Six months after introducing the all-electric i3, BMW is preparing to reveal its new combustion-powered 3-Series. A social media teaser confirms that the sedan will debut in Europe on September 30, which corresponds to the evening of September 29 in the US.
Like the i3, the new 3-Series will adopt BMW’s Neue Klasse design language. The result will be a dramatic departure from the current model, though its styling could prove divisive.
BMW is moving away from the oversized kidney grilles seen on many of its models over the past decade. The new sedan instead gets slimmer, wider grilles that flow directly into the headlights. Each headlight will feature two diagonal daytime-running-light slashes, matching the treatment used on the i3 sedan.
The new 3-Series’ rear styling will also closely resemble the i3, including similar LED taillights, a tailgate, and a diffuser. The combustion-powered sedan will differ with a longer hood, a larger rear overhang, and a more conventional windshield.
A Completely Redesigned Interior
BMW Group shared a post on social media.
The 3-Series is also receiving a major cabin redesign. Like the iX3, i3, and new X5, it will feature BMW’s Panoramic iDrive system along with a slanted infotainment display.
Despite sharing many styling cues with the i3, the two models will use different underlying architectures. The i3 rides on BMW’s Neue Klasse platform, while the 3-Series will use an updated version of the existing CLAR architecture.
Performance Takes Center Stage
BMW has not yet revealed the complete lineup, but it has previewed a new M350 xDrive. Replacing the highly regarded M340i xDrive, the model will use a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six supported by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. Total output will reach 437 hp and 428 lb-ft (580 Nm) of torque. Those numbers comfortably surpass the F80-generation M3, highlighting how much the 3-Series has advanced over the past decade.
The M350’s engine will be paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system featuring a rear-wheel-drive-only mode called ‘Drift Moment.’ New six-cylinder versions of the M3 and M4 are also planned, but they are not expected to arrive until 2028 and 2030, respectively.
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