BMW opens i3 US reservations September 29, a week early — SkimNews
Get the Energy newsletter
Daily energy & climate — solar, EVs, oil, the policy fights and tech bets shaping the transition. Free.
- BMW will open US reservations for the new i3 on September 29, a week earlier than the previously planned early October date, after emailing update subscribers on Wednesday.
- The 2027 BMW i3 will launch exclusively as the i3 50 xDrive with dual motors producing 463 hp and 476 lb-ft of torque, built on BMW's Gen6 eDrive platform with a 108.7 kWh battery.
- BMW's 800V architecture lets the i3 regain roughly 250 miles of range in 10 minutes on a 400 kW DC fast charger, and a built-in NACS port allows direct Tesla Supercharger access without an adapter.
- The i3 sedan features BMW's Neue Klasse interior with a 17.9-inch central touchscreen, Panoramic Vision display, and an optional 3D Head-Up Display.
- Expected i3 pricing sits around $55,000 to $60,000, positioning it between the Tesla Model 3 ($38,630) and the Mercedes-Benz CLA EV ($47,250).
- BMW already opened i3 orders in Europe early due to high demand, and the related iX3 SUV has accumulated over 100,000 orders in Europe alone.
Why it matters: BMW is pulling forward its US reservation date for the i3 after the iX3 racked up over 100,000 orders in Europe, signaling real demand for its Neue Klasse EV lineup. The estimated $55,000-$60,000 pricing undercuts the Mercedes CLA EV's $47,250 starting point by a notable margin in the premium EV sedan segment, and the built-in NACS port removes a key charging-infrastructure barrier for US buyers.
Ask SkimNews
