BMW has officially pulled the covers off its radically overhauled eighth-generation 3 Series, confirming a heavily revised dual-pronged lineup for Australia, slated to touch down in the first quarter of 2027.
While the new petrol-powered ‘G50’ 3 Series and the all-electric ‘NA0’ i3 share nearly identical Neue Klasse-inspired sheet metal, they ride on entirely different architectures. The combustion models retain an updated version of the outgoing CLAR platform, whereas the i3 sits on the brand’s dedicated new-generation electric chassis.
Local showrooms will initially receive a streamlined four-variant lineup. The combustion range will open with the four-cylinder 320 and top out with the high-performance M350 xDrive – both with mild-hybrid tech. Powering the 320 is a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder, producing 155kW and 330Nm, with 0-100km/h claimed in a respectable 7.4 seconds.
Going for the M350 xDrive gets you a 3.0-litre turbo inline-six engine, producing 326kW and 580Nm, with 0-100km/h coming up in a claimed 4.1 seconds. The flagship also introduces a highly anticipated ‘Drift Moment’ feature. The software-locked mode, which will be rolled out via an over-the-air update next year, completely decouples the front axle to transform the all-wheel drive sedan into a dedicated rear-wheel drive setup.
On the electric front, buyers will have the choice of the i3 40 xDrive and the flagship dual-motor i3 50 xDrive. The top-tier EV utilises a massive 108.7kWh battery pack, delivering 345kW of power, 645Nm of torque, and a provisional WLTP driving range of up to 900km. It does 0-100km/h in a claimed 4.7 seconds. Meanwhile the entry i3 40 uses an 82.8kWh battery, with two electric motors combing to produce 275kW and 520Nm, good for 0-100km/h in 5.4 seconds and 710km of range.
Inside the cabin, both models adopt a massive technological leap. The traditional dashboard is replaced by a sweeping central infotainment display and BMW’s new Panoramic iDrive system, supplemented by an optional 3D head-up display.
In a major win for local buyers, the cost of entry for the petrol range has been slashed by more than $12,000 compared with the outgoing generation. However, unlike their petrol siblings, the electric i3 models will carry a premium over the outgoing i4 variants they indirectly replace. See below for local prices (excluding on-road costs):
2027 BMW i3 40 xDrive: $96,900
2027 BMW i3 50 xDrive: $112,900
2027 BMW 320: $83,900
2027 BMW M350 xDrive: $128,900
