2027 BMW i3 and iX3 Drop Jaws in Munich
Alright, picture yourself at the 2025 Munich auto show. The lights dim, the crowd’s buzzing, and BMW pulls a fast one. The 2027 BMW iX3 SUV rolls out, looking like it just stepped out of a sci-fi flick with its Neue Klasse swagger. But hold up – they’re not done. A camouflaged 2027 BMW i3 sedan prototype sneaks onto the stage, and the place erupts like it’s a rock concert. X is losing its mind, with gearheads posting stuff like “the 3 Series just got reborn” and “BMW’s rewriting the EV game.” I’ve been geeking out over the details, and trust me, these Neue Klasse models are a big freaking deal. Let’s tear into why the iX3 and i3 are about to change everything.
BMW’s Neue Klasse platform isn’t just a new car – it’s like they’ve cracked open a whole new playbook. The iX3 hits U.S. dealers in summer 2026, with the i3 sedan hot on its heels by year’s end. These aren’t just electric cars; they’re a wild mix of futuristic design, green tech, and the kind of performance that makes your heart race. With a 400-mile range, a monster M3 on the way, and a vibe that screams “BMW, but make it 2030,” here’s the full scoop on what’s coming.
iX3: The Electric SUV That’s All Business and All Party
The 2027 BMW iX3 is the first Neue Klasse kid to hit the block, and it’s coming out swinging. Revealed at IAA Mobility, this electric SUV is less “soccer mom” and more “track-day hero with a day job.” It’s built on an 800-volt platform that’s all about power and speed. The iX3 50 xDrive rocks dual electric motors pumping out 463 horsepower and 476 lb-ft of torque, good for a 0-62 mph sprint in 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 130 mph. The real showstopper? A 108.7-kWh battery that can hit 400 miles of EPA range, and with 400 kW fast charging, you’re grabbing 230 miles in about 10 minutes. That’s the kind of juice that’ll make your Tesla-owning buddy jealous.
The iX3’s design is pure eye candy. Think sleek LED headlights that look like they’re squinting with attitude, a toned-down kidney grille that doesn’t scream for attention, and a sloping roofline that gives it a sporty, coupe-like edge. Inside, it’s like stepping into a spaceship – the Panoramic Vision display stretches across the windshield like a head-up screen on steroids, and the iDrive X system brings AI assistants and over-the-air updates that keep it fresh. The cabin’s decked out in recycled materials, part of BMW’s push to go net-zero by 2050, and you’ve got 520 liters of cargo space (1,750 with the seats down). X posts are going nuts over the “space-age cockpit” and “design that slaps.”
Priced around $60,000 for the 50 xDrive, with cheaper 40 sDrive and xDrive models (~$55,000) coming in 2027, the iX3 will roll out of BMW’s Debrecen plant in Hungary, with U.S. models built in Mexico by 2027. It’s ready to take on the Tesla Model Y, Audi Q6 e-tron, and even the Porsche Macan Electric with its mix of style, range, and performance.
i3 Sedan: The 3 Series Goes Electric and Doesn’t Look Back
Just when you thought the iX3 stole the show, BMW sneaks in a camouflaged 2027 BMW i3 sedan prototype, and the crowd goes bananas. This isn’t the weird little i3 hatch from a decade ago – it’s a proper electric 3 Series, codenamed NA0, built from scratch on the Neue Klasse platform. Even under camo, it’s got that classic BMW vibe: slim headlights, a slick kidney grille, and a Hofmeister kink that winks at legends like the 2002. X users are calling it “the 3 Series we’ve been waiting for” and “an EV that doesn’t suck the fun out.”
BMW’s playing coy on the full specs, but expect the i3 to share the iX3’s 800-volt setup and 108.7-kWh battery, likely hitting 400 miles of EPA range with 400 kW charging. Power could match the iX3’s 463 hp and 476 lb-ft, though a single-motor, rear-wheel-drive version might drop as a cheaper option. Figure a 0-60 mph time around 4.5-5 seconds, keeping the 3 Series’ sporty soul alive. Production starts in Munich in July 2026, with U.S. deliveries by November. The interior should mirror the iX3’s, with that wild Panoramic Vision display, iDrive X, and recycled materials for a green, high-tech vibe.
