Andrea Innocenti BMW is launching the eighth generation of its legendary 3 Series, scheduled for arrival in Italy in December 2027. The new model, designated internally by the G50 code, represents a major turning point: it ditches diesel engines in favor of three mild-hybrid gasoline engines and adopts the " Neue Klasse " aesthetic already seen on the recent electric i3. Measuring 4,77 meters in length and with a wheelbase of 2,86 meters, the sedan retains the brand's signature proportions, but features lower, more pronounced lines designed to accommodate the new powertrains and an ultra-digital cockpit.
Neue Klasse Design: Back to the Roots with an Eye to the Future
The front of the 2027 3 Series features a slimmer grille, nestled between LED headlights that extend laterally like a light strip, reminiscent of BMW's signature double kidney grille. The rear lights are also very slim, integrated into the hood profile for a clean visual effect.
The car rides on 18- to 20-inch wheels, with sport and gloss finish options. The low, taut window line lowers the visual center of gravity, enhancing the sense of stability. Meanwhile, the door handles are hidden, solidifying the impression of a body stripped of superfluous elements.
Panoramic iDrive Interior: 360-degree digitalization
The interior follows the principle of functional minimalism: the center console houses only a storage compartment with inductive charging, the electronic parking brake, and the gear lever. The true centerpiece is the Panoramic iDrive , which combines four elements. The head-up display projects driving information onto the windshield, while the 17,9-inch Central Display offers an Android-based interface for navigation, media, and vehicle controls. The multifunction steering wheel and, optionally, the 3D Head-Up Display complete the system, which updates via OTA to introduce new features.
Tailor-made materials and comfort
BMW offers a variety of upholstery options, from recycled fabrics for the base models, microfiber and synthetic leather for the mid-range versions, to the luxury of Merino leather with BMW Individual trim . Some configurations include massage seats with multi-stage electric adjustment, while maintaining a 450-liter trunk with the option of folding the rear seats 40:20:40 for additional capacity.
Mild-hybrid engines: power and sustainability
Three petrol engines, all featuring 48V mild-hybrid technology , power the new 3 Series. The entry-level model, the 318, features a 2,0-litre turbocharged engine producing 156 hp (110 kW) and 250 Nm (187 lb-ft), with rear-wheel drive and a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) acceleration time of 9,5 seconds. The 320 boosts that output to 211 hp (150 kW) and 330 Nm (257 lb-ft), retaining rear-wheel drive but reducing the 0-100 km/h (62 mph) time to 7,4 seconds. At the top of the range, the M350 xDrive offers a 3,0-litre twin-turbo inline-six producing 443 hp (320 kW) and 580 Nm (417 lb-ft), paired with xDrive all-wheel drive and an eight-speed Steptronic transmission, capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4,1 seconds and reaching a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). The M variant also integrates the new “Drift Moment”, which transfers torque to the rear wheels for controlled oversteer management.
Connecting to the electric range: the BMW i3
The Neue Klasse aesthetic is also shared with the BMW i3, the electric car that already introduced the Panoramic iDrive digital platform. The i3 40 xDrive, with two electric motors (167 hp front, 265 hp rear) and an 82,8 kWh battery, delivers 374 hp and 520 Nm, ensuring 0-100 km/h in 5,4 s and a WLTP range of 566 to 710 km. The top version, the i3 50 xDrive, brings power to 469 hp and 645 Nm, a 108,7 kWh battery, and a maximum range of 912 km. These specifications demonstrate how BMW is converging design and digital technology between its internal combustion and electric lines, paving the way for future plug-in hybrid versions.
The model will arrive in Italian dealerships in December, ready to write a new chapter in the history of the 3 Series.