The BMW 3 Series, a legendary sports car, has undergone a significant makeover as it enters its sixth decade. The new model, known as the Neue Klasse 3 Series, boasts a bold new design, advanced technology, and a range of powertrain options, including a fully electric sibling. The 3 Series has long been known for its "sheer driving pleasure," and the new model promises to deliver on that promise with a range of innovative features. The new 3 Series is set to arrive in South Africa in early 2027.
The exterior design of the new 3 Series features a bold, dramatic look, with a merged kidney grille and twin headlights creating a single light signature. The proportions remain true to BMW's design language, with a long wheelbase, short overhangs, and flared arches. The car also features flush door handles that glide out to greet the driver when the car is unlocked. The launch palette includes a range of colours, including M Le Castellet Blue metallic and M Performance models with M Yellow Lights.
Inside, the new 3 Series features a state-of-the-art cockpit with a 17.9-inch Central Display that tilts towards the driver. The car also features a Panoramic iDrive system, which projects driving information into the driver's line of sight. An optional 3D Head-Up Display keeps important information at eye level, while a new steering wheel with a central spoke and buttons designed for easy use. The car also features a panoramic sunroof and four interior designs to choose from.
The new 3 Series will be available with a range of powertrain options, including a fully electric i3 50 xDrive model. This car features a 345 kW electric motor, 645 Nm of torque, and a 108.7 kWh battery that provides up to 912 km of WLTP range. The i3 also features 800V architecture and DC charging of up to 400 kW, allowing for a 423 km top-up in just 10 minutes. The i3 is built at Plant Munich, the same factory where the first 3 Series rolled off the line in 1975.
For those who prefer a petrol-powered car, the BMW M350 xDrive model features a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six engine with 48V mild-hybrid assistance. This car produces 326 kW and 580 Nm of torque, reaching 100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds. The M350 xDrive also features a range of innovative features, including a "Drift Moment" mode that allows drivers to send all power to the rear wheels. Rounding out the launch line-up is the BMW 320, a 2.0-litre four-cylinder model with 155 kW and 330 Nm of torque.
The new 3 Series also features a range of advanced technology features, including an Intelligent Personal Assistant with Amazon Alexa and AI. This system allows drivers to chat with their car like a person, and it will roll out gradually starting with the German and US markets. The car also features a high-performance computer called the Heart of Joy, which works ten times faster than previous systems and gathers drive and driving-dynamics functions into one control unit.
The new BMW 3 Series is set to arrive in South Africa in early 2027, with pricing and specifications to be confirmed closer to launch. The car will be available in a range of markets, with the electric i3 built at Plant Munich and the petrol models coming from Dingolfing, BMW's largest European plant. A plug-in hybrid model will also join the range over the coming year, and a high-performance i3 M60 xDrive M Performance model is set to arrive in 2027.
Key points
- The new BMW 3 Series features a bold new design, advanced technology, and a range of powertrain options, including a fully electric sibling.
- The electric i3 50 xDrive model features a 345 kW electric motor, 645 Nm of torque, and a 108.7 kWh battery that provides up to 912 km of WLTP range.
- The new 3 Series will be available in South Africa from early 2027, with pricing and specifications to be confirmed closer to launch.
