La nouvelle BMW Série 3

The first fully electric BMW 3 Series based on the Neue Klasse celebrates its premiere in the form of the new BMW i3. It refines the familiar character of the BMW 3 Series with the addition of standout new attributes. Two fully electric models will be available from launch. These will be joined by further new BMW 3 Series variants with highly efficient petrol engines and 48V mild hybrid technology. Taking to the stage as the most sporting member of the range, the new BMW M350 xDrive combines the allure of an M Performance model with the inimitable character of a BMW six-cylinder in-line engine. A plug-in hybrid drive variant (PHEV) will be added to the BMW 3 Series line-up over the coming year.

The drive system variants of the new BMW 3 Series highlight the BMW Group’s technology-open approach to impressive effect.

A modern, unmistakable and consistent exterior design for all new BMW 3 Series models.
The new BMW 3 Series models tailor the visually striking Neue Klasse design language to the dynamic character of the sporting BMW sedan. The fully electric BMW i3 and its sister models with internal combustion engine (ICE) differ only in details that reflect the drive system type at hand.

The new BMW 3 Series with modern 2.5-box design is instantly recognisable as a BMW. Its silhouette showcases the signature BMW sporting proportions. A longer wheelbase, short overhangs and eye-catching surfaces shape the distinctive appearance of the BMW 3 Series. The set-back glasshouse teams up with the prominently flared wheel arches to imbue the car’s shoulders with exceptional athleticism. The flanks are defined by a striking character line that lowers the visual centre of gravity of the new BMW 3 Series closer to the road. The door handles of the new BMW 3 Series are flush fitting and extend automatically when the car is unlocked.

The front end of the new BMW 3 Series models includes a fresh but at the same time familiar interpretation of two design icons: the BMW kidneys and twin headlights. They merge into a visually striking single unit, creating an innovative light signature. Meanwhile, new M Yellow Lights adopted from racing car design provide a bold identifying feature for the new BMW M Performance models.

The rear end of the new BMW 3 Series – with its markedly horizontal light arrangement – exudes both technical progress and precision. And the pronounced wheel arches accentuate the sedan’s broad, sporting stance.

The wheels available for the fully electric BMW i3 range from 19-inch to 21-inch items. The BMW 3 Series models with a combustion engine can be specified with light-alloy wheels between 18 and 20 inches in size. The new BMW 3 Series can also be ordered as an option with the M Sport package or M Sport package Pro. These underscore the sporting character of the individual models and give them a particularly dynamic appearance. The extensive range of exterior paint finishes for the new BMW 3 Series includes the exclusive shade M Le Castellet Blue metallic. A host of BMW Individual paint finishes will follow over the course of 2027.

The interior: sporty, inviting and with a new level of BMW-typical driver orientation.
The reduced design language of the Neue Klasse extends into the high-quality interior of the new BMW 3 Series. The dynamic-, airy- and modern-feeling cabin features a whole new form of driver orientation with the display and operating system BMW Panoramic iDrive. It is made up of four elements: the BMW Panoramic Vision, BMW 3D Head-Up Display, Central Display and multifunction steering wheel.

In the new BMW 3 Series, the BMW Panoramic Vision and optional BMW 3D Head-Up Display project driving-relevant content into the driver’s line of sight. The 17.9-inch Central Display is positioned on the instrument panel and angled clearly towards the driver. The newly designed BMW steering wheel featuring a central spoke in its upper section now also takes its place in the BMW 3 Series. With its multifunction buttons, the steering wheel has been optimised to be particularly intuitive to use. The M steering wheel and BMW Individual steering wheel can also be specified as an option for the new BMW 3 Series models.

The lines flowing forwards from the doors on either side into the instrument panel create an enveloping wraparound effect for the driver and passengers in the new BMW 3 Series, while a large panoramic sunroof with climate comfort glazing teams up with the large-surface windows to provide an extremely airy and light-filled ambience.

The standard seats of the new BMW 3 Series models offer secure lateral support and high comfort levels. They feature electric adjustment, a memory function and the Travel & Comfort System. Multifunction seats and M Sport seats can be specified as options. Seat heating for the rear seats can also be added as an option. As an alternative to the standard-fitted hi-fi sound system, hi-fi and surround sound systems from Harman Kardon are available to bring outstanding sound quality to the new BMW 3 Series.

The new BMW 3 Series models give customers a choice between four different interior designs each offering a harmoniously coordinated selection of colours and materials. The My Modes also offer new BMW 3 Series customers extensive scope for customising their car’s displays, sound, lighting and drive system.

