Earlier this year, BMW revealed the electric i3, the first 3 Series created under the Neue Klasse design language. Although no technically the same car as the regular petrol 3 Series, it gave a pretty good preview of what the combustion variant would be like.
Now, BMW has officially revealed the new 3 Series.
The 2027 3 Series is radically different from all previous 3 Series. Germany’s latest sports sedan debuts with the most powerful M Performance variant ever, Neue Klasse bodywork and a few key differences that help set it apart from its electric sibling.
The most powerful M Performance 3 series ever
Photo by: BMW
The BMW 3 Series will be launched in the United States with three versions: 330, 330 xDrive and M350 xDrive. As expected, the “i” nickname has disappeared from the 3 Series petrol range, so as not to confuse buyers with the electric model.
The BMW 330 gets a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to either the rear or all four wheels via an eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission.
Where things get more interesting is with the M350 xDrive model. This version gets a 3.0-liter inline-six developing 437 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque. It takes just 3.9 seconds to reach 60 miles per hour, compared to 5.9 seconds for the 330 and 330 xDrive versions.
The top speed of both cars is limited to 155 mph.
- 2.0L Turbocharged Four-Cylinder
- 255 HP / 295 LB-FT
- Eight-speed automatic
- 0-60 mph: 5.9 seconds
- Maximum speed: 155 mph (limited)
- 3.0L turbocharged inline-six
- 437 HP / 428 LB-FT
- Eight-speed automatic
- 0-60 mph: 3.9 seconds
- Maximum speed: 155 mph (limited)
A whole new look
Photo by: BMW
Perhaps the biggest change to the new 3 Series is the design. It wears the Neue Klasse body, just like the i3, but with a real grille and optional yellow M lights in the headlight.
On the side, standard 19-inch or optional 20-inch wheels are available, with flush door handles that create a smoother side profile. The rear of the 3 Series is virtually the same as the i3, with a matching taillight design found on all Neue Klasse models.
The M350 xDrive model benefits from numerous exterior upgrades over the standard car. These include a rear spoiler, black exterior trim and quad exhausts. M Sport extras include model-specific M Sport blue bumpers, side skirts and brakes.
Tech-Heavy-Interior
Photo by: BMW
Just like the exterior, the interior of the new 3 Series is brand new, even though it has already been previewed on other Neue Klasse models. The cabin is equipped with BMW’s latest iDrive system, including Panoramic iDrive, which runs the length of the windshield and includes information, as well as an AI assistant powered by Amazon Alexa.
The same iDrive-powered 17.9-inch trapezoidal screen found in the new X5 and i7 also appears on the 3 Series. However, unlike larger BMWs, there is no optional passenger display. The My Modes feature allows drivers to personalize interior lighting and displays. The screen also comes with a TiVo-powered video app that allows occupants to watch and stream TV and movies while parked.
The steering wheel is also the same center-spoke design as the i3. It features haptic touch buttons and sits in front of a digital gauge cluster, installed in the previously mentioned Panoramic iDrive system. M Performance models receive a special M Performance dial which features toggles for the M Mode and Boost functions. A head-up display is also available on the 3 Series.
Drift Mode: Engaged
Photo by: BMW
The most interesting feature of the new 3 Series, at least if you’re an enthusiast, is what BMW calls the “Drift Moment.” Available on the M 350 xDrive, this is a system that will cut power to the front wheels in order to help you drift.
This is the first M Performance car to feature this technology. Drift Moment will not be available at launch; instead, it will arrive via a software update to the car sometime in 2027.
When can you get a new 3 Series?
The 2027 BMW 3 Series will be launched in early 2027 with the 330, 330 xDrive and M350 xDrive versions. As for the electric i3, reservations for the car open on September 29, also aiming for a release in early 2027.
Pricing for the 2027 BMW 3 Series starts at $49,900 with destination for the base 330 model, but rises to $51,900 for the xDrive version. The M350 xDrive starts at $65,900.
If you’re considering going electric, the base 2027 i3 50 starts at $61,500.
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