Spy shots show a sleek sedan with flush door handles and aero-optimized wheels, keeping efficiency tight. BMW’s pitching this as the “first all-electric 3 Series variant,” and it’s got the chops to take on the Tesla Model 3 and Mercedes EQE sedan while staying true to its roots.
Electric M3: A 1,000-HP Monster on the Horizon
Now, let’s talk about the real jaw-dropper: the electric BMW M3, set to arrive in 2028. This beast will skip the “i” badge to keep its M3 cred, rocking a quad-motor setup that could crank out 900 to 1,000 horsepower. That’s enough to smoke the pavement and challenge the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT or Tesla Model S Plaid. Autocar says a Touring wagon version is in the works, and there’s buzz about an electric X3 M SUV to follow. X posts are already on fire, with one user saying, “1,000 hp M3? I’m selling my kidney for this.”
The M3 will tap into the Neue Klasse’s “Heart of Joy” system – a central brain that syncs the drivetrain, brakes, and suspension for handling that’ll make your palms sweat. Expect a Nürburgring lap time dipping below 7 minutes, cementing its status as a track monster. While a gas M3 could still happen if fans demand it, BMW’s all-in on electric performance for now.
Gas-Powered 3 Series and the Bigger Picture
Don’t write off the gas-powered 3 Series just yet. The next-gen G50 3 Series, due by late 2026, will ride on an updated CLAR platform with an inline-six engine, likely with hybrid assist, and four-cylinder options for the budget crowd. It’ll borrow Neue Klasse design cues for a fresh look. A facelifted X5, coming summer 2026, will also get the Neue Klasse style, with an electric version later. The X6 and X7 are next in line for updates, sticking with the CLAR platform for gas, hybrid, or electric power.
BMW’s planning 40 new or refreshed models by 2027, all with Neue Klasse tech or design. From the i1 and i2 to China-specific EVs, they’re betting big on electrification while keeping that “sheer driving pleasure” vibe. The iX3 and i3 are the opening act, and they’re already stealing the show.
Specs at a Glance: iX3 and i3 Breakdown
Here’s the quick rundown on the iX3 and projected i3 specs:
2027 BMW iX3 and i3 Specifications
Specification | BMW iX3 50 xDrive | BMW i3 Sedan (Projected) |
---|---|---|
Powertrain | Dual electric motors, 800V | Dual/single motor, 800V |
Power | 463 hp | ~463 hp (dual motor) |
Torque | 476 lb-ft | ~476 lb-ft |
Battery | 108.7 kWh | ~108.7 kWh |
Range (EPA) | ~400 miles | ~400 miles |
0-62 MPH | 4.9 seconds | ~4.5-5 seconds |
Top Speed | 130 mph | ~130 mph |
Charging | 400 kW (230 miles in 10 min) | ~400 kW |
Base Price | ~$60,000 | ~$50,000 |
On Sale | Summer 2026 (US) | Late 2026 (US) |
These numbers make the iX3 and i3 serious players in the luxury EV game, blending performance and practicality.
Why the iX3 and i3 Are BMW’s Boldest Bet Yet
The 2027 BMW iX3 and i3 aren’t just cars – they’re BMW hitting the reset button and going all-in on the future. The Neue Klasse platform brings insane tech, from 800-volt charging to AI-driven cabins, without losing that BMW driving thrill. The iX3 is a legit contender against the Tesla Model Y and Audi Q6 e-tron, while the i3 sedan keeps the 3 Series legacy alive in electric form. Throw in a 1,000-hp M3 that’s ready to rip up the track, and BMW’s making it clear they’re not messing around.
What’s your call – are the iX3 and i3 the dawn of a new BMW era, or is the gas-powered 3 Series still the one to beat? Toss your thoughts in the comments, and let’s get the car talk fired up. Want more BMW scoops? Check out our i4 and i5 reviews, or hit BMW’s site for the official word. The Neue Klasse is here, and it’s one hell of a ride!
Source- carbuzz.com