BMW has introduced the new-generation 3 Series, bringing the Neue Klasse design language to its popular sedan while expanding the range with fully electric, petrol and hybrid powertrains.
The new BMW i3 becomes the first fully electric 3 Series based on the Neue Klasse platform. Two electric variants will be available at launch, while additional petrol models with 48V mild-hybrid technology will join the range. A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant is also planned for the coming year.
The electric i3 is available as the i3 50 xDrive and i3 40 xDrive. The i3 50 xDrive produces 345 kW (469 hp) and 645 Nm, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds. It uses a 108.7 kWh battery and offers up to 912 km of WLTP range.
It also supports DC charging at up to 400 kW, with BMW claiming up to 423 km of range can be added in 10 minutes under suitable charging conditions.
The i3 40 xDrive produces 275 kW (374 hp) and uses an 82.8 kWh battery, providing up to 710 km of WLTP range. A more powerful i3 M60 xDrive M Performance model is scheduled to arrive in 2027.
At the other end of the range, the new BMW M350 xDrive serves as the flagship combustion-engined model. It uses a 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine with a 48V mild-hybrid system, producing 326 kW (443 hp). It can complete the 0–100 km/h sprint in 4.1 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.
The M350 xDrive also introduces a Drift Moment function, which allows the driver to send engine power to the rear wheels through the car’s Central Display.
Design-wise, the new 3 Series adopts BMW’s latest Neue Klasse styling, including a revised interpretation of the kidney grille and twin headlights. The sedan also gets a longer wheelbase, short overhangs, flush door handles and a more pronounced shoulder line.
Inside, the new 3 Series features BMW Panoramic iDrive, consisting of BMW Panoramic Vision, an optional 3D Head-Up Display, a 17.9-inch Central Display and a new multifunction steering wheel.
The new BMW Operating System X also supports touch, haptic and voice controls, with BMW’s Intelligent Personal Assistant and Amazon Alexa+ AI technology integrated into the system.
The new 3 Series will also feature expanded driver assistance systems, including SAE Level 2 functions and BMW’s Motorway Assistant, which enables hands-free driving at speeds of up to 130 km/h in 21 countries.
Production of the electric BMW i3 will take place at BMW Group Plant Munich, while combustion-engined 3 Series models will be produced at Plant Dingolfing in Germany.
