BMW has revealed the latest generation of its sector-defining 3 Series, with bold styling and a radical interior design.
Following the launch of the fully electric i3 earlier this year, BMW has unveiled the petrol-powered variant of its executive four-door saloon.
If you liked the looks of the electric i3, you will certainly be keen on the new ‘G50’ 3 Series, which borrows the same Neue Klasse design language.
There are some slight differences in dimensions between petrol and electric models, but you will need to be a serious BMW enthusiast to tell them apart.
“Scalable and global, the Neue Klasse innovations are now being rolled out across our entire model range,” said Dr Mike Reichelt, head of Neue Klasse at BMW. “And with the new BMW 3 Series, we are bringing them to the core of the brand for the first time.”
Two engine options for new 3 Series
In the UK, BMW will keep the 3 Series model range very simple at launch, with just two petrol engines to choose from. Don’t even ask about the possibility of a diesel…
The 320 (note the lack of an ‘i’) opens the 3 Series lineup, featuring a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology.
Sending 211hp and 243lb ft to its rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox, the new BMW 320 can accelerate from 0-62mph in 7.4 seconds. Its top speed is 149mph.
New BMW M350 is a junior M car
At the other end of the performance scale is the M350, with a turbocharged 3.0-litre straight six that delivers 443hp and 428lb ft of torque.
Using BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive, 0-62mph takes 4.1 seconds, with a limited top speed of 155mph.
A ‘Drift Moment’ feature, due to be added via a software update in 2027, will send all torque to the rear axle for controlled oversteer.
Special M Yellow lights, inspired by BMW’s GT racing cars, and a lip spoiler for the boot, help mark out the sporty M350.
BMW Panoramic iDrive included
The interior of the new 3 Series borrows the same radical Panoramic iDrive setup pioneered by the iX3 electric SUV, and also found inside the i3.
This includes a Panoramic Vision Display that spans the entire width of the dashboard, used to show speed and navigation directions, along with optional widgets that can be customised by the driver.
A 17.9-inch central touchscreen is used to adjust settings for the Panoramic iDrive, or there are buttons on the complicated-looking steering wheel. Amazon Alexa AI+ is included, along with a panoramic sunroof on all models.
Luggage capacity in the 3 Series is 450 litres: 30 litres more than the i3. However, the electric derivative also has a 31-litre ‘frunk’, giving it a very slim advantage overall.
3 Series deliveries due in early 2027
Prices for the new petrol-powered BMW 3 Series will start at £44,975 for the 320, which comes with 18-inch wheels, electrically adjustable heated front seats and a rear-view camera.
M Sport trim brings the usual suite of M styling tweaks, M Sport brakes, ambient interior lighting and a sports steering wheel. Opting for M Sport Pro will add an illuminated front grille, adaptive LED headlights and M steering wheel.
In range-topping M350 xDrive guise, the price of the 3 Series leaps to £66,785, but this includes a Harman Kardon audio system, adaptive M suspension and three-zone climate control.
Production of the new 3 Series will begin next month, with the first examples due to arrive in the UK in January 2027. BMW’s online configurator is already live, allowing you to design your ideal executive saloon.
With the BMW i3 production now underway, and prices from £47,925, the fully electric 3 Series should arrive in the UK very soon.
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