Comprehensive digital user experience with BMW Panoramic iDrive, BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant and future-proofed software & electronics architecture.
Flawless ergonomics and intuitive operation have been standout features of the BMW 3 Series for decades. And the display and operating system BMW Panoramic iDrive with BMW Operating System X in the latest-generation models continues this tradition. It follows the principle of showing the right information in the right place at the right time. The multimodal operating logic of BMW Panoramic iDrive combines touch-based, haptic and voice-based interaction. The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant plays a key role here, and the integration of Amazon Alexa+ AI technology¹ further expands its range of functionality, enabling more dialogue-based and extremely intuitive verbal interaction.

BMW Operating System X serves as an intelligent platform for the display and operating system. It is based on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) and designed to offer excellent update and upgrade capabilities. This means that the system enables the continuous addition of new functions and digital services – and stays up to date for a long time. In addition, BMW Operating System X in the new BMW 3 Series unlocks a larger entertainment offering than ever. And new features added to the optional BMW Digital Premium package make the new BMW 3 Series models particularly user-friendly and attractive. Among these features are the Security Assistant and the extended navigation functions included in BMW Maps. Regular Software Updates keep the BMW 3 Series up to speed.

Fully electric BMW i3 with long range and fast charging times.
As well as models with highly efficient combustion engines and 48V mild hybrid technology, the BMW 3 Series line-up now also includes a fully electric version. As a Neue Klasse model, the new BMW i3 comes with sixth-generation (Gen6) BMW eDrive technology. This comprises fundamentally new high-voltage batteries with cylindrical cells, highly efficient electric motors, 800V technology and bidirectional charging functionality. The Gen6 BMW eDrive system offers considerably longer  range than the predecessor generation and enables significantly faster charging. The BMW i3 will be available in two versions from launch, both of which have one electric motor on the front axle and another on the rear axle.

The new BMW i3 50 xDrive has a system output of 345 kW/469 hp and develops peak torque of 645 Nm (475 lb-ft). It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.7 seconds. The BMW i3 50 xDrive is fitted with a 108.7 kWh high-voltage battery and impresses with its long-distance ability – it offers a maximum range of 912 km / 567 miles (WLTP)². In addition, DC charging rates of up to 400 kW ensure dramatically shorter charging times: at a DC fast-charging station, the BMW i3 50 xDrive can take on enough energy in ten minutes³ for up to 423 km (263 miles) of driving.

The system output of the new BMW i3 40 xDrive is 275 kW/374 hp. The second fully electric variant of the new BMW 3 Series has an 82.8 kWh high-voltage battery and offers a maximum range of 710 km / 441 miles (WLTP)².

The new BMW i3 line-up will be topped by an exceptionally dynamic model variant in the near future, with the ultra-potent BMW i3 M60 xDrive M Performance model set for launch in 2027.

From entry-level variants to BMW M Performance models, the new BMW 3 Series range will therefore span a wide performance spectrum, regardless of the drive system at work.

BMW M350 xDrive: sporting flagship with powerful six-cylinder engine.
The new BMW M350 xDrive is the combustion-engine flagship of the BMW 3 Series range, elevating BMW’s six-cylinder in-line engines to a new level of perfection. Under the bonnet of the BMW M350 xDrive is a 3.0-litre petrol unit that benefits from a 48V mild hybrid system complete with crankshaft-driven starter generator and develops maximum output of 326 kW/443 hp. As its performance attributes underscore in compelling style, the new BMW M350 xDrive marks the entry point into the world of BMW M. It sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.1 seconds on its way to an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

Joining the BMW M350 xDrive at the launch of the new BMW 3 Series models powered by highly efficient combustion engines are two variants with four-cylinder in-line petrol units. All petrol engines for the new BMW 3 Series feature the latest generation of BMW TwinPower Turbo technology.

BMW i3: Heart of Joy brings a new dimension in driving pleasure to electric vehicles. BMW M350 xDrive now with Drift Moment.
For five decades now, the BMW 3 Series has been a byword for unadulterated driving pleasure. Sporting prowess, precise handling and long-distance comfort are an integral part of its DNA. The new fully electric BMW i3 carries these attributes into the Neue Klasse age, harnessing the full potential of electric mobility in the process. The result is a new dimension in Sheer Driving Pleasure. The BMW i3 thrills with razor-sharp, fleet-footed and composed handling. The Heart of Joy high-performance computer dictates the all-new driver experience. It works ten times faster than previous systems and represents a leap forward in technology. In time-honoured BMW 3 Series fashion, the BMW i3 sets new dynamic standards.

