BMW’s 2027 i3 Costs $4,400 Less Than Comparable Gas 3 Series

BMW has created a notable price gap between two closely matched versions of its new 3 Series. The fully electric 2027 BMW i3 50 xDrive starts at $61,500, making it $4,400 cheaper than the gasoline-powered M350 xDrive at $65,900.

Both prices exclude BMW’s $1,350 destination and handling charge. The electric model therefore starts about 6.7% below the M350 xDrive, offering a clear example of an EV undercutting a comparable gasoline model on purchase price.

BloombergNEF had previously projected that electric vehicles would reach price parity with combustion models around the middle of the decade, as battery costs declined and EV platforms improved.

BMW offers a direct gas-versus-electric comparison

According to BMW’s pricing for the 2027 3 Series, the i3 50 xDrive produces 463 horsepower with dual-motor all-wheel drive, while the M350 xDrive uses a 437-horsepower inline-six gasoline engine.

The comparison does not mean every electric 3 Series is cheaper. The gasoline-powered BMW 330 starts at $49,900, while the 330 xDrive costs $51,900. Neither currently has a directly equivalent electric version.

The two models also use different architectures. The i3 is built on BMW’s newer Neue Klasse EV platform, while the gasoline 3 Series uses an updated combustion-engine architecture.

Range and charging narrow the gap

BMW estimates up to 468 miles of range for the i3 50 xDrive. Its 400-kilowatt DC fast charging can add up to 208 miles of range in 10 minutes under suitable conditions.

Charging still differs from quickly refuelling a gasoline car, especially on long trips, but the i3’s range and charging performance reduce the traditional compromise of EV ownership.

EV pricing moves beyond ownership savings

Electric vehicles have often carried higher purchase prices while offering lower operating costs. A Consumer Reports analysis of EV ownership costs found that lower fueling, maintenance and repair expenses can generate substantial long-term savings.

BMW’s pricing changes that equation for this specific comparison. The i3 50 xDrive offers more than potential operating savings. It also starts below the closely positioned M350 xDrive, showing how EV price competitiveness is beginning to appear at the showroom level.