 Series lineup, click below.
Overview
Overview
Range and Charging:
The i3 50 xDrive offers an estimated 446-468 miles of range, DC fast charging at up to 400 kW, and a 10-80 percent charge in as little as 21 minutes at maximum charge rate.
Performance:
The i3 50 xDrive makes 463 horsepower and reaches 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, while the i3 M60 xDrive adds M eDrive technology and M Performance styling and driving modes.
Price and Timing:
The i3 50 xDrive starts at $61,500 plus $1,350 destination and handling, with deliveries beginning in the first quarter of 2027. The M60 xDrive arrives later in 2027.
i3 50 xDrive Power and Performance
An electric motor sits at each axle. The rear axle uses an electrically excited synchronous motor making 322 horsepower and 321 lb-ft, and the front axle uses an asynchronous motor making 165 horsepower and 188 lb-ft. Together they produce 463 horsepower, available in Sport mode, and 476 lb-ft of torque. BMW says the motor combination cuts energy losses by 40 percent compared with the previous generation.
The Heart of Joy computer coordinates the drive system, brakes, steering subfunctions, and recuperation up to ten times faster than previous systems. A flat battery lowers the center of gravity. Soft Stop uses recuperative braking to bring the car to a smooth, quiet halt, and in everyday driving the conventional brakes are rarely needed. Adaptive M Suspension and sport steering are available through the M Sport package.
The Heart of Joy computer coordinates the drive system, brakes, steering subfunctions, and recuperation up to ten times faster than previous systems. A flat battery lowers the center of gravity, and the standard chassis pairs lift-related dampers with a double-joint spring-strut front axle and a new five-link rear axle. Soft Stop uses recuperative braking to bring the car to a smooth, quiet halt, and in everyday driving the conventional brakes are rarely needed. Adaptive M Suspension and sport steering are available on the 50 xDrive through the M Sport package.
Range, Battery, and Charging
BMW’s preliminary estimate for the i3 50 xDrive is 446-468 miles of range, based on EPA test procedures, and actual range varies with conditions. The Gen6 battery uses cylindrical cells with 20 percent greater volumetric energy density than the previous cell format, built into a cell-to-pack design that reduces weight and cost. BMW also covers the high-voltage battery with an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty.
The 800V system supports DC fast charging at up to 400 kW through a standard NACS charge port, which gives access to Tesla Superchargers, and an included adapter keeps CCS stations available. At maximum charge rate, a 10-80 percent charge takes 21 minutes. The intelligent charging flap opens automatically, and Plug & Charge authenticates you at compatible stations, including IONNA. For home charging, the included Multifunction Charger plugs into a standard 120V or 240V outlet, and the BMW Wallbox Plus offers faster Level 2 charging. Bidirectional charging lets the i3 power devices through Vehicle-to-Load, up to 3.7 kW, or serve as backup power through Vehicle-to-Home, with adapters required.
Exterior Design
The i3 is instantly recognizable as a 3 Series. A 2.5-box silhouette, long wheelbase, short overhangs, and a set-back greenhouse give it classic sport-sedan proportions, while boldly flared wheel arches emphasize its wide stance. A low character line visually lowers the car’s center of gravity, and concealed window seals create clean transitions between the glass and body. The i3 measures 187.4 inches long, 73.4 inches wide, and 58.3 inches tall on a 114.1-inch wheelbase, slightly longer between the axles than the gasoline 3 Series models.
The front end presents the Neue Klasse face: the kidney grille, twin headlights, and front sensors merge into a single unit, with a horizontal light signature that spans nearly the full width of the car. The available Iconic Glow package adds contour lighting to the kidneys and three selectable welcome animations: Balanced, Relaxed, and Excited. At the rear, horizontal taillights with a three-dimensional L-shaped signature extend into the sculpted shoulders, with a diffuser at the lower edge. Flush door handles extend automatically as you approach with BMW Digital Key Plus.
Standard wheels are 19-inch light alloys, and eight alloy and aerodynamic designs are available in sizes from 19 to 21 inches, including 21-inch Style 1067M aerodynamic wheels. Eleven exterior colors are offered at launch, including the exclusive Le Castellet Blue metallic. The optional M Sport package adds the M Aerodynamics package, a sports steering wheel, and the choice of blue calipers for the M Sport brakes, and the M Sport Professional package adds black mirror caps, a black rear spoiler, and red calipers. Practical touches include a front trunk that stores the charging cable and tire repair kit, and a charging port at the right rear with an automatic flap.
Interior Design
Inside, the i3 puts the driver at the center. A wraparound design flows from the doors into the instrument panel, and BMW Panoramic Vision projects driving information across the full width of the lower windshield, so there is no gauge cluster behind the wheel. The 17.9-inch free-cut Central Display, with matrix backlighting, is angled toward the driver, and the optional BMW 3D Head-Up Display adds spatial navigation and assistance graphics. The redesigned steering wheel has a central upper spoke for the first time in a 3 Series, along with pronounced thumb rests and Shy Tech controls that illuminate only when a function is available. An M Sport steering wheel is optional, and a white BMW Individual steering wheel is available with the Digital White interior.
