BMW has introduced the eighth-generation 3 Series, available in a petrol-powered range, following the launch of the electric i3 earlier this year. The new 3 Series is manufactured at the BMW Munich plant and is set to launch in South Africa in the first quarter of 2027. The model will be available in electric, petrol, and 48V mild hybrid versions.
The new 3 Series features a longer body than its predecessor, with short overhangs and a distinctive front design. The car boasts a fresh interpretation of the BMW kidneys and twin headlights, which merge into a single unit to create a striking light signature. New M Yellow Lights, adopted from racing car design, provide a bold identifying feature for the new BMW M Performance models.
The interior of the petrol 3 Series range has been completely revamped with the reduced design language of the Neue Klasse, similar to the electric i3. The new Panoramic iDrive display spans the full length of the lower windscreen, replacing the traditional iDrive knob. The most important driving information is projected directly into the driver’s line of sight above the steering wheel, while the content can be personalised.
The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant is powered by Amazon Alexa+ AI technology. The new steering wheel has spokes at the top and the bottom, instead of on the sides. The standard seats feature electric adjustment with a memory function, while multifunction seats and M Sport seats can be specified as options. Seat heating for the rear seats can also be added at extra cost.
The electric i3 50 xDrive coming to South Africa early next year is an all-wheel drive model with two electric motors. Together they generate combined outputs of 345kW and 645 Nm, promising a claimed 0-100km/h sprint in 4.7 seconds. The 108.7 kWh high-voltage battery offers a quoted maximum range of 912 km on the WLTP cycle.
The new BMW M350 xDrive is the combustion-engine flagship of the BMW 3 Series range, powered by a 3.0 l TwinPower turbo petrol unit with a 48V mild hybrid system. It has all-wheel drive and an eight-speed Steptronic transmission, developing 326kW of power and 580Nm of torque. The BMW M350 xDrive has a quoted 0-100km/h sprint time in 4.1 seconds and an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h.
Prices and full details will be confirmed at next year’s local launch. The new 3 Series can also be ordered as an option with the M Sport package or M Sport package Pro. A plug-in hybrid drive variant (PHEV) will be added to the local line-up later.
Key points
- The new BMW 3 Series will launch in South Africa in the first quarter of 2027.
- The electric i3 50 xDrive has a quoted maximum range of 912 km on the WLTP cycle.
- The BMW M350 xDrive develops 326kW of power and 580Nm of torque.
