New petrol-powered BMW 3 Series is finally revealed
The wait is finally over for those itching to see the new petrol-powered BMW 3 Series. The new saloon will sit alongside the previously revealed electric i3 in BMW’s range, allowing customers to have their choice from a broad selection of powertrain options.
Making its way onto the motoring scene in 1975, the 3 Series is now on its eighth generation, selling more than 18 million worldwide and becoming one of the most universally beloved cars by petrolheads everywhere. This eighth-generation model is the first to adopt the brand’s Neue Klasse design and technologies, first seen in the BMW iX3.
A staggered launch will initially see the electric BMW i3 40 xDrive (£47,925) and BMW i3 50 xDrive (£53,425) arrive, with the BMW i3 M60 xDrive M Performance model joining the lineup in 2027.
On the petrol-powered side of things, the BMW 320 and the flagship, six-cylinder BMW M350 xDrive will be available to buy from launch, costing £44,975 and £66,785 respectively.
Exterior Design
At first glance, all 3 Series models share a similar exterior, following the Neue Klasse’s reduced design language while retaining classic BMW saloon proportions. This means a long wheelbase, short overhangs, and prominently flared wheel arches.
The front of the 3 Series sees the BMW kidney and twin headlights integrated within a single horizontal design element, and when the BMW Iconic Glow is specified, it is illuminated with three customisable light animations. There are modern vertically arranged daytime running lights, while at the rear, three-dimensional lights reinterpret the familiar BMW L-shape and extend into the shoulder area, emphasising the saloon’s muscular stance. A sense of dynamism is given to the 3 Series due to its shark-nose front profile.
At the side, the door handles sit flush and extend automatically when the car is unlocked, while the vehicle is noticeably lower to the ground than previous generations.
You’ll be able to tell the M Performance models apart from the rest with a few unique design features, including M Yellow Lights3 inspired by the brand’s racing heritage and a boot lip spoiler. The BMW M350 xDrive will get particularly lairy thanks to a quartet of tailpipes at the rear.
There are 11 different exterior colours to choose from at launch, including the new M Le Castellet Blue, ahead of full personalisation options through the BMW Individual paint catalogue from 2027.
Interior
Inside, the new 3 Series features a driver-focused cockpit with reduced surfaces and plenty of light and space throughout the entire cabin thanks to large windows and a panoramic glass roof.
The electrically operated seats come with memory function as standard, while the option of multifunction seats which offer further adjustment are available.
In terms of storage, the petrol-powered models provide 450 litres of boot space, while the electric BMW i3 comes with a slightly reduced capacity at 420 litres. There is, however, an additional 31 litres of storage space under the bonnet of the i3, bringing the total to 451 litres. Extra storage can be found thanks to split-folding rear seats that fold in a 40:20:40 ratio.
Also found in the cockpit is the latest BMW Panoramic iDrive, containing the BMW Panoramic Vision display, optional BMW 3D Head-Up Display, 17.9-inch Central Display and the redesigned multifunction steering wheel. The system is designed to help driver keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road, assisted by the self-learning BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, which is enhanced by Amazon’s Alex+ AI technology for better communication.
Powertrain
The two petrol-powered 3 Series models to launch in the UK will both feature mild-hybrid powertrains featuring the latest generation of BMW TwinPower Turbo technology.
The Rear Wheel Drive entry-level 320 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission, producing 208bhp and 330Nm of torque. This translates to a 0-62 mph sprint in 7.4 seconds on the way to a top speed of 149mph.
Upping the ante in the all-wheel-drive flagship BMW M350 xDrive is a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system featuring a crankshaft-driven starter generator. This produces a higher 420bhp and 580Nm of torque, enabling a 0-62mph time of 4.1 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 155mph.
Drift Moment Feature
Offered on the BMW M350 xDrive from 2027, a new Drift Moment feature is activated on the Central Display and sends power to the rear wheels, allowing the driver to enjoy controlled oversteer through corners. This was previously only experienced by those in high-performance BMW M models.
Standard Equipment
In the BMW 320, 18-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic glass sunroof, heated and electrically adjustable front seats, Driving Assistant Plus, Comfort Access, BMW Digital Premium, a rear-view camera and Econeer upholstery all come as standard. The M Sport models gain blue M Sport brakes, M exterior styling, a sports steering wheel, ambient lighting, M interior trim and Veganza/M PerformTex upholstery, while M Sport Pro models add on BMW Iconic Glow, sun protection glass, electrically adjustable M Sport seats, red M Sport brakes, an M steering wheel, M seat belts, black exterior mirror caps and Adaptive LED headlights.
On top of the M Sport Pro kit, BMW M350 xDrive customers will also receive a Harman Kardon surround sound system, adaptive M suspension and three-zone automatic climate control.
When will deliveries take place?
Production of the BMW i3 began in August at the brand’s plant in Munich, the location where the first BMW 3 Series was born. This will be followed by the BMW 320 and BMW M350 xDrive, which will head into production at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing in November.
Deliveries of the i3 will start in autumn 2026, while those with a petrol-powered model on order will have to wait until January of next year.
words: Mike Booth
pictures: BMW (UK) Ltd