A panoramic glass roof is standard, and heated front seats, electric seat adjustment with memory, a backrest-mounted Travel & Comfort System for rear passengers, two-zone automatic climate control, and a seven-speaker, 205-watt hi-fi system round out the standard comfort. Harman Kardon sound with Dolby Atmos is available. Optional multifunction seats add lumbar support, backrest-width adjustment, and a massage function with seven programs, and optional M Sport seats add pronounced side bolsters. Two USB-C ports in the rear console deliver up to 45 watts, and the front console includes an inductive charging tray with physical controls for the parking brake and hazard lights.
Three interior themes are offered. Contemporary uses Veganza seat coverings in Digital White, Castanea, Agave Green, or Black. The BMW M interior pairs Black Veganza with M PerformTex, and the BMW Individual interior offers exclusive Black Merino leather. Ambient lighting coordinates with the displays after dark, and the headliner and A-pillar textile are made from 100 percent recycled yarn.
Technology and Driver Assistance
BMW Operating System X can receive new functions and updates after purchase, and the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, enhanced with Alexa+ technology, responds to natural speech. Driving Assistant Plus and BMW Digital Key Plus are standard, and Highway Assist is available for attentive hands-free driving at up to 85 mph. BMW Maps plans routes with charging stops, and the battery automatically preconditions for faster charging when you route to a DC station.
The i3 M60 xDrive: The Electric M Performance 3 Series
The i3 M60 xDrive is the electric counterpart to the gasoline M350 xDrive. It joins the range in 2027, with production starting in early 2027, and it uses Gen6 M eDrive technology with two electric motors. As a Gen6 model, it shares the i3’s 800V architecture, cylindrical-cell battery, NACS charge port, and bidirectional charging. BMW hasn’t yet published horsepower, torque, range, charging figures, 0-60 time, or pricing for the M60 xDrive, so use the 50 xDrive’s figures as a baseline until it does.
What BMW has confirmed is how the M60 xDrive is set apart. The Heart of Joy computer works with BMW M Dynamic Performance Control to translate the M eDrive powertrain’s output into direct, precise responses, and paddles on the steering wheel let the driver influence drive response. Speed-dependent sound design and dynamic driving feedback add the emotional character expected of an M car. Like the M350 xDrive, it gets exclusive M Sport and M Sport Plus My Modes, a Boost button for an immediate power reserve, and available M In-Car Apps.
Visually, it has an M-specific front light graphic, optional M Yellow Lights inspired by GT racing, a slimmer and more linear rear-light graphic, and exclusive 21-inch Style 1067M aerodynamic wheels. The Iconic Glow kidney grille and M Sport package come standard. Inside, the M steering wheel and a Harman Kardon sound system are standard, and optional M Sport seats are available in an Adelaide Grey BMW Individual interior.
How It Compares
Compared with the gasoline 330 and 330 xDrive, the i3 adds 208 horsepower and gets to 60 mph 1.4 seconds quicker. Compared with the M350 xDrive, it trades 0.6 seconds of 0-60 time for a fully electric drivetrain. The M60 variant joins the range in 2027. Explore the full lineup in our full Neue Klasse BMW 3 Series guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the range of the 2027 BMW i3 50 xDrive?
What is the range of the 2027 BMW i3 50 xDrive?
BMW’s preliminary estimate is 446-468 miles, based on EPA test procedures.
How fast does the i3 50 xDrive charge?
How fast does the i3 50 xDrive charge?
It supports DC fast charging at up to 400 kW and charges from 10 to 80 percent in as little as 21 minutes at its maximum charge rate.
How much horsepower does the i3 50 xDrive have, and how fast is it?
How much horsepower does the i3 50 xDrive have, and how fast is it?
463 horsepower and 476 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds.
Does the i3 use a Tesla-style charge port?
Does the i3 use a Tesla-style charge port?
It has a standard NACS port with an included CCS adapter.
How much does the 2027 BMW i3 cost?
How much does the 2027 BMW i3 cost?
The i3 50 xDrive starts at $61,500 plus $1,350 destination and handling. Pricing for the i3 M60 xDrive hasn’t been announced.
When can I buy the i3?
When can I buy the i3?
2027 BMW i3 50 xDrive deliveries begin in the first quarter of 2027, and reservations are open now. The i3 M60 xDrive joins the range in 2027.
What are the specs of the i3 M60 xDrive?
What are the specs of the i3 M60 xDrive?
BMW has confirmed Gen6 M eDrive technology with two electric motors, but hasn’t announced horsepower, range, or pricing yet.