BMW built the same car for gas and electric. The EV is $4,400 cheaper.

Electric vehicles are now cheaper to purchase upfront than comparable gasoline cars.

BMW has introduced its 2027 3 Series lineup, offering both gasoline and electric variants built on the same car architecture. The electric i3 50 xDrive is priced at $61,500, while the comparable gasoline-powered M350 xDrive costs $65,900, making the EV approximately $4,400 cheaper. This marks a significant development, as analysts predicted EVs would reach price parity with internal combustion engine vehicles in the mid-2020s. While a less expensive gasoline 3 Series trim exists, it lacks a direct EV counterpart. The EV model utilizes BMW's latest chassis and technology, whereas the gasoline version is based on an updated existing platform. Both vehicles offer comparable power and styling, with the electric model boasting a range of 468 miles and fast-charging capabilities to add 208 miles in 10 minutes, while the gasoline version is expected to have around 450 miles of range.

This development by BMW signifies a pivotal moment in the automotive industry, where the long-predicted crossover in EV purchase prices has begun. By engineering the electric and gasoline versions of the same model on a unified platform, BMW demonstrates that mass-market EVs can achieve price parity and even undercut their fossil fuel counterparts, challenging previous assumptions about EV affordability.

The implications extend beyond just purchase price, suggesting a potential shift in consumer perception and market demand toward electric mobility. As manufacturers increasingly leverage shared platforms and advanced manufacturing techniques, further price reductions and a broader range of affordable EV options are likely on the horizon, accelerating the transition away from internal combustion engines.