New BMW 3 Series debuts globally — First electric i3 joins the line-up

BMW has unveiled the new 3 Series, and for the first time, the range includes a fully electric version called the BMW i3. The new sedan is based on BMW's Neue Klasse architecture, which brings a new design, updated technology and changes to the way the car is built. Alongside the electric i3, BMW has also introduced petrol-powered 3 Series models with 48V mild-hybrid technology. At the top of the petrol range is the new BMW M350 xDrive, while a plug-in hybrid version is planned to join the line-up over the next year.

New BMW 3 Series design

The new BMW 3 Series follows BMW's latest Neue Klasse design language, while retaining the sporty proportions associated with the sedan. It gets a longer wheelbase, short overhangs and a set-back glasshouse, while the flared wheel arches give it a wider and more muscular stance. A sharp character line runs along the sides, while the flush-fitting door handles automatically extend when the car is unlocked.

At the front, BMW has brought the kidney grille and twin headlights together into a single light signature. The M Performance versions get M Yellow Lights, inspired by BMW's racing cars. The rear gets a more horizontal lighting design, giving it a cleaner and more technical look.

The electric i3 gets wheel sizes ranging from 19 to 21 inches, while the combustion versions are available with 18- to 20-inch wheels. An M Sport package and M Sport package Pro are also available as options. BMW is also introducing an exclusive M Le Castellet Blue metallic paint, with more BMW Individual colours planned through 2027.

New BMW 3 Series interior and BMW Panoramic iDrive

The biggest change inside the new 3 Series is BMW's Panoramic iDrive system, which brings important information closer to the driver. It combines BMW Panoramic Vision, an optional BMW 3D Head-Up Display, a large 17.9-inch central touchscreen angled towards the driver and a new multifunction steering wheel.

BMW Panoramic Vision and the Head-Up Display can show driving information directly in the driver's line of sight, reducing the need to look away from the road. The standard seats get electric adjustment, memory function and BMW's Travel & Comfort System, while multifunction seats, M Sport seats and rear-seat heating are available as options.

Buyers can choose from four interior themes with different colour and material combinations. The My Modes system also allows the driver to change the display, sound, lighting and driving character of the car. Other available features include a panoramic sunroof with climate comfort glazing and upgraded Harman Kardon hi-fi or surround sound systems.

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Upcoming BMW i3 range, charging and performance

The new BMW i3 uses the company's sixth-generation Gen6 eDrive technology. It gets new high-voltage batteries with cylindrical cells, more efficient electric motors and an 800V electrical system. The car also supports bidirectional charging, allowing energy to flow in both directions between the vehicle and a compatible charging system.

Two versions are available at launch, both using an electric motor on each axle.

The more powerful i3 50 xDrive produces up to 645 Nm of torque and supports DC charging at up to 400 kW. BMW says a 10-minute charge can add up to 423 km of range under test conditions. An even more powerful BMW i3 M60 xDrive M Performance is also planned for 2027.

BMW M350 xDrive — The combustion flagship

The BMW M350 xDrive sits at the top of the combustion-powered 3 Series range and serves as the entry point to BMW's M performance models. It uses a 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine with a 48V mild-hybrid system and a crankshaft-driven starter-generator.

The system produces 326 kW (443 hp) and allows the M350 xDrive to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds, with the top speed electronically limited to 250 km/h. Two four-cylinder petrol engines are also available in the regular 3 Series range, using BMW's latest TwinPower Turbo technology.

The M350 xDrive also introduces a new Drift Moment function, which can send the engine's power to the rear wheels only. BMW says this brings a feature previously associated with its high-performance M models to the 3 Series.

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Driving dynamics and assistance systems

Both the electric i3 and combustion-powered 3 Series use a dedicated BMW Driving Stack, which is tuned according to the type of powertrain. The i3 also gets BMW's new Heart of Joy high-performance computer, which the company says can process data ten times faster than its previous systems.

Combustion versions can be equipped with adaptive suspension or adaptive M suspension, while the M350 xDrive gets adaptive M suspension as standard. The all-wheel-drive i3 can also be fitted with adaptive M suspension.

The new 3 Series also gets SAE Level 2 driver assistance systems. BMW Symbiotic Drive is designed to make the car respond more naturally to the driver's actions, while the Motorway Assistant allows hands-free driving at speeds of up to 130 km/h across 21 countries. From 2027, BMW plans to add navigation-guided partial automation for urban areas.

Where the new BMW 3 Series is built

The fully electric BMW i3 is being built at BMW Group Plant Munich, BMW's home factory and the same plant where the first 3 Series was produced in 1975. The Munich facility is scheduled to switch completely to production of fully electric Neue Klasse models from next year.

The combustion-powered 3 Series is built at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing, BMW's largest European production facility. Key components for both the electric drive system and combustion engines are supplied by BMW Group Plant Steyr in Austria, while the i3's high-voltage batteries come from BMW Group Plant Irlbach-Straßkirchen in Bavaria.

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