BMW has unveiled the latest-generation BMW 3 Series, bringing the iconic sports sedan into the Neue Klasse era with a broader range of powertrains, a completely redesigned digital cockpit and major advances in electric vehicle technology. The new-generation lineup combines fully electric BMW i3 variants with petrol engines featuring 48V mild-hybrid technology, while the performance-focused BMW M350 xDrive serves as the flagship of the combustion-engine range.

The new BMW 3 Series represents a major technological step for the model line, which has been associated with sporty driving dynamics, distinctive design and technical innovation for more than five decades. The new-generation sedan introduces BMW’s latest design language and digital architecture while retaining the familiar proportions and driver-focused character of the 3 Series.

New BMW 3 Series: Electric and Petrol Powertrains

One of the biggest changes is the introduction of the first fully electric BMW 3 Series in the form of the new BMW i3. At launch, BMW will offer the electric sedan in two versions: the BMW i3 50 xDrive and BMW i3 40 xDrive. A higher-performance BMW i3 M60 xDrive M Performance variant is scheduled to join the lineup in 2027.

The BMW i3 uses BMW’s sixth-generation eDrive technology, featuring newly developed cylindrical-cell batteries, 800V electrical architecture, highly efficient electric motors and bidirectional charging capability. BMW says the new architecture is designed to deliver increased range and significantly faster charging compared with the previous generation.

The range-topping BMW i3 50 xDrive produces 345 kW, equivalent to 469 bhp, and 645 Nm of peak torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in 4.7 seconds and has a 108.7 kWh high-voltage battery. Its maximum WLTP range is rated at up to 912 km. DC charging capability reaches up to 400 kW, with BMW claiming up to 423 km of additional WLTP range can be added in 10 minutes under the specified test conditions and when the charging infrastructure supports the vehicle’s maximum charging power.

The BMW i3 40 xDrive develops 275 kW, or 374 hp, and uses an 82.8 kWh battery. BMW quotes a maximum WLTP range of up to 710 km for this version, while DC charging is rated at up to 300 kW.

Alongside the EV versions, BMW will continue to offer petrol-powered 3 Series models equipped with the latest-generation 48V mild-hybrid technology. The lineup includes the BMW 318 and BMW 320, while a plug-in hybrid variant is planned for a later stage.

BMW M350 xDRIVE PACKS 443 BHP

At the top of the combustion-engine range is the new BMW M350 xDrive. The performance sedan combines a 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine with 48V mild-hybrid technology and BMW xDrive all-wheel drive.

The powertrain produces 326 kW, or 443 bhp, with 580 Nm of torque. BMW quotes a 0-100 kmph acceleration time of just 4.1 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 250 kmph. The M350 xDrive also marks the entry point into the BMW M performance range within the new 3 Series family.

BMW has also introduced a new Drift Moment function for the M350 xDrive. According to the company, the feature can be activated through the central display and allows the engine’s power to be directed exclusively to the rear wheels, creating a rear-driven driving mode intended to enhance the car’s sporting character.

Neue Klasse Design Gives the 3 Series a New Look

The new BMW 3 Series adopts the company’s Neue Klasse design language while maintaining the traditional proportions of a BMW sports sedan. The car features a modern 2.5-box silhouette, longer wheelbase, short overhangs, pronounced wheel arches and a set-back glasshouse.

The new front-end design combines BMW’s kidney grille and twin-headlight themes with integrated sensors to create a single visual unit. M Performance models receive distinctive M Yellow Lights, while BMW Iconic Glow can add illuminated contour effects around the kidney grille.

The rear features a horizontal lighting signature and pronounced shoulders that emphasise the sedan’s width. Wheel choices range from 19 to 21 inches for the fully electric BMW i3, while combustion-engine versions can be equipped with 18- to 20-inch wheels. BMW will also offer the new M Le Castellet Blue metallic paint as an exclusive exterior colour across the range.

BMW PANORAMIC iDRIVE TAKES CENTER STAGE

Inside, the new BMW 3 Series introduces BMW Panoramic iDrive with BMW Operating System X. The system combines BMW Panoramic Vision, an optional BMW 3D Head-Up Display, a new multifunction steering wheel and a 17.9-inch central touchscreen.

BMW Panoramic Vision projects information across the lower section of the windscreen, allowing driving-related information to remain within the driver’s field of vision. The optional 3D Head-Up Display can show navigation instructions and driver-assistance information directly in the driver’s line of sight.

The 17.9-inch central display is angled towards the driver and uses BMW’s QuickSelect interface. Drivers can also move widgets from the central display to BMW Panoramic Vision and arrange up to six widgets according to their preferences.

BMW Operating System X is based on the Android Open Source Project and has been designed around a software-defined vehicle approach. BMW says the architecture enables continuous software updates and the addition of new functions and digital services over time.

The system also integrates the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, with Amazon Alexa+ AI technology planned to expand natural-language interaction. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included as standard.

Driver Assistance and Connected Technology

The new BMW 3 Series also brings expanded driver-assistance technology. BMW says the range will feature SAE Level 2 assistance systems, while the Motorway Assistant enables hands-free driving at speeds of up to 130 kmph in specified countries. Additional navigation-guided partially automated urban-driving functions are planned from 2027.

BMW Maps also gains new driver-assistance visualisation capabilities in selected markets, further integrating navigation data with the vehicle’s assistance systems.

New BMW 3 Series Prices and Availability

According to BMW’s September 2026 media information, the BMW 318 starts at €49,900 in Germany, while the BMW 320 starts at €54,900. The BMW M350 xDrive has a starting price of €80,900.

For the electric models, the BMW i3 40 xDrive starts at €59,900, while the BMW i3 50 xDrive starts at €65,900. BMW states that orders for the new BMW 3 Series open on 30 September 2026.

The pricing and specification figures in the media release relate to the German market, and BMW notes that equipment, powertrain figures, consumption and CO₂ data can vary between markets.

The new BMW 3 Series therefore marks a significant expansion of BMW’s core sedan range, combining traditional petrol power with mild-hybrid technology and, for the first time, a fully electric BMW i3 based on the Neue Klasse platform. With up to 912 km of claimed WLTP range, 400 kW DC charging, BMW Panoramic iDrive and the 443 bhp M350 xDrive, the new generation brings BMW’s latest electric, digital and performance technologies together in one model family.