BMW has unveiled the eighth-generation 3 Series, designated the G50, which arrives at dealerships in early 2027 with a lineup featuring mild-hybrid gasoline engines and zero diesel options. Built at BMW’s Dingolfing plant, the new model measures 4,765 mm long, 1,850 mm wide, and 1,455 mm high, with a 2,860 mm wheelbase that stretches slightly past its predecessor across nearly all exterior dimensions.
Engine Lineup and Performance Specifications
The internal combustion lineup launches with three primary variants, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, except for the performance flagship. The entry-level 318 utilizes a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine generating 156 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque, pushing the sedan from zero to 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds with a 215 km/h top speed and a WLTP fuel consumption rate of 7.5 liters per 100 kilometers. The step-up 320 uses the same displacement to deliver 211 horsepower and 330 Nm, dropping the zero-to-100 km/h sprint to 7.4 seconds and raising the top speed to 240 km/h.
At the top of the initial combustion range sits the M350 xDrive, replacing the older M340i with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six and a mild-hybrid system. According to the vehicle specifications released by BMW, the M350 xDrive produces 443 horsepower and 580 Nm of torque—a 69-horsepower increase over the outgoing M340i. It accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds, reaches a top speed of 250 km/h, and records a fuel consumption of 8.2 liters per 100 kilometers. The M350 xDrive also includes a Drift mode capable of disconnecting the front axle to route power exclusively to the rear wheels.
Chassis, Suspension, and Pricing
The G50 retains BMW’s traditional double-wishbone front and five-link rear suspension layout. Steel springs come standard, while adaptive and adaptive M suspensions are available as options, coming equipped standard on the M350 xDrive. Wheel sizes range from 18 to 20 inches, with the M350 xDrive accommodating optional sports tires measuring 275 mm wide at the rear. Cargo capacity stands at 450 liters.
In the German market, pricing starts at 49,900 euros for the 318, 54,900 euros for the 320, and 80,900 euros for the M350 xDrive.
Future Powertrains and Electric i3 Variants
BMW plans to expand the G50 lineup in 2027 with a plug-in hybrid variant, projected to be the 330e with roughly 300 horsepower. Alongside the combustion models, the brand’s Neue Klasse architecture underpins the battery-electric i3 family. The electric lineup includes the 40 xDrive with 374 horsepower and the 50 xDrive with 469 horsepower, alongside a forthcoming i3 M60 xDrive expected to produce around 600 horsepower. A future M3 will offer a choice between a six-cylinder biturbo engine and a fully electric setup driven by four electric motors. Diesel options are completely excluded from the G50 generation.
The electric i3 utilizes an 800-volt electrical architecture supporting DC fast-charging up to 400 kW, enabling a 10 to 80 percent charge in 21 minutes. Using domestic 11 kW or 22 kW AC chargers, a full charge takes 11 hours or 5.3 hours, respectively. The i3 50 xDrive delivers a maximum driving range of up to 912 km, while the i3 40 xDrive travels up to 710 km on a single charge.
Interior Technology and Driver Assistance Systems
Inside the cabin, the G50 adopts the Neue Klasse design language, anchored by the BMW Panoramic iDrive interface featuring Panoramic Vision projection, an optional 3D Head-Up display, and a 17.9-inch central touchscreen. The traditional physical iDrive rotary controller has been removed. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included as standard features, operated via BMW Operating System X, which integrates BMW Maps, applications, gaming functions, and an intelligent personal assistant powered by generative artificial intelligence and Amazon Alexa+ technology.
Driver assistance features run on BMW’s Symbiotic Drive architecture. Driving Assistant Plus manages speed, distance, and lane centering, while Highway and Highway & City Assistant permit hands-free driving at speeds up to 130 km/h. Semi-automated city maneuvers are scheduled for introduction starting in 2027.
Worth a look