BMW has unveiled the new internal combustion-powered 3 Series, which will be sold alongside the pure-electric i3 that premiered earlier this year. The new 3 Series adopts the same Neue Klasse design language as the i3, featuring a new interpretation of the brand's signature kidney grille and twin headlights. The exterior design is characterized by a long wheelbase, short front and rear overhangs, and pronounced surfaces. The 2.5-box design retains the proportions long associated with BMW's sporty sedans.
The new 3 Series features several distinct design elements, including flared wheel arches, M yellow lights on M Performance models, and slim, horizontal taillamp clusters. The car can be specified with light-alloy wheels between 18 and 20 inches in size, and customers can also opt for the M Sport package or M Sport package Pro. The colour palette includes M Le Castellet Blue metallic, with BMW Individual paint finishes to follow over the course of 2027.
Inside, the new 3 Series features a sporty cockpit anchored by the latest BMW Panoramic iDrive system, which spans the full length of the lower windscreen. The system, running BMW OS X, is fully customisable and projects important driving information directly into the driver's line of sight. The feature is complemented by a 17.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system and an optional 3D head-up display.
The new 3 Series will be available with several engine options, including the performance flagship M350 xDrive, which uses a 3.0l twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system. The engine produces a combined 326kW and 580Nm of torque, allowing the car to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 4.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 250km/h. Fuel consumption on the combined cycle is 8.2 l/100km.
The more sedate 320 model uses a 2.0l four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, also paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system. The engine produces a combined 155kW and 330Nm, sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed Steptronic gearbox. The 0-100km/h dash takes 7.4 seconds, while top speed is capped at 240km/h. The combined fuel consumption figure is expected to be 7.5 l/100km.
The new 3 Series features a revised chassis, including a double-joint spring-strut front axle and five-link rear axle. The car has a longer wheelbase and wider front and rear tracks than its predecessor. BMW has also revised the steering ratio and upgraded the integrated braking system. The M350 xDrive benefits from specific chassis tuning, along with increased torsional and vertical stiffness.
BMW South Africa has confirmed that the M350 xDrive and 320 will launch locally in the first quarter of 2027, alongside the i3 50 xDrive. The all-electric i3 features two motors and a maximum output of 345kW and 645Nm, good enough for 0-100km/h in 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 200km/h. Final specification and pricing for local models will be determined closer to introduction.
Key points
- The new 3 Series will launch in South Africa in 2027 with two petrol-powered models and one electric model.
- The M350 xDrive features a 3.0l twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine producing 326kW and 580Nm of torque.
- The new 3 Series features a revised chassis and upgraded electronics, including BMW's Driving Stack system.
