BMW is getting ready to bring back the i3 name, but this time, it will be very different from the small electric car we remember. The 2027 BMW i3 is expected to arrive as a fully electric sports sedan, and new renderings give us a clear idea of what it may look like.
While BMW has not officially revealed the car yet, test prototypes have already been spotted on the road. These prototypes show that the new i3 will be closely related to the next-generation BMW 3 Series, but with electric power instead of a gasoline engine.
A Big Change From the Original BMW i3
If you remember the original BMW i3, it was sold between 2013 and 2022. That car was a small five-door hatchback with a unique design that stood out from everything else on the road. It even offered a small gas engine as a range extender in some markets.
The new i3 will have nothing in common with that model. Instead of being a quirky city car, the upcoming i3 will be a sleek electric sedan, designed to compete with modern EVs in the premium segment.
Based on BMW’s New Design Direction
The 2027 BMW i3 will use BMW’s latest Neue Klasse design language, which will also appear on future gasoline and electric models. When comparing the electric i3 with the gas-powered 3 Series, there are clear differences.
The gasoline version has a large lower air intake for cooling, while the i3’s front end is more closed off, which is typical for electric cars. The roofline is also different, with the i3 appearing flatter, while the regular 3 Series slopes slightly toward the rear.
Other small details, such as different window shapes, rear quarter glass, and charging port placement, show that these cars are not just the same model with different engines. They are built with different technologies in mind.
Interior Will Be High-Tech and Minimal
Inside the cabin, the new BMW i3 is expected to look very similar to other upcoming BMW electric models. Reports suggest it will feature:
- A new-style steering wheel
- A freestanding central screen
- A wide pillar-to-pillar digital display running along the base of the windshield
This setup is already seen in the new BMW iX3, which means BMW is aiming for a clean, futuristic interior focused on technology and driver comfort.
Electric Power Inspired by the BMW iX3
When it comes to performance, the 2027 BMW i3 may borrow technology from the electric BMW iX3. That SUV uses a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system producing up to 463 horsepower and 476 lb-ft of torque.
With that setup, the iX3 can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in under five seconds and reach a top speed of 130 mph. It also offers an impressive WLTP range of up to 500 miles, thanks to a large 108.7 kWh battery. Fast charging allows the battery to go from 10% to 80% in about 21 minutes.
If similar powertrains are used in the i3 sedan, it could become one of the most exciting electric cars in its class. See more Photos
Renderings Show a Familiar Yet Modern Look
The new renderings, created by Kolesa, are based on real BMW test cars. Because of this, they are believed to be very close to the final design. The result is a car that looks modern, sporty, and clearly BMW, even if it doesn’t feel completely revolutionary.
At first glance, the design feels familiar, but that may be exactly what BMW wants: a car that attracts traditional 3 Series fans while gently pushing them toward electric driving.
Final Thoughts
The 2027 BMW i3 marks a major shift for the brand. It keeps the famous i3 name but completely redefines what it stands for. Instead of a small city EV, it will be a proper electric sports sedan, packed with technology, strong performance, and long driving range.
Now the big question is simple:
Do you like the new design, and would it convince you to go electric?
FAQs
What is the new electric sports sedan coming in 2027?
It is a new, fully electric sedan that replaces an older electric model. It is designed to be sporty, modern, and similar in size to a compact luxury sedan, but powered only by electricity.
Is this electric sedan the same as the old small electric hatchback?
No, it is completely different. The old version was a small city car with a unique shape. The new one is a full-size sedan with a more normal and sporty design.
Will this car be electric only or have a gas engine too?
This version will be electric only. A separate gasoline model will exist, but this one runs only on batteries and does not use fuel.
How far can this electric sedan drive on one charge?
Early reports suggest it could drive up to around 500 miles on a full charge under ideal testing conditions, which is very long compared to most electric cars today.
How fast is the new electric sedan?
With dual electric motors, it is expected to go from 0 to 60 mph in under 5 seconds, making it quick enough for daily driving and highway use.
Does this electric car support fast charging?
Yes. It is expected to support fast charging that can refill the battery from 10% to 80% in about 20 minutes, which is helpful on long trips.
Will the interior feel modern and high-tech?
Yes. The inside is expected to feature a large digital display across the dashboard, a new steering wheel design, and a clean, futuristic layout.
Is this electric sedan good for daily use?
Yes. It is designed for daily driving, offering good comfort, long range, fast charging, and enough space for passengers and luggage.
How is this electric model different from the gas version?
The electric model has a flatter roofline, a different airflow design, and a charging port instead of a fuel door. It is built using electric technology, not just a gas car converted to electric.
Is this electric sedan worth waiting for?
If you want a modern electric car with long range, fast charging, and a sporty design, it may be worth waiting for, especially if you are thinking about switching from gas to electric.
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