BMW is engaged on introducing a brand new 3 Collection that may embody a standalone electrical automobile referred to as the i3, alongside the usual ICE and plug-in hybrid fashions. And in contrast to the oddball carbon-fiber hatchback that was as soon as recognized by that title, the next-generation electrical i3 is ready to be an out-and-out sedan.
It will likely be constructed on the long-awaited Neue Klasse dedicated EV platform, and is slated to enter manufacturing on the automaker’s Munich facility in July 2026, paving the best way for an early 2027 debut.
The 2027 BMW i3, code-named NA0, will likely be constructed with the corporate’s newest motor and battery know-how. The sedan will likely be obtainable in a variety of trim ranges, together with the efficiency flagship i3 M60 xDrive, in addition to the i3 20, i3 40, i3 40 xDrive, i3 50, and i3 50 xDrive. All of this means that BMW would possibly simply be gearing as much as seize a large portion of the premium electrical sedan market, doubtlessly coming for the Tesla Model 3.
BMW
This data comes from the extremely dependable Bimmerpost discussion board, and curiously, the manufacturing schedules, together with anticipated grades and choices for the i3 and iM3, tie in with what BMW has beforehand revealed.
Out of all of the trims, it’s the i3 M60 xDrive, which is predicted to go toe to toe with the Tesla Mannequin 3 Efficiency. It can seemingly produce as much as 630 horsepower, considerably greater than the 510 horsepower of the Mannequin 3 Efficiency, however just like the Tesla mannequin, the brand new automobile will characteristic dual-motor all-wheel-drive methods. Focusing on Tesla’s rear-wheel-drive and Lengthy Vary all-wheel-drive fashions, decrease trims just like the i3 40 and i3 50 will seemingly be higher suited to extra environment friendly every day driving.
Talking of which, out goes the Gen5 tech stack, with BMW’s Gen6 battery seemingly coming in on the sedan, offering increased effectivity and energy density. It makes use of cylindrical cells, surpassing the present Gen5 pouch cells in power density by 20%, rising vary by 25% whereas decreasing weight and cooling necessities. With a spread of 560 miles (900 km) in keeping with the WLTP cycle, the i3 50 will seemingly outperform the 360-mile (580-km) WLTP vary of the Tesla Mannequin 3 Lengthy Vary.
In distinction, Tesla employs a mixture of NCA/NMC (for Efficiency and Lengthy Vary) and LFP (for base fashions) battery chemistries. Though Tesla’s effectivity in the true world remains to be outstanding, BMW’s Gen6 packs appear to be they could possibly be the benchmark for premium EVs in 2027.
BMW
As for charging up, you’d be capable to add as much as 217 miles (350 km) of WLTP vary in simply 10 minutes due to help for 300–400-kW DC quick charging. Examine that to the Tesla Mannequin 3, which, underneath perfect circumstances, can juice up by about 175 miles (280 km) in a 15-minute cease, owing to a most capability of 250 kW on its community of Superchargers. Now that could be a huge, huge distinction.
Compatibility with Tesla’s Supercharger-Netz is kind of assured by BMW’s adoption of the North American Charging Commonplace (NACS) connector for its Neue Klasse automobiles, together with the i3. This ranges the enjoying discipline, giving EV customers extra freedom and entry to greater than 12,000 Supercharger stations nationwide along with different public charging decisions.
BMW
Now, most significantly, what’s it going to value? Based mostly on present i3 fashions, I can see the i3 being priced competitively within the premium sedan section, seemingly beginning round US$50,000 based mostly on present i3 fashions. That’s simply me speculating although. But when that occurs to be the case, it would draw Tesla prospects on the lookout for German engineering and an extended vary. The enchantment of EVs could additional enhance with regulatory developments that encourage their adoption, corresponding to $7,500 in US tax credit.
However that is to not say BMW is within the clear. There’s nonetheless a number of work to be achieved. The usual set by Tesla’s software program ecosystem, which incorporates autonomous driving capabilities and over-the-air updates, is bar none. BMW would wish to supply a well-designed person interface and cutting-edge driver-assistance applied sciences to compete. And naturally, the automobile needs to be priced proper too.
Through Bimmerpost
