7 reasons why the 2027 BMW i3 felt like a worthy i4 successor

Speaking to BMWBlog earlier this year, BMW product boss Bernd Körber said the new i3 is “more or less” the successor to the i4. That makes the car especially interesting for American buyers, as the i4 has been one of BMW’s most convincing EVs so far.

I got up close with the second-generation BMW i3 at the 2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed, where the Germans displayed the sedan alongside other new models. The i4 proved that an electric BMW could still feel like a BMW, but here are 7 reasons why I think the Neue Klasse i3 is worthy of being its successor.

1. It uses a dedicated EV platform

The i4, like the first-generation BMW i3 sedan I experienced in 2024, is based on BMW’s CLAR architecture, which also supports gasoline-powered models. That helped BMW bring an electric sedan to market quickly, but it also meant packaging compromises. The Neue Klasse i3 has been developed around electric propulsion from the start.

This immensely helps with interior space, battery packaging, and overall efficiency, despite the i3’s longer wheelbase and similar overall length compared to the i4.

2. The proportions are cleaner

In person, the i3 looks more modern than the i4, and is ready for the 2030s. The i4 carries the shape of a 4 Series Gran Coupe, including its long hood and more traditional body structure.

The i3 uses a cleaner sedan profile, with a shorter front section, long wheelbase, and more balanced stance. Its wide front graphic and slim lighting elements looks fantastic in person, and it has quietly put the kidney grille controversy to rest.

3. Charging is much faster

The i4 uses a 400-volt electrical system, while the Neue Klasse i3 moves to an 800-volt setup. BMW says the new i3 can support DC fast charging at up to 400 kW.

That is a big upgrade for U.S. highway use. BMW says the i3 can add up to 400 km, or about 249 miles, of WLTP range in 10 minutes under ideal conditions, compared to the 2026 i4, which typically adds around 164 km (about 102 miles) of WLTP range in the same time.

4. Range is far better

The i3 uses BMW’s sixth-generation eDrive technology and new cylindrical battery cells. BMW says the sedan can achieve up to 900 km of WLTP range, while the U.S. i3 50 xDrive is expected to offer up to 440 miles of range.

Using the 2026 i4’s estimated figures of around 590 km (WLTP) and about 307 miles (EPA), the i3 comes out well ahead in long-distance usability. For buyers who want an electric BMW as their only car, the i3 is proving to be a confident choice.

5. Heart of Joy driving tech

BMW’s Heart of Joy system is one of the most important Neue Klasse upgrades. It integrates powertrain, braking, energy recuperation, and driving dynamics into a faster central control unit.

The i4 already drives well, but the i3 should feel more advanced in how it manages traction, braking, and body control. This is where BMW has to prove the Neue Klasse still delivers the brand’s traditional driving feel.

6. Interior feels way futuristic

The i4’s cabin still feels close to BMW’s combustion models, with a curved display placed on a familiar dashboard layout. The i3 moves to BMW Panoramic Vision, which places key information across the base of the windshield.

I got a good look at the interior, and the cabin feels more open and driver-focused. For the U.S. market, this also helps the i3 feel like a true next-generation product rather than another electric version of an existing BMW.

7. It adds bidirectional charging

The i4 does not offer the same level of power flexibility as the Neue Klasse i3. The new sedan will support bidirectional charging, including vehicle-to-load, vehicle-to-home, and vehicle-to-grid functions.

That could be a useful feature for American buyers, especially those who want an EV that can support home energy needs during outages or help reduce electricity costs.