BMW

The 2027 BMW i3 electric sedan follows the 2027 iX3 electric SUV into dealership showrooms, both models exemplifying the brand's Neue Klasse (New Class) design. The Neue Klasse approach is part of BMW's overhaul of its electric-vehicle (EV) lineup, and the i3 and iX3 are the first vehicles to display it. The i3 electric car's look hearkens back to BMWs of the 1960s, as interpreted through a modern lens. This new EV also significantly improves on the efficiency and range of BMW's current electric four-door offerings.

BMW

Is the 2027 BMW i3 a Good Electric Vehicle?

Judged by its specs, the new BMW i3 offers a compelling EV alternative for luxury-sedan buyers seeking to make the switch from gas-only power to battery-only power. It also features styling that is distinct enough from the traditional BMW 3 Series to carve out its own identity in the showroom. There are few luxury four-door EVs at the i3's expected price point (predicted to start around $50,000), with just the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and BMW's own i4 currently in play. This may help the i3 connect with curious customers.

BMW

2027 BMW i3 50 xDrive Specs

At launch, the BMW i3 will be offered in 50 xDrive trim, which uses a pair of electric motors — one at each axle — to produce 463 horsepower and 476 pound-feet of torque in an all-wheel-drive configuration. The electric drivetrain has an 800-volt architecture, with the primary drive motor featuring an electrically excited synchronous motor design. This is more efficient than a permanent magnet-type motor.

BMW

2027 BMW i3 Range

Thanks in part to its next-generation eDrive technology, the i3 offers 30% greater range than BMW's existing electric vehicles, according to the automaker. BMW said that it used tests similar to those employed by the EPA to determine that the i3 M50 xDrive model should offer up to 440 miles of driving range. This represents more than 100 additional miles of driving range, compared with the most efficient version of the BMW i4.

BMW

2027 BMW i3 Bidirectional Charging Capability

The BMW i3 offers three different bidirectional charging modes that help expand its practicality beyond mere driving. In vehicle-to-load mode, it can transfer energy from its battery pack to any electrical device up to 3.7 kilowatts (kW), making it useful while camping or tailgating. Vehicle-to-home mode allows the i3 to plug in to an electrical panel and serve as a battery backup for your house. Expanding on that concept is vehicle-to-grid mode, which can send power from the vehicle's battery to the electrical grid.

BMW

2027 BMW i3 Charging Speed

Both the BMW i3 sedan and the BMW iX3 SUV feature a North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, which lets them plug into Tesla's Supercharger network without an adapter. However, you can use an adapter to access other types of plugs. Charging speeds for the Neue Klasse models are estimated to top out at 400 kW, allowing the battery to go from a 10% charge to 80% in about 21 minutes.

BMW

2027 BMW i3 Symbiotic Drive Safety Tech

BMW highlights several Level 2 semi-autonomous driving systems as part of its Symbiotic Drive collection of advanced driver-assistance features for the i3. These include Driving Assistant Plus, which centers the sedan in its lane while using adaptive cruise control to maintain a safe distance from traffic ahead. Driving Assistant Plus offers both hands-on and hands-free driving modes on the highway.

BMW

2027 BMW i3 Infotainment System

The 2027 i3 makes use of the automaker's Panoramic iDrive infotainment system. A 17.9-inch parallelogram center display is the focus of the vehicle's communications, entertainment, and information systems (BMW calls it a free-cut display). It's also possible to drag widgets from this screen to the Panoramic Vision display that stretches across the dashboard at the base of the windshield.

BMW

2027 BMW i3 Interior

The BMW i3's Panoramic Vision display helps create an open cockpit with plenty of room directly ahead of the driver, as well as at the center of the cabin, where a large cut-out storage area sits under the center console. The steering wheel features dramatic metallic accents just above and below the grip cutouts on either side, while the console lacks BMW's familiar iDrive rotary controller.

BMW

2027 BMW i3 Cargo Space

The BMW i3 is a sedan, which means it lacks the cargo functionality of a hatchback. Nevertheless, it does offer a three-way folding rear seat that allows owners to transport longer items by expanding the trunk into the passenger compartment. It also comes with an underhood front trunk (frunk) that expands cargo capacity.

Benjamin Hunting

Nearly two decades into his career as an automotive journalist, Benjamin has had his hands greasy, his hair blown back, and his heart broken by more than one project car. In addition to his work at Capital One, he has contributed features and reviews to Motor Trend, Car and Driver, Hagerty, Driving Line, Inside Hook, Super Street, European Car, Roadkill Magazine, Motor 1, The Drive, the Toronto Star, the National Post, Business Insider, NAPA, Autoblog, Automotive News Canada, and AutoGuide. He is also cohost of the Unnamed Automotive Podcast and cocreator of the Code 45 and Dead Air graphic novels. In his spare time, he's a friend to vinyl and enjoys keeping the shiny side up during track days.