The second car built on the innovative Neue Klasse architecture has been teased, and BMW has confirmed that the new i3, or electric 3 Series, will debut on March 18. In a post shared to Instagram, the German automaker has confirmed that the new i3 will have an illuminated front-end, with LEDs framing the face of the electric sedan. While the first Neue Klasse product, the BMW iX3, has narrow, vertically-aligned 'kidneys', the i3 will have horizontal kidneys between its headlights, helping set the sedan apart from its similarly underpinned crossover. But as BMW's contemporary cars show, looks matter little. What can we expect under the skin?
2027 BMW i3: Loads of Range and Plenty of Power
To begin with, the new i3 range is expected to be offered in 50 xDrive flavor, mirroring the iX3. Although yet to be confirmed, we assume that the same dual-motor setup will carry over to the sedan, offering 464 horsepower and 479 lb-ft. We also expect the iX3's 108kWh nickel manganese-cobalt battery to carry over, though the sedan's lower stance and more aerodynamic shape are expected to contribute to greater range (the iX3's 800-volt architecture delivers 500 miles from a single charge and enables charging speeds of up to 400kW). These figures will be closely matched by the first electric Mercedes-Benz C-Class, which has already been teased.
Later down the line, lesser i3 trims will be offered, as will a range-topping electric M3 with as much as 800 hp. BMW has already begun manufacturing pre-production models at its plant in Munich in preparation for full production in the second half of 2026, so the i3 should go on sale here before the end of 2026. When it arrives, buyers will have plenty of choices.
Several BMW i3 Options Have Already Leaked
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According to a reliable insider on the BimmerPost forum, both the i3 and its 3 Series gas-powered sibling will have several color options, though the latter will have more. The i3 is reportedly going to be offered in Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Brooklyn Grey, Space Silver, and Le Castellet Blue, while the gas 3er will get the same choice plus Mineral White, Fire/Vegas Red, Polarized Grey, Ocean Wave Blue, and Eucalyptus Green. Inside, buyers will reportedly be able to choose from grey, green, white, and black themes. Expect the combustion 3 Series to arrive shortly after the i3, likely in the summer. Elsewhere, a leak on the BMW USA online shop revealed that the German automaker will reveal a mild-hybrid M350, a new iX4 crossover, the new X5, and a revised 7 Series. All of these are expected to hit dealer floors by the end of the year, along with an all-wheel-drive M2.
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