New petrol-powered BMW 3 Series revealed, and it’s coming to SA - TimesLIVE
BMW has unveiled the new internal combustion-powered 3 Series.
To be sold alongside the pure-electric i3 that premiered earlier this year, it adopts the same Neue Klasse design language, including a new interpretation of the brand’s signature kidney grille and twin headlights.
A long wheelbase, short front and rear overhangs and pronounced surfaces shape the exterior. The 2.5-box design retains the proportions long associated with the Munich-based marque’s sporty sedans.
Other design details include flared wheel arches, M yellow lights on M Performance models and slim, horizontal taillamp clusters.
Depending on the model, the 3 Series can be specified with light-alloy wheels between 18 and 20 inches in size. Customers can also specify the optional M Sport package or M Sport package Pro. M Le Castellet Blue metallic joins the colour palette, with BMW saying BMW Individual paint finishes will follow over the course of 2027.
The 320 uses a 2.0l four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. Picture: BMW Inside, you’ll find a sporty cockpit anchored by the latest BMW Panoramic iDrive system that spans the full length of the lower windscreen. Running BMW OS X, it is fully customisable and projects the most important driving information directly into the driver’s line of sight.
The feature is complemented by a 17.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system and the optional 3D head-up display.
BMW’s somewhat quirky central-spoked multifunction steering wheel is fitted as standard, while the more conventional M and Individual steering wheels are available as options. A large panoramic sunroof lets in plenty of light, and the standard seats are said to provide a mix of comfort and lateral support.
Multifunction and M Sport seats are optional, as are heated rear seats and a choice of two Harman Kardon sound systems.
Under the bonnet, the performance flagship will be the M350 xDrive, which is the only new 3 Series variant to use a 3.0l twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine. Paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system, it produces a combined 326kW and 580Nm of torque.
Meshed to an eight-speed Steptronic transmission and xDrive all-wheel drive as standard, the M350 xDrive accelerates from 0-100km/h in 4.1 seconds and tops out at an electronically limited 250km/h. Fuel consumption on the combined cycle is 8.2l/100km.
The BMW Panoramic iDrive system spans the full length of the lower windscreen. Picture: BMW The more sedate 320 model uses a 2.0l four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, also paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system. BMW said it produces a combined 155kW and 330Nm, sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed Steptronic gearbox. The 0-100km/h dash takes 7.4 seconds, while top speed is capped at 240km/h. Expect a combined fuel consumption figure of 7.5l/100km.
On the chassis front, the new 3 Series utilises a double-joint spring-strut front axle and five-link rear axle. Front and rear anti-roll bar mounts with high preload are used to improve roll control and stability. The car has a longer wheelbase and wider front and rear tracks than its predecessor. BMW has also revised the steering ratio and upgraded the integrated braking system.
Standard suspension uses newly developed lift-related dampers, with adaptive suspension and adaptive M suspension available as options. The M350 xDrive further benefits from specific chassis tuning, along with increased torsional and vertical stiffness.
Adaptive M suspension, an M Sport differential and variable sport steering are also fitted as standard.
The i3 50 xDrive offers a maximum driving range of up to 912km. Picture: BMW It will also introduce a new “drift moment” function. Activated through the central display, the system sends the engine’s drive entirely to the rear wheels. Combined with M-specific control of the multi-disc clutch and DSC switched off, it essentially allows the driver to initiate controlled oversteer in a suitable environment, such as a race track.
The innovation doesn’t end there as the new 3 Series introduces a host of new electronics and software architecture centred around BMW’s Driving Stack, an integrated hardware and software system that co-ordinates the vehicle’s driving-related functions. On ICE models, the system manages functions including transverse dynamics and the dynamic all-wheel-drive system.
BMW South Africa has confirmed the M350 xDrive and 320 will launch locally in the first quarter of 2027, alongside the i3 50 xDrive. This all-electric model features two motors and a maximum output of 345kW and 645Nm — good enough for 0-100km/h in 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 200km/h. Equipped with a 108.7kWh battery pack, BMW claims a maximum driving range of up to 912km on the WLTP cycle.
Final specification and pricing for local models will be determined closer to introduction.
