BMW unveils redesigned i3 electric sedan with up to 468-mile range

BMW detailed its upcoming i3 50 xDrive, slated for a first-quarter 2027 launch in the United States at a starting price of $61,500 plus a $1,350 destination fee, positioning it against the Mercedes C-Class. The model uses two electric motors—a 322-hp rear electrically excited synchronous motor and a 165-hp front asynchronous motor—producing a total of 463 hp and 476 lb-ft of torque. Powered by the Gen6 cylindrical-cell battery, the sedan achieves an EPA-estimated 468-mile range, a notable increase over earlier estimates.

The vehicle adds bidirectional charging capabilities, an intelligent charging flap, and Plug & Charge across ten networks. Inside, a redesigned iDrive system offers a heads-up windshield display, a 17.9-inch free-cut touchscreen with customizable widgets, and haptic “shy-tech” steering controls. Amazon’s large-language-model Alexa handles natural-language commands, while a built-in TiVo Video app will eventually stream Amazon Prime Video. A performance-focused i3 M60 xDrive variant with M-specific styling and 21-inch wheels is also planned for 2027.