BMW’s revamped i3 boasts up to 468 miles of range

BMW disclosed detailed specs and pricing for its reimagined all-electric i3 sedan, announcing a U.S. launch in the first quarter of 2027. The base i3 50 xDrive will start at $61,500 (plus a $1,350 destination fee), offer an EPA-estimated range of about 468 miles, and deliver 463 horsepower from a dual-motor setup.

By AI Newsroom· Reviewed by Pranav, Founder & Editor-in-ChiefPublished about 2 hours agoUpdated about 2 hours ago0 views

BMW’s revamped i3 boasts up to 468 miles of range

Why It Matters

These details place the new i3 squarely in the compact luxury sedan segment on price and promise an unusually long EPA range for the class, which could affect competition among established EV makers. BMW's battery, charging, and software features also show the company's push to differentiate on range, integration, and in-car AI capabilities.

Key Facts

U.S. launch: First quarter of 2027
Starting price: $61,500 (plus $1,350 destination fee) for the 2027 i3 50 xDrive
EPA-estimated range: Approximately 468 miles
Total power: 463 horsepower and 476 lb-ft of torque
Motor configuration: Rear EESM: 322 hp, 321 lb-ft; Front asynchronous motor: 165 hp, 188 lb-ft

BMW has revealed pricing, range, and technical details for its redesigned i3 sedan, which is built on the automaker's Neue Klasse platform. The company said the 2027 i3 50 xDrive will start at $61,500, plus a $1,350 destination charge, and will arrive in the U.S. in the first quarter of 2027.

The i3 uses a dual-motor all-wheel-drive layout. BMW described an electrically excited synchronous motor (EESM) on the rear axle producing 322 horsepower and 321 lb-ft of torque, paired with an asynchronous front motor rated at 165 hp and 188 lb-ft, giving a combined output of 463 hp and 476 lb-ft. BMW also highlighted that the EESM avoids permanent magnets and is driven by an inverter that converts battery DC into AC while regulating motor electromagnets.

Range and battery details were among the most anticipated data points. BMW quotes an EPA-based estimated range of about 468 miles for the i3. The company did not disclose the battery’s kilowatt-hour capacity but confirmed the car uses its “Gen6” high-voltage battery made from cylindrical lithium-ion cells (46 mm diameter by 95 mm height). BMW says these new cells provide roughly a 20 percent energy-density improvement versus the Gen5 prismatic cells.

The i3 includes several charging and software features: bidirectional charging with vehicle-to-load and vehicle-to-home capability, an intelligent charging flap that opens at known charging locations, and Plug & Charge support across 10 providers. The interior replaces a conventional gauge cluster with a heads-up style windshield projection and a 17.9-inch central touchscreen that supports drag-and-drop widgets and passenger customization. BMW will integrate an AI-enabled version of Amazon Alexa for conversational controls, and the infotainment runs on an Android-based platform with over-the-air updates. A higher-performance i3 M60 xDrive variant with M-specific styling and 21-inch aero wheels is planned for 2027, with pricing still to be announced.