Key Points
- The 2027 BMW i3 has a 900km WLTP range, making it Australia's longest-range EV.
- It uses a 108.7kWh battery and dual motors producing 345kW and 645Nm.
- Australian deliveries start in early 2027, with pricing expected from around $100,000.
What Is the BMW i3?
The BMW i3 is the first fully electric 3 Series. It is the second model in BMW's Neue Klasse generation, following the iX3 SUV. It rides on a dedicated electric platform built for both cars.
The i3 name was previously used on BMW's electric city hatchback, discontinued in 2022. It has also been used on an electric 3 Series sold in China. This new model is a global car and will replace the current i4 liftback, which ends production in early 2027.
Design
The i3 uses BMW's latest design language, shared with the iX3. It has smoother surfaces, shorter overhangs, and LED lighting in place of chrome.
The front kidney grilles are replaced by wide black panels with four bands of light: two rings around the headlights and two lines where air intakes would normally sit. BMW says the front angle draws from the 1980s E21 and E30 generations, while the rear wheel arch lines reference the 1990s E36.
At 4760mm long, 1865mm wide, 1480mm tall with a 2897mm wheelbase, the i3 is about 50mm longer and wider, and 40mm taller than the current petrol 3 Series.
Interior and Technology
Inside, the i3 features a 43.3-inch Panoramic iDrive display that stretches across the base of the windscreen. It projects key data including speed, range, navigation, and media onto a black panel.
A 17.9-inch touchscreen sits closer to the driver, tilted three degrees, and runs Operating System X with customisable QuickSelect shortcuts. Air conditioning is controlled through the screen. Physical controls include indicator and wiper stalks, window and mirror switches, a volume dial, and a gear toggle.
Built-in features include over-the-air updates, Spotify, AirConsole gaming, and Zoom calls while stationary. A ConnectedDrive store lets buyers unlock extras like a 360-degree camera after delivery. Amazon Alexa+ is integrated into the voice assistant.
Buyers can choose between four-spoke and two-spoke steering wheels with Shy Tech backlit touch controls. Seat options include standard and M Sport fronts, with fabric, Vegana leather-look, or Merino leather upholstery.
Battery, Range and Charging
The i3 50 xDrive uses a 108.7kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt battery. WLTP range is rated at 900km, more than double the 448km of the current i4 eDrive35.
Battery cells are 20 per cent more energy dense than earlier BMW EVs and are mounted directly to the pack to save space. New motors are 10 per cent lighter, 40 per cent more efficient, and 20 per cent cheaper to build.
The i3 charges at up to 400kW DC, adding up to 400km of range in 10 minutes. AC charging is available at up to 22kW. The current i4 eDrive35 charges at up to 180kW and takes 32 minutes from 10 to 80 per cent.
Vehicle-to-load lets the i3 supply up to 3.7kW to external devices. Vehicle-to-home and vehicle-to-grid functions are also available, with local details to be confirmed.
BMW i3 vs i4: Key Comparison
2027 BMW i3 50 xDrive | 2025 BMW i4 eDrive35 | |
Starting Price | ~$100,000 (est.) | $91,900 |
Battery | 108.7kWh | 66.4kWh |
WLTP Range | 900km | 448km |
DC Charge Speed | 400kW | 180kW |
Performance
The i3 50 xDrive has two electric motors producing 345kW and 645Nm combined. BMW expects 0-100km/h in under five seconds.
The Heart of Joy computer manages motors, brakes, energy recovery, and steering. It reacts 10 times faster than previous systems. Regenerative braking handles almost all stopping in normal driving, with the car coming to a halt smoothly and quietly.
The lane-keep assist monitors the driver's eyes and steering inputs, only stepping in when the car is genuinely drifting unintentionally.
Standard Equipment
BMW has not yet confirmed full specification details for Australia. Based on the global reveal, the i3 50 xDrive is expected to include:
- 43.3-inch Panoramic iDrive display
- 17.9-inch touchscreen with Operating System X
- Amazon Alexa+ voice assistant
- Over-the-air software updates
- Spotify, AirConsole, and Zoom integration
- 800V charging architecture
- Vehicle-to-load (3.7kW)
- Wireless phone charging
- Three-zone climate control
- Glass roof
- Ambient lighting
- 21-inch wheels
Platform and Manufacturing
The i3 shares its dedicated EV platform with the iX3. The platform runs at 800 volts for faster charging and better efficiency. Four high-power electrical zones replace thousands of small computer modules, saving weight and wiring cost.
The i3 is built at BMW's Munich plant, which has been undergoing major upgrades over the past four years. Production starts in August 2026. By 2027, the Munich plant will build only Neue Klasse electric vehicles.
Australia Pricing and Availability
The i3 arrives in Australia in early 2027, initially in i3 50 xDrive dual-motor all-wheel-drive form. Pricing has not been confirmed. Using the iX3 50 xDrive at $109,900 as a guide, expect a starting price of around $100,000.
A cheaper single-motor variant below the $91,387 Luxury Car Tax threshold is likely at a later date. Full pricing and specification details will be announced closer to launch.
About the author
Danny Thai
Danny is a consultant and entrepreneur working at the cutting edge of the electric vehicle and energy transition. He is passionate about educating and helping consumers make better decisions through data.
Stay up to date with the latest EV news
- Get the latest news and update
- New EV model releases
- Get money savings-deal
