For more than five decades, the 3-Series has been central to BMW’s lineup, serving as a segment benchmark and embodying many of the qualities associated with the German automaker. Despite SUVs dominating much of the market over the past decade, the 3-Series continues into an eighth generation, represented by this new model.
BMW introduced the closely related all-electric i3 six months ago, but the combustion-powered version is only now making its debut. As teasers and spy photos suggested, the regular 3-Series shares a close visual connection with the i3. The two can look nearly identical at first glance, though BMW has made subtle changes to distinguish them.
The gasoline-powered 3-Series has been previewed first in M350 xDrive form, which replaces the M340i xDrive. Its front fascia largely follows the i3, including the daytime running lights and kidney grilles, but the grilles are darker and slightly wider. Because this model needs to cool an engine, the lower bumper and air intakes are more pronounced.
The standard 3-Series has a slightly longer, lower hood than the i3. The door skins look largely unchanged, while the rear side-window shape has been revised and retains BMW’s signature Hofmeister kink. The sporty M350 xDrive adds black mirror caps, distinctive badges, darkened LED taillights, a diffuser, and quad exhaust outlets.
A Familiar Platform With Fresh Styling
Although the combustion 3-Series looks a little longer and wider in these images, its dimensions are actually different from those of the i3 in the opposite direction. The 330, 330 xDrive, and M350 xDrive are each 187.2 inches (4,754 mm) long, 72.8 inches (1,849 mm) wide, and 57.3 inches (1,455 mm) tall. The i3 50 xDrive measures 187.4 inches (4,759 mm) long, 73.4 inches (1,864 mm) wide, and 58.3 inches (1,480 mm) tall. The explanation is that the 3-Series uses a revised version of the previous model’s CLAR architecture, while the i3 is built on BMW’s new Neue Klasse platform.
Despite its older underlying architecture, the 3-Series receives the interior technology introduced in BMW’s Neue Klasse-based EVs. Equipment includes the unusual steering wheel with large touchpad controllers and paddle shifters, a 17.9-inch angled infotainment screen, and the Panoramic iDrive interface. An optional 3D head-up display is also available.
A Futuristic Interior
The dashboard has been extensively redesigned with new materials, fabrics, and lighting that resemble elements used in some current Mini models. Redesigned seats are standard, but the base units lack backrest-width adjustment and lumbar support. Buyers must choose the optional multifunction seats for those features, while the M350 xDrive gets dedicated M Sport seats with more substantial bolstering.
Until the next M3 arrives, the M350 xDrive will lead the combustion-powered 3-Series range. Its 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six works with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology to produce 437 hp and 428 lb-ft (580 Nm) of torque. With an eight-speed Steptronic transmission and all-wheel drive, it reaches 60 mph (96 km/h) in 3.9 seconds and tops out at 130 mph (209 km/h), or 155 mph (250 km/h) with sport tires. Factoring in a one-foot rollout reduces the 0-60 mph time to 3.6 seconds.
BMW has also detailed the 330 and 330 xDrive. Both use a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 255 hp from 4,700 to 6,500 rpm and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque. Their top speeds match that of the M350 xDrive, but both require 5.9 seconds to reach 60 mph.
Although the 2027 3-Series does not use a new platform, BMW says it has made extensive chassis revisions. These include a double-joint spring-strut front axle, wider front and rear tracks, and new wheel and tire combinations. The standard models can be equipped with adaptive suspension or adaptive M suspension, with the latter fitted as standard on the M350 xDrive.
The M350 xDrive’s most unusual feature may be Drift Moment. Despite its playful name, the mode has a serious purpose: it transforms the sedan into a rear-wheel-drive machine. It will not be available at launch, however, and is scheduled to arrive at an undisclosed time next year through a software update.
Safety equipment includes Level 2 driver-assistance technology and BMW’s Symbiotic Drive system. It lets the driver make steering, acceleration, and braking inputs without the Level 2 system disengaging, unlike what commonly happens in many vehicles.
BMW has not yet disclosed US pricing for the new 3-Series, but sales of the 330, 330 xDrive, and M350 xDrive are confirmed to begin in the first quarter of 2027.
BMW’s eighth-generation 3-Series combines familiar combustion powertrains with styling and cabin technology shared with the electric i3 and Neue Klasse models. The range currently includes the 330, 330 xDrive, and 437-hp M350 xDrive, with updated chassis hardware, Level 2 assistance, and the software-enabled Drift Moment mode. US deliveries are scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2027, while pricing remains unannounced.
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