BMW i3 Returns as EV Sedan: $61,500, 468-Mile Range

BMW has announced that the 2027 i3 50 xDrive will start at $61,500, plus a $1,350 destination fee. The revamped electric sedan will launch in the US in the first quarter of 2027, the company confirmed.

The i3 pairs a rear electrically excited synchronous motor making 322 horsepower and 321 lb-ft of torque with a front asynchronous motor producing 165 hp and 188 lb-ft. Combined output is 463 hp and 476 lb-ft. BMW says the EPA-estimated range is up to 468 miles.

The car uses BMW's Gen6 high-voltage battery with cylindrical lithium-ion cells measuring 46 mm in diameter and 95 mm in height. BMW says the new cell format delivers a 20 percent increase in energy density over its Gen5 prismatic cells. The i3 also supports bidirectional charging with vehicle-to-load and vehicle-to-home capabilities, an intelligent charging flap, and Plug & Charge at 10 charging providers.

Inside, the iDrive infotainment system runs on a 17.9-inch central touchscreen, paired with a windshield heads-up display that BMW says stays visible even with polarized sunglasses. BMW is also integrating Amazon's AI-powered Alexa into the i3.

A performance variant, the i3 M60 xDrive, was announced alongside the 50 xDrive, featuring M-specific lights and graphics and 21-inch Style 1067M aerodynamic wheels.

Long road back to the i3 name

When BMW first announced it was reimagining the i3 as an all-electric four-door sedan on its Neue Klasse platform, it did not disclose battery capacity, range, or price. In March, BMW had not confirmed a US launch date, and a starting price around $60,000 was only guessed. At that time, an estimated battery range of around 440 miles was reported. BMW has been seeking to add the new AI-powered version of Alexa to its cars since 2022, delayed by Amazon's development cycle, as reported by theverge.com.