Abstract:
BMW has announced more information about the new all-electric four-door sedan i3. The 2027 i3 50 xDrive based on the Neue Klasse platform is expected to have a maximum range of about 468 miles, estimated according to the US Environmental Protection Agency test standards; the model will be launched in the United States in the first quarter of 2027, priced at US$61,500, plus a destination fee of US$1,350, for a total of US$62,850, positioning it to compete with the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
The new car adopts a dual-motor layout at the front and rear, with a total output of 463 horsepower and a peak torque of 476 pound-feet. The rear axle is equipped with an electrically excited synchronous motor that outputs 322 horsepower and 321 pound-feet of torque; the front axle is equipped with an asynchronous motor that outputs 165 horsepower and 188 pound-feet of torque. As the main drive shaft, the rear axle motor uses electricity instead of permanent magnets to power the stator frame and rotor; the inverter is responsible for converting battery DC power to AC power, regulating the electromagnets and monitoring operating status to improve efficiency.
BMW has not yet announced the battery capacity, but confirmed that the new car uses a sixth-generation high-voltage battery, using a cylindrical lithium-ion battery cell with a diameter of 46 mm and a length of 95 mm. Compared with the prismatic cells used in fifth-generation batteries, the energy density of the new cells is increased by 20%. BMW previously estimated the new car’s range to be about 440 miles, but the EPA estimate announced this time has been increased to about 468 miles. For comparison, the 2027 Mercedes-Benz EQS has an estimated range of 575 miles according to WLTP standards, but the range figures of this test standard are usually about 10% to 20% higher than the EPA. BMW believes that the new i3 achieves similar range performance at a lower price and is competitive.
The new car supports two-way charging, can power external devices through V2L, and also has the ability to power homes via V2H. The smart charging port can automatically open when the driver approaches a familiar charging station, supports Plug & Charge, and can automatically complete charging authentication at 10 charging service providers.
The car is equipped with a redesigned iDrive infotainment system, which replaces the traditional instrument panel with a head-up projection on the windshield. Drivers can still see the display clearly when wearing polarized sunglasses, and passengers can also view or customize some information. The 17.9-inch central touch screen can display up to six components such as media, weather, and navigation. Users can drag and drop components to the windshield projection area. The steering wheel features "invisible technology" buttons that light up only when a function is available and provide tactile feedback, reducing the need for the driver to look down.
BMW also integrates Amazon Alexa into the i3. Equipped with a large language model, the new version of Alexa can process natural language conversations, search for network information, and control air conditioners and car windows conversationally. BMW has been trying to introduce a new version of Alexa into cars since 2022, but it has been delayed due to Amazon's long development cycle. When the vehicle is parked, users can watch movies or live shows through built-in video applications powered by TiVo, and will also support Amazon Prime Video in the future. The navigation system uses BMW's own map and integrates the Google Places point-of-interest service based on search data; the in-car system is based on the Android platform and can continuously receive wireless software updates.
For performance users, BMW will also launch the high-performance i3 M60 xDrive, equipped with M exclusive light groups, graphic design and 21-inch Style 1067M aerodynamic wheels. The model is expected to be launched sometime in 2027, and the price has not yet been announced.
Comments