BMW i3

Name: 2027 BMW i3
Brand: BMW

EPA Range: 440 miles

CR's Take

In a world where SUVs rule, BMW’s latest electric vehicle is a sedan that reuses the name of a hatchback. But a technological showpiece is hidden beneath that traditional appearance.

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New Models Predicted Reliability

This Car

100

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BMW i3

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Safety

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) w/Pedestrian

Standard

AEB Highway

Standard

Blind Spot Warning (BSW)

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Warning (RCTW)

Standard

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

This car is new and detailed owner satisfaction will be available at a later date.

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

BMW vs. Other New Car Brands

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Safety

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) w/Pedestrian

Standard

AEB Highway

Standard

Blind Spot Warning (BSW)

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Warning (RCTW)

Standard

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BMW vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Safety

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) w/Pedestrian

Standard

AEB Highway

Standard

Blind Spot Warning (BSW)

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Warning (RCTW)

Standard

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BMW vs. Other New Car Brands

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Electric luxury cars Ratings

CR's
Take

2027 BMW i3

$44,450 - $51,500

EPA Range 440 miles

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

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$66,700 - $68,700

CR HWY Range

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

CR's
Take

2026 Audi E-Tron GT

$127,700

EPA Range 300 miles

Road test

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2026 BMW i4

$57,900 - $70,700

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2026 BMW i5

$67,100 - $84,100

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Take

2026 BMW i7

$105,700 - $168,500

EPA Range 308 miles

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Take

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$47,250 - $49,800

EPA Range 312 miles

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$64,950 - $97,550

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2025 Polestar 2

$64,800

EPA Range 254 miles

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2026 Porsche Taycan

$105,800 - $243,700

EPA Range 295 miles

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$94,990 - $109,990

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CR's
Take

2026 Volvo ES90

$75,000 - $95,000

EPA Range 435 miles

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See All Electric luxury cars Ratings

Features & Specs

sedan

2 front, 3 rear

AWD

electric (463 hp)

1-speed direct

Basic NA
Drivetrain NA
Corrosion NA
Roadside Aid NA
Maintenance NA

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Model History

2027-Present

Current Generation

The BMW i3 is an all-new, all-electric sedan that shares a name with a defunct hatchback, much of its underlying technology with the upcoming iX3 SUV, and design cues with BMW models from the 1960s and ‘70s. It promises a truly impressive 440-mile driving range between charges and quick charging through a built-in NACS port. The first model to go on sale will have 463 hp and all-wheel drive from dual electric motors. One on-board computer is dedicated to driving performance, while others help with active driving assistance and cutting-edge infotainment. In addition to a highly customizable touchscreen, additional information is projected on a display that spans the entire width of the dashboard.

2014-2026

2014 Redesign Year

BMW's i3 is built from the ground up, not a conversion. It is a rear-wheel-drive, four-seat hatchback with a pair of rear-hinged back doors. The electric drive produces the equivalent of 170 hp. An optional two-cylinder engine acts as a generator to extend the range beyond the 72 miles, to about 150 total. Charge times are 4.5 hours on 240-volt circuit, through the 7.4-kW onboard charger. The car uses an aluminum frame and carbon fiber structure to reduce weight. Despite its tall stance the car is very agile. It feels quick and easy to maneuver. The pronounced deceleration when lifting off the gas pedal takes some getting used to. 2017 brought a larger 94 amp-hour battery (up from 60 amp-hour) and models with the range extender engine got a slightly bigger fuel tank, now up to 2.4 gallons. In 2019, the battery grew again, as did the range--which is now up to 153 miles. Despite its tall stance the car is very agile. It feels quick and easy to maneuver, but the ride is rather stiff.