BMW 3 Series enters eighth generation with new i3 and M350 xDrive

BMW has unveiled the eighth-generation 3 Series with Neue Klasse-inspired styling, new electric i3 variants, petrol engines with mild-hybrid technology, and the performance-focused M350 xDrive flagship.BMW has unveiled the eighth-generation 3 Series, expanding the Neue Klasse family beyond the i3 while retaining petrol-powered variants alongside the new electric sedan. The new-generation 3 Series will also get a plug-in hybrid variant in the coming year.BMW 3 Series gets Neue Klasse makeover ICE 3 Series The new 3 Series retains the familiar three-box sedan silhouette, but its styling is now closely aligned with BMW's Neue Klasse design direction. The sedan gets a longer wheelbase, short overhangs, flush-fitting door handles and a wider-looking stance, while the front combines the kidney grille and twin headlamp elements into a single visual unit. BMW i3 The electric i3 and combustion-engined 3 Series share most of their exterior design, with differences largely limited to details associated with their respective powertrains. ICE versions can be equipped with 18- to 20-inch wheels, while the i3 gets 19- to 21-inch options.The M350 xDrive gets additional M-specific touches, including yellow lighting elements inspired by BMW's racing cars. New cabin with Panoramic iDriveInside, the new 3 Series adopts BMW's latest Panoramic iDrive setup. The system combines the BMW Panoramic Vision display, an optional 3D head-up display, a 17.9-inch central touchscreen and a new multifunction steering wheel.The cabin also gets electric front seats with memory as standard, while options include multifunction and M Sport seats, rear-seat heating and Harman Kardon audio systems. A panoramic sunroof is also available. BMW Operating System X forms the software backbone of the new 3 Series and supports over-the-air updates. The system also integrates BMW's Intelligent Personal Assistant, with Amazon Alexa+ AI technology expanding voice-based functions.Electric i3 offers up to 912km rangeThe electric version of the new 3 Series is called the BMW i3 and uses the company's sixth-generation eDrive technology. It gets an 800V electrical architecture, cylindrical battery cells, new electric motors and bidirectional charging capability.At launch, the i3 will be available in two versions. The i3 50 xDrive produces 469bhp and 645Nm of torque and uses a 108.7kWh battery. BMW claims a WLTP range of up to 912km, while 400kW DC charging can add up to 423km of range in 10 minutes.The i3 40 xDrive produces 374bhp and uses an 82.8kWh battery, with a claimed range of up to 710km. BMW will add the more powerful i3 M60 xDrive M Performance to the range in 2027.M350 xDrive gets 3.0-litre straight-sixOn the ICE side, the range is topped by the M350 xDrive. It uses a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six with a 48V mild-hybrid system, producing 443hp and 580Nm. Power is sent to all four wheels through BMW's xDrive system and an automatic transmission.BMW claims a 0-100kmph time of 4.1 seconds, while top speed is electronically limited to 250kmph. The M350 xDrive also gets adaptive M suspension as standard.A new Drift Moment function allows the driver to send engine power exclusively to the rear wheels, adding a more rear-biased driving mode to the M Performance sedan.BMW has also confirmed four-cylinder petrol variants for the new 3 Series, while a plug-in hybrid version is scheduled to join the range over the next year. Details of diesel versions have not been announced.New driver assistance technologyThe new 3 Series gets a range of upgraded driver assistance systems, including SAE Level 2 functionality. BMW's Motorway Assistant enables hands-free driving at speeds of up to 130kmph in 21 countries, while additional partially automated urban-driving functions are planned from 2027.Production of the electric i3 will take place at BMW's Munich plant, while combustion-engined versions of the 3 Series will be manufactured at Dingolfing. The new-generation 3 Series is expected to enter global markets from 2027.Subscribe to Auto Today Magazine - Ends