Current estimates place i3 lease payments in the mid-$700s per month for well-qualified lessees. In comparison, leases for the 2026 i4 have been spotted in the low $500s. This represents a nearly 40 percent premium to move into the newer model. Several factors contribute to this spread. First, the 2026 i4 has a lower starting MSRP, beginning in the mid-$50,000s. Second, the i4 benefits from significantly higher lease credits—up to $3,750—which act as an immediate reduction in the capitalized cost of the lease.
The i3, being the "shiny new object" in the lineup, currently lacks that level of manufacturer support. Lease residuals and money factors (the interest rate on a lease) are also likely being set conservatively as BMW gauges the long-term value of the Neue Klasse platform. For consumers, this means the decision to choose the i3 over the i4 is one driven by a desire for the latest technology rather than fiscal pragmatism.
Looking Toward Production and Future Trims
The 2027 BMW i3 represents the first production sedan built on the Neue Klasse architecture, which promises 30 percent more range, 30 percent faster charging, and a 25 percent increase in overall vehicle efficiency. Production is slated to ramp up at BMW’s historic Munich plant during the second half of 2026 and continue into 2027.
While the 50 xDrive is the focus of these current financial offers, BMW enthusiasts are also looking ahead to the high-performance variants. The company has already revealed plans for a BMW i3 M60, which is expected to offer significantly more horsepower and a more aggressive suspension tuning. As those models approach their respective on-sale dates, the financial landscape is likely to shift.
For now, the company has not committed to a firm month for the first United States deliveries. This gives prospective buyers a window of time to monitor how these finance offers evolve. Historically, as initial launch hype settles and inventory begins to fill dealership lots, manufacturers often introduce more aggressive "pull-ahead" programs or increased lease support.
For the moment, however, the message from BMW is clear: the 2027 i3 is a premium product arriving with a premium price tag. For those who want to be among the first to experience the future of the brand, the 4.99 percent APR offer is the starting line. Whether more aggressive incentives will follow remains to be seen, but for now, the i3 stands as a bold, albeit expensive, new chapter for the Ultimate Driving Machine.
