The new BMW i3 brings fully electric drive to the BMW 3 Series for the first time, with customers initially able to choose between the BMW i3 40 xDrive and BMW i3 50 xDrive, offering up to 566 miles1 (WLTP) of single-charge range. An all-electric M Performance model, the BMW i3 M60 xDrive will join the lineup in 2027. Two petrol-powered variants will also be available from launch: the BMW 320 and the flagship, six-cylinder BMW M350 xDrive.
All versions of the new BMW 3 Series share a consistent exterior and interior design. The exterior combines the reduced design language of the Neue Klasse with hallmark BMW-saloon proportions. Its 2.5-box silhouette is characterised by a long wheelbase, short overhangs, a set-back glasshouse and prominently flared wheel arches.
At the front, the BMW kidney and twin headlights are integrated within a single horizontal design element. When BMW Iconic Glow is specified, it is illuminated and can be configured with three customisable light animations. The contemporary daytime running lights are vertically arranged, while the shark-nose front profile highlights the model’s dynamic character. At the side are flush-fitting door handles that extend automatically when the vehicle is unlocked, while a low character line brings the 3 Series visually lower to the ground. At the rear, three-dimensional lights reinterpret the familiar BMW L-shape and extend into the shoulder area, emphasising the saloon’s broad stance.
BMW M Performance vehicles are visually differentiated with unique design features, including M Yellow Lights3 – inspired by the brand’s racing heritage – and a boot lip spoiler. In traditional BMW M fashion, the BMW M350 xDrive boasts a quartet of tailpipes at the rear.
BMW 3 Series customers can choose from up to 11 exterior paint colours at launch, including the new M Le Castellet Blue, while full personalisation through the BMW Individual paint catalogue will be possible from 2027. A wide variety of alloy wheels are available, including aerodynamically optimised designs. The BMW i3 is fitted with 19-inch wheels as standard, with sizes up to 21 inches available. The BMW 320 and BMW M350 xDrive receive standard-fit 18- and 19-inch designs respectively. 20-inch alloys are optionally available for both models.
A new interior design merges clear, reduced surfaces with the traditional driver-focused cockpit of the BMW 3 Series. Lines flowing forwards from the doors into the instrument panel create an enveloping effect, while large windows and a panoramic glass roof result in a light and spacious cabin.
Supportive, electrically operated seats with memory function feature as standard, while multifunction seats offering further adjustment are available optionally. Petrol-powered models provide a boot capacity of 450 litres, while the fully electric BMW i3 offers 420 litres of space. The BMW i3 also receives an additional 31 litres of storage space under the bonnet bringing the overall capacity to 451 litres. Split-folding rear seats bring additional practicality and can be folded in 40:20:40 ratio.
The new BMW 3 Series comes equipped with the latest operating concept, BMW Panoramic iDrive, powered by BMW Operating System X. It encompasses the BMW Panoramic Vision display, optional BMW 3D Head-Up Display, 17.9-inch Central Display and the redesigned multifunction steering wheel. All components work seamlessly together to help the driver to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. Intelligent voice control is provided by the self-learning BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, enhanced by Amazon’s Alexa+ AI technology for natural communication.
The BMW i3 features sixth-generation (Gen6) BMW eDrive technology, combining energy-dense high-voltage batteries with cylindrical cells, highly efficient electric motors, 800-volt technology and bidirectional charging.
The battery cells are integrated directly into the high-voltage battery using a ‘cell-to-pack’ design. A ‘pack-to-open-body’ construction allows the battery to serve as a structural component, significantly reducing weight while increasing the body’s torsional rigidity for improved driving dynamics.
The BMW i3 50 xDrive produces 469 hp and 645 Nm of torque, accelerating from zero to 62 mph in 4.7 seconds. Its 108.7 kWh high-voltage battery provides a range of up to 566 miles1 (WLTP). At a suitable 800-volt DC rapid charging station, it can charge at up to 400 kW and add up to 263 miles2 of range in ten minutes.
The BMW i3 40 xDrive develops 374 hp and 520 Nm of torque, completing the zero to 62 mph sprint in 5.4 seconds. Its 82.8 kWh battery delivers up to 441 miles1 (WLTP) of range, while a maximum DC charging rate of 300 kW can add up to 209 miles2 in ten minutes. AC charging at 11 kW is standard for both models, with 22 kW available optionally.
An electrically excited synchronous motor at the rear axle provides the primary source of drive, supported by a compact asynchronous motor at the front when all-wheel drive is required.
The petrol-powered BMW 3 Series range will launch in the UK with two derivatives, both featuring the latest generation of BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and 48-volt mild hybrid assistance. The rear-wheel-drive BMW 320 combines a 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission, producing 211 hp and 330 Nm of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 7.4 seconds and reaches a top speed of 149 mph.
Meanwhile, the flagship BMW M350 xDrive pairs a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system featuring a crankshaft-driven starter generator. Together, they produce 443 hp, an increase of 69 hp over its predecessor, and 580 Nm of torque, enabling acceleration from 0 to 62 mph in 4.1 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.
GR Snippets
- The eighth-generation BMW 3 Series introduces Neue Klasse design and technologies to the heart of the BMW brand.
- First fully electric BMW 3 Series launches as the new BMW i3, available from launch as the BMW i3 40 xDrive and BMW i3 50 xDrive.
- BMW i3 M60 xDrive M Performance model will later join the lineup.
- BMW i3 50 xDrive delivers up to 566 miles1 of range (WLTP) and up to 400 kW DC rapid charging.
- Two petrol-powered derivatives offered from launch: the BMW 320 and flagship, six-cylinder BMW M350 xDrive.
- One BMW 3 Series design, consistent across all powertrains.
- BMW Panoramic iDrive with BMW Operating System X as standard, and the latest generation of BMW driver assistance technology.
- Prices in the UK start from £44,975 OTR for the BMW 320 and £47,925 OTR for the BMW i3 40 xDrive.
- First BMW i3 UK customer deliveries commence in autumn 2026, while petrol-powered derivatives will arrive in January 2027.
