BMW has revealed the eighth-generation 3 Series and you can be forgiven if you can’t tell the difference between the fuel-burning model from the electric model.
The next-gen gasoline-burning 3 Series is joining BMW’s Neue Klasse (“new class” in English) era and its looks match those of the all-new i3 electric sedan.
The next-gen 3 Series is launching for the 2027 model year with a starting Canadian manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $61,500. The MSRP doesn’t include various dealer fees and levies.
Two gas powertrain options
The 2027 3 Series will be available with two gasoline-burning powertrain choices to go with the all-electric i3.
The gas models include the 330, which maintains an existing model name, and the all-new M350, which replaces the current M340. Both have xDrive all-wheel drive
The new M350 has an updated turbocharged 3-litre inline six-cylinder engine with 48V mild-hybrid support for a total output of 437 hp and 428 lb.-ft. of torque. That’s a big increase from the current M340’s 386 hp, which helps explain why the new car gets a bigger powertrain designation.
The 330, which features a 2-litre four-cylinder engine also has mild-hybrid support. Power output is unchanged on the 330 from the current car, which produces 255 hp and 295 lb.-ft. of torque.
Electric i3 gets more power than the rest
The electric 3 Series gets more power still.
The launch model, the i3 50 xDrive, has a dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain with 463 hp and 476 lb.-ft. of torque. BMW anticipates the electric sedan will have a massive driving range, estimating a range of up to 750 kilometres based on the North American-observed EPA test standards.
A more powerful i3 M60 xDrive will join the lineup in 2027.
Some markets are also getting a less-power and less-expensive i3 40 but there’s been no mention of that one coming to Canada.
Acceleration performance
BMW provided zero to 100 km/h acceleration numbers for the three versions of the 2026 3 Series.
Numbers include:
- 330 xDrive – 6.1 seconds
- M350 xDrive – 4.1 seconds
- i3 50 xDrive – 4.7 seconds
The M350 xDrive also has a rear-wheel-drive mode called Drift Moment, which allows the driver to take part in some controlled cornering slides, or drifting in simple language. Drift Moment will become available sometime in 2027 and will arrive via a software update.
Neue Klasse design all around
The next-gen 3 Series takes on the Neue Klasse design language. The car has a long wheelbase and short overhangs.
The sheet metal is both edgy and sculpted and the wheel arches are muscular.
The car’s greenhouse is set back for a sportier look. At the rear, the car has broad proportions.
BMW explains the body is aerodynamically optimized, which likely contributes to the EV’s impressive range.
The flush-fitting door handles extend automatically when you approach the car.
There’s also a welcome light that is available with three exterior illumination effects – Balanced, Relaxed and Excited.
‘Neue’ face
A new generation of car arrives with new front-end looks, these greatly inspired by the Neue Klasse era.
The BMW kidneys are smaller and are now part of a single visual unit with the twin headlights and front sensors. The package gives the car a wider look.
The horizontal light signature extends through much of the front of the car.
BMW set out to give the car a forward-leaning profile with a brand-typical “shark nose” design.
A BMW Iconic Exterior Illumination option gives the car precise contour lights featuring three dynamic light animations. M Performance models get BMW Iconic Exterior Illumination as standard.
Wheels
The 2027 BMW 3 Series comes fitted with 19-inch wheels as standard.
On the i3, the car gets aerodynamic wheels and choices range from 19 to 21 inches.
On the gas-powered 3 Series, choices range from light alloy wheels in sizes of 19 and 20 inches.
Neue Klasse interior
The Neue Klasse design language enters the cabin of the new car.
BMW set out to give the 2027 3 Series a modern, sporty and inviting cabin with high-quality materials.
It features co-ordinated ambient lighting and graphics on the central display. It also features the BMW Panoramic Vision.
The 17.9-inch centre display is free cut and angled slightly toward the driver, enhancing the driver-focused orientation of the cabin.
Owners can personalize the car’s lighting, sound, displays and drive system via BMW My Modes.
A large panoramic roof with climate glass is standard, which helps increase the feeling of space inside the cabin.
BMW Panoramic Vision and Panoramic iDrive
The automaker is fitting the latest 3 Series with its BMW Panoramic iDrive, which combines four elements.
This includes the BMW Panoramic Vision, an optional 3D head-up display, a new multifunction steering wheel and the central display.
The Panoramic Vision is the thin strip of pillar-to-pillar display screen, which projects driving related information into the driver’s line of sight. BMW said this eliminates the need for a separate driver display.
The car’s infotainment and electronics run on the BMW Operating System X.
The system also has a BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant that occupants can speak with and it can provide proactive suggestions thanks to AI.
The OS allows users to install from a range of apps and video and gaming features. A BMW Digital Premium package offers unlimited data use, or customers can use the data on their smartphone or find a Wi-Fi network to connect to.
Seats and materials
BMW fits the car with standard high-comfort seats offering electric adjustment with memory function. The rear seats get a standard backrest-mounted Travel and Comfort System, which includes seat-adjustment controls in the door panels.
Optional multifunction seats are also available across the 3 Series model range, adding features such as lumbar support and backrest-width adjustment.
The optional seats on the i3 also pick up massage functionality while the gasoline models get seat ventilation.
Three co-ordinated material and colour themes are available on the 2027 3 Series.
Standard interior choices include Veganza upholstery and available in Digital White, Castanea, Agave Green or Black colours.
The M350 xDrive and future i3 M60 xDrive can also get Black Veganza with M PerformTex.
There’s also the optional BMW Individual Merino leather in Black interior available across the model range.
BMW M Sport seats can be specified on M Performance models.
Canadian launch date and prices
Canada will get the BMW i3 50 xDrive, 330 xDrive and M350 xDrive in the first quarter of 2027.
The starting MSRPs are as follows:
- 2027 BMW 330 xDrive – $61,500
- 2027 BMW M350 xDrive – $78,500
- 2027 BMW i3 50 xDrive – $74,900
The MSRP excludes various fees and levies, which typically add a few thousand dollars to the sale price.
For updates and full model details, visit the BMW Canada website.
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