2027 BMW i3 Undercuts Gas M350 by $4,400 as EV Price Parity Arrives
BMW's 2027 electric i3 50 xDrive costs $61,500, $4,400 less than the comparable M350 xDrive, with 468 miles of range and 208 miles added in 10 minutes.
Summary
BMW’s 2027 3 Series provides a rare direct comparison between electric and gasoline cars. As of September 30, 2026, the electric i3 50 xDrive starts at $61,500, while the similarly styled and powered gas M350 xDrive costs $65,900, excluding destination charges. The EV is $4,400, or 6.7%, cheaper, matching BloombergNEF’s forecast that electric vehicles could reach price parity in 2026. However, BMW’s gas 330 starts at $49,900, or $51,900 with xDrive, and has no electric equivalent yet.
The i3 uses BMW’s newest chassis and technology, while the gasoline 3 Series receives an overhauled existing platform. The all wheel drive gas model is expected to deliver about 450 miles per tank, based on previous versions, compared with 468 miles per charge for the i3. BMW says fast charging can add 208 miles in 10 minutes. Charging remains the largest practical difference, particularly for high mileage road travelers, but the i3 shows EVs beginning to combine lower ownership costs with a lower purchase price.
Positives
- The i3 50 xDrive costs $61,500, making it $4,400, or 6.7%, cheaper than the comparable M350 xDrive.
- The electric i3 delivers 468 miles per charge, exceeding the gas model’s expected 450 mile range.
- BMW says 10 minutes of fast charging can restore 208 miles of i3 range.
- The i3 receives BMW’s newest chassis and technology rather than an overhauled legacy platform.
- BMW’s comparable 2027 models show an EV gaining an upfront price advantage alongside lower ownership costs.
Risks & concerns
- The gas BMW 330 remains substantially cheaper at $49,900, or $51,900 with xDrive, but lacks a matching electric version.
- Neither the i3’s $61,500 price nor the M350’s $65,900 price includes destination charges.
- Charging still differs from quick gasoline refueling and may inconvenience drivers covering unusually long distances.
- The gas model’s estimated 450 mile range is based on previous versions, leaving its final range unconfirmed.
- Different underlying platforms complicate the comparison despite similar performance, styling and target buyers.