BMW is set to unveil a pivotal addition to its electric vehicle lineup with the introduction of the 2027 BMW i3 sedan, constructed on the new Neue Klasse architecture.
This launch, aimed to enhance the company’s portfolio of fully electric vehicles, is marked by the internal codename NA0. Significantly different from the original i3 hatchback, this new model embraces a more streamlined and advanced design and has been engineered entirely as an electric vehicle.
Scheduled for series production to commence at BMW’s Munich facility in July 2026, the plant is currently undergoing a substantial transformation to focus exclusively on electric vehicle manufacturing by the close of 2027.
This shift represents a considerable evolution for a facility historically associated with combustion engine production. The production timeline will also see models targeted for the U.S. market beginning assembly in November 2026, with additional support from the company’s San Luis Potosi plant in Mexico. Furthermore, production for the European market is planned to continue until October 2034, suggesting that BMW is anticipating a sustained demand for this model.
The i3 lineup will feature a variety of performance options designed to meld efficiency with sportiness. Variants are expected to include the i3 20, i3 40, i3 40 xDrive, i3 50, i3 50 xDrive, and the high-performance i3 M60 xDrive. Reports indicate that the i3 50 could offer an impressive operational range of up to 900 kilometers (approximately 560 miles) on a full battery charge, depending on specific market tests. The i3 M60 xDrive variant is anticipated to produce up to 630 horsepower, underscoring its performance credentials in the burgeoning electric vehicle market.
Central to the i3’s performance will be BMW’s sixth-generation eDrive technology, featuring a newly designed cylindrical battery cell format. This embraces a departure from previous prismatic and pouch cells, presenting a more compact and efficient battery solution that promises a 20% increase in energy density and 30% faster charging capabilities. The improved battery architecture is coupled with innovative electric motors that enhance both power and efficiency, contributing to the overall effectiveness and sustainability of the vehicle under varied conditions.
Inside, the 2027 i3 sedan will introduce a contemporary cabin design, incorporating BMW’s novel iDrive X operating system. One of the standout features will be the Panoramic Vision display, which serves as a full-width head-up projection system positioned at the base of the windshield. This design eliminates the traditional instrument cluster, resulting in a more open, minimalist dashboard where essential information is displayed directly in the driver’s line of sight, supplemented by a substantial 17.9-inch central touchscreen display. Efforts to improve forward visibility are also evident in the redesigned steering wheel, which features spokes solely at the 12 and 6 o’clock positions.
Emphasising sustainability and digital sophistication, BMW’s interior design for the Neue Klasse will utilise recycled and renewable materials extensively. The iDrive X system promises advanced AI integration, voice recognition capabilities, and regular over-the-air updates, aiming to enrich the user experience continuously. Additional features are expected to encompass advanced driver assistance technologies, augmented reality capabilities, and enhanced navigation tools.
In terms of aesthetics, the 2027 BMW i3 sedan adopts much of the design language demonstrated by the 2023 Vision Neue Klasse concept. Spy photographs suggest a minimalist exterior, characterised by a closed-off kidney grille, sleek LED lighting, pop-out door handles, and aerodynamic wheels. It has yet to be confirmed whether a front trunk will be incorporated, a feature present in the original i3 hatchback. However, BMW plans to equip this model with the North American Charging Standard (NACS) charging port, which will facilitate access to a diverse range of charging stations.
The first examples of the NA0 BMW i3 are expected to reach international markets by early 2027.
