The 2027 BMW i3 has won the Mid-size Cars category at Germany’s Golden Steering Wheel awards, topping 12 individual test criteria ahead of its Australian arrival from the first quarter of 2027.

The first fully electric BMW 3 Series will cost from $96,900 before on-road costs locally, while the BMW M2 CS also collected an award, winning the Sports Cars category.

This year marks the awards’ 50th anniversary, with readers of Auto Bild and Bild am Sonntag selecting 27 finalists from 79 new models across nine categories. A panel of experts then assessed the finalists at Germany’s Lausitzring circuit in September.

The i3 placed first for visibility, infotainment, graphics/software display, build quality, start-up behaviour, power delivery, acceleration, agility, steering, braking feel, WLTP consumption and value for money.

It is BMW’s second Neue Klasse model, following the iX3, which won the awards’ Best Innovation category in 2025.

“Two models, two Golden Steering Wheels - this result highlights the strength and diversity of our portfolio,” said Milan Nedeljković, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG.

Australian pricing and range

Australia will receive the i3 40 xDrive and i3 50 xDrive, priced at $96,900 and $112,900 respectively. Both prices include GST and luxury car tax but exclude on-road costs.

The electric variants form part of the new Australian 3 Series line-up, alongside the $83,900 BMW 320 and $128,900 BMW M350 xDrive, also before on-road costs. All four are due from Q1 2027, marking the first time Australian buyers can choose combustion or fully electric power within the same 3 Series generation.

In Australian specification, the i3 50 xDrive produces up to 345kW and 645Nm, with a claimed WLTP driving range of up to 912km. The i3 40 xDrive offers up to 710km, while both use an 800V electrical architecture and support DC charging at up to 400kW.

For comparison, the 2027 Tesla Model 3 Performance All-Wheel Drive costs $80,900 before on-road costs in Australia, $16,000 less than the $96,900 i3 40 xDrive on the same price basis. The dual-motor Tesla has a WLTP range of 571km, compared with up to 710km for the entry-level BMW.

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz CLA 350 4MATIC electric is priced at $91,300 MRLP before on-road costs, $5600 below the $96,900 i3 40 xDrive. Its 663km WLTP range is shorter than the BMW’s claimed 710km, while the dual-motor Mercedes-Benz produces 260kW and supports DC charging at up to 320kW, compared with the i3’s 400kW maximum.

The German-market i3 also features sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology, the ‘Heart of Joy’ vehicle dynamics computer and BMW Panoramic iDrive. BMW claims German versions can add up to 423km of range in 10 minutes of charging, and support bidirectional charging.

BMW M2 CS wins the Sports Cars category

BMW’s other award winner, the M2 CS, uses a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine producing 390kW and 650Nm in German specification. An eight-speed M Steptronic transmission sends power to the rear wheels, with a claimed 0 - 100km/h time of 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 302km/h.

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