Don't Let the Looks Fool You: 2027 BMW 3 Series EV vs Gas
At first glance, you’d be forgiven for assuming the electric i3 and the gasoline-powered 3 Series are built on identical blueprints. Their outer styling carries the exact same modern design language.
However, step closer(or grab a tape measure) and you’ll quickly discover that these two models share virtually no exterior dimensions.
1. The i3 Has a Longer Wheelbase for Battery Packaging
Underneath the floorboards, the fully electric i3 needs to accommodate a massive battery pack. To house the cells without sacrificing cabin space, BMW stretched the i3’s wheelbase by 37 mm (roughly 1.5 inches) compared to its combustion sibling.
2. The Gas M350i Is Actually Longer Overall
Despite having a shorter distance between its front and rear wheels, the gas-powered 3 Series is actually 5 mm longer overall than the i3. The gasoline engine up front requires a longer nose section for engine bay cooling and mechanical clearance, pushing the front bumper out further.
3. The "Fender Trick" to Tell Them Apart Instantly
Want to impress your fellow car enthusiasts? You don't need a spec sheet to spot the difference in a parking lot.
Look directly at the front wheels inside the fender wells:
- On the EV i3: The front wheel sits tight against the rear edge of the front wheel arch, leaving a very thin gap.
- On the Gas model: There is noticeably more body metal and space between the back of the front tire and the front edge of the door panel.
Full Driving Impressions Coming Soon
While driving dynamics and performance numbers remain under strict embargo for a few more days, these dimensional tweaks prove that BMW isn't taking a "one-size-fits-all" approach to its next generation of sedans.
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With AutoGuide from its launch, Colum previously acted as Editor-in-Chief of Modified Luxury & Exotics magazine where he became a certifiable car snob driving supercars like the Koenigsegg CCX and racing down the autobahn in anything over 500 hp. He has won numerous automotive journalism awards including the Best Video Journalism Award in 2014 and 2015 from the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). Colum founded Geared Content Studios, VerticalScope's in-house branded content division and works to find ways to integrate brands organically into content.
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These don't look half bad. I'd go for the ICE model. I'd shudder to imagine what the interior/dash looks like, which would probably make it a pass. EDIT: Confirmed. Interior is atrocious.