The Heart of Joy was developed specifically for the sixth generation of the fully electric drive system architecture employed in the Neue Klasse. Its Driving Stack brings all the drive system and driving dynamics functions together into a single control unit for the first time. Like its all-electric stablemate, the BMW 3 Series with combustion engine also features an intelligent BMW Driving Stack, in this case optimised over the course of decades and again honed precisely for the drive system at hand. Both Driving Stacks are high-end solutions tailored to their respective applications. The new BMW 3 Series models all serve up an unmistakable driving experience that differs according to the type of drive system employed.

Customers looking to enhance the sporting ability and maximise the comfort of their combustion-engined BMW 3 Series can specify the optional adaptive suspension or adaptive M suspension. Adaptive M suspension comes as standard on the BMW M350 xDrive and is available as an option for the all-wheel-drive BMW i3.  

The new BMW M350 xDrive represents the dynamic pinnacle of the new BMW 3 Series ICE line-up. It combines agility and precision with high levels of comfort in everyday use and over long-distance journeys. In addition, it brings a completely new driving experience to the road with the new Drift Moment feature. Designed to extract maximum pleasure from sliding sideways through corners and activated via the Central Display, Drift Moment allows the driver to send the engine’s power to the rear wheels only. This creates an unbridled, emotionally thrilling experience at the wheel that has previously been reserved for the high-performance models from BMW M GmbH.

Advanced assistance systems maximise safety and comfort both out on the road and when parking.
All the new BMW 3 Series models will be offered with an extensive array of standard-fitted and optional assistance systems. The application of cutting-edge technology and the increased use of artificial intelligence in the new BMW 3 Series provide even greater safety and genuinely reduce the strain on the driver during partially automated driving and parking. Innovative SAE Level 2 driver assistance systems and active safety functions offer clear improvements over the predecessor generation; BMW Symbiotic Drive ensures intuitive interaction between human behaviour and driver assistance; the Motorway Assistant enables hands-free driving up to 130 km/h (81 mph) in 21 countries⁴; and from 2027, new assistance functions will offer navigation-guided, partially automated driving in urban areas.

BMW Group Plant Munich is the home of the new BMW i3. Production of the BMW 3 Series with combustion engine will take place in Dingolfing, Bavaria.
The new fully electric BMW i3 is built at BMW Group Plant Munich – the BMW Group’s home plant. BMW has been producing vehicles at this tradition-rich location for more than 100 years. In 1975, the first ever BMW 3 Series rolled off the assembly line here. And now, in 2026, the plant is entering a new era with the first fully electric BMW 3 Series. Next year, Plant Munich will switch entirely to the production of fully electric Neue Klasse models. The new BMW 3 Series with highly efficient combustion engines will be built at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing – the BMW Group’s largest European manufacturing facility. Meanwhile, production of the core components for the fully electric drive system and combustion engines powering the new BMW 3 Series is handled by BMW Group Plant Steyr in Austria. The high-voltage batteries will be supplied by the new BMW Group Plant Irlbach-Straßkirchen in Bavaria.

The new BMW 3 Series follows the BMW Group’s holistic approach to sustainability across the supply chain, production and use phase.

 

*All of the equipment features, fuel/electric power consumption and CO₂ figures in this media information refer to the German market. These may vary in other markets.

¹ Will be rolled out gradually for all BMW models with BMW Operating System 9 and X from the second half of 2026 at the latest. Availability will be steadily expanded, starting with the German and US markets.

² The figures stated were determined based on the prescribed WLTP measurement procedure. The real-world values depend on various factors, such as load, driving style, route, weather, auxiliary consumers (including climate control systems), tyres and battery condition.

³ The extra range added after ten minutes of high-power charging was determined in accordance with ISO 12906 in the WLTP cycle and assumes that the charging infrastructure enables the maximum DC charging power. The range added and charging performance depend on the vehicle equipment, state of charge/condition of the battery, ambient/battery temperature, driving profile, auxiliary consumers, vehicle-specific charging settings and the charging power provided at the charging station.

⁴ By the end of 2026 in Germany, United Kingdom, Ireland, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Czechia, Poland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, USA, Canada and Japan.

BMW 320:
WLTP combined [EnVKV]: energy consumption 7,5 l/100 km; CO₂ emissions 169 g/km; CO₂ class F

BMW M350 xDrive:
WLTP combined [EnVKV]: energy consumption: 8,2 l/100 km; CO₂ emissions 187 g/km; CO₂ class G

BMW i3 50 xDrive:
WLTP combined [EnVKV]: energy consumption 18,0 – 13,4 kWh/100 km; CO₂ emissions 0 g/km; CO₂ class A

BMW i3 40 xDrive:
WLTP combined [EnVKV]: energy consumption 17,9 – 14,3 kWh/100 km; CO₂ emissions 0 g/km; CO₂ class A

BMW i3 M60 xDrive: 
As this is a prototype vehicle, no official WLTP consumption and emissions figures are yet available.