New petrol-powered BMW 3 Series arriving early next year
BMW has unveiled the eighth-generation 3 Series range, which will consist of two petrol mild-hybrid models that share much of the same design and tech that underpins the electric i3 line-up.
The new model follows the recently revealed electric BMW i3, which is effectively the battery-powered member of the new 3 Series family. While the i3 will be the first to reach UK customers this autumn, petrol-powered ‘320’ and ‘M350 xDrive’ models will follow in January 2027.
The new 3 Series will continue to compete with compact executive saloons including the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Audi A5, while the electric i3 also gives BMW a direct rival for models such as the Tesla Model 3 and forthcoming Mercedes-Benz C-Class Electric.
Same design for petrol and electric models
Unlike some manufacturers that give their electric cars a substantially different appearance, BMW has adopted essentially the same exterior and interior design across the new 3 Series range.
The eighth-generation car adopts the company’s latest ‘Neue Klasse’ design language, with a long wheelbase, short overhangs and a more subtle interpretation of BMW’s kidney grille. Flush door handles are also fitted.
The performance-focused ‘M350 xDrive’ is distinguished by different exterior details, including yellow-tinted lights and a boot spoiler, as well as a four-pipe exhaust.
320 and M350 xDrive petrol models
The UK petrol range will initially consist of two models, both using 48-volt mild hybrid technology and an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
The rear-wheel-drive BMW ‘320’ uses a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 211hp. BMW quotes a 0-62mph time of 7.4 seconds and a 149mph top speed.
Above it sits the four-wheel-drive ‘M350 xDrive’, powered by a 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine. Output rises to 443hp, an increase of 69hp over its predecessor, reducing the 0-62mph time to 4.1 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 155mph.
The petrol cars also receive revised suspension and chassis mounting points. Standard suspension uses newly developed dampers, while adaptive suspension will be optional.
BMW is also adding a ‘Drift Moment’ driving mode to the more powerful ‘M350’ during 2027. The system can send power exclusively to the rear wheels to allow controlled oversteer and will also be made available through a software update for cars delivered before its introduction.
Electric i3 offers up to 566 miles
The electric side of the range consists initially of the i3 ’40 xDrive’ and i3 ’50 xDrive’, with a more powerful i3 ‘M60 xDrive’ following in 2027.
The i3 ’40 xDrive’ produces 374hp and uses an 83kWh battery, with BMW quoting up to 441 miles of battery range. Its maximum DC charging rate is 300kW.
The 469hp i3 ’50 xDrive’ gets a much larger 109kWh battery, increasing its official range to 566 miles. Its 800-volt electrical system supports DC charging at up to 400kW, which BMW says can add as much as 263 miles of range in ten minutes under suitable conditions.
Both versions are four-wheel drive, using a primary electric motor at the rear and a second motor at the front. We’ve covered the new electric BMW i3 in more detail separately.
New dashboard and infotainment
The interior also follows the layout introduced by BMW’s latest electric models. A 18-inch central touchscreen is accompanied by BMW’s ‘Panoramic Vision’ display, which projects information across the lower edge of the windscreen rather than using a conventional instrument panel directly in front of the driver.
A separate 3D head-up display is optional, while BMW’s voice assistant now incorporates Amazon’s Alexa+ AI. Electrically adjustable and heated front seats are standard, along with a panoramic glass roof on the petrol ‘320’. The petrol models have 450 litres of boot space, while the electric i3 has a 420-litre rear boot supplemented by a 31-litre storage compartment beneath the bonnet.
Driver assistance equipment includes adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance as standard. An optional Motorway Assistant can provide hands-free Level 2 assisted driving on compatible roads, although the driver remains responsible for monitoring the road.
UK prices and arrival
The electric i3 will arrive first, with UK customer deliveries beginning in Autumn 2026. The i3 ’40 xDrive’ starts at nearly £48k, while the longer-range i3 ’50 xDrive’ is priced at over £53k.
Petrol versions will reach customers in January 2027. The rear-wheel-drive BMW 320 starts at £45k, while the M350 xDrive is priced from just south of £67k.
‘M Sport’ and ‘M Sport Pro’ specifications will also be available across the range. BMW has not announced any diesel or plug-in hybrid versions of the new 3 Series for the UK at this stage – powertrain options that were offered in the previous 3 Series range.
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