You’ve seen the Neue Klasse look on the electric BMW i3 and absolutely dig it. But there’s just one problem. You are, to your bones, a true-blue petrolhead. Well, fret not, my friends, because BMW has brought the modern 2.5-box design to the rest of the 3 Series family.
The makeover also brings plenty to talk about under the hood—or floor. There are four-cylinder gasoline models, a six-cylinder M350 xDrive, and an electric i3 40 xDrive joining the previously covered 50 xDrive. An electric M Performance model and a plug-in hybrid are coming in 2027, too. Let’s get into it.
But before that, let’s recap that cool new look. The kidney grille and twin headlights merge into a single visual unit, accompanied by flared wheel arches, short overhangs, and flush door handles. The M Performance models also get racing-inspired yellow lights. A little endurance-racing flavor for the trip to the supermarket.
There’s a fair bit of choice beneath that new bodywork, too. Here’s how the family shapes up.
BMW 318: The Sensible Starting Point
The 318 uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 48V mild-hybrid technology and an eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission.
Output is 156 hp and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft), enough for zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 9.5 seconds and a top speed of 215 km/h (134 mph). It rides on standard 18-inch alloy wheels and offers a 450-liter (15.9-cu-ft) trunk.
Not every 3 Series needs to make passengers reconsider accepting a ride. Sometimes, the styling and a comfortable drive are enough.
BMW 320: A Little More Urgency
The 320 also has a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, 48V mild-hybrid assistance, and an eight-speed automatic. Here, output rises to 211 hp and 330 Nm (243 lb-ft).
The extra muscle cuts the zero-to-100 km/h sprint to 7.4 seconds, while top speed reaches 240 km/h (149 mph). Trunk capacity remains 450 liters, so the added performance doesn’t cost you any grocery space.
Both four-cylinder models list provisional combined WLTP fuel consumption of 6.5–7.5 L/100 km, depending on configuration.
BMW M350 xDrive: Six Cylinders and Sideways Interests
Leading the gasoline lineup is the M350 xDrive. Its 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six and 48V mild-hybrid system deliver a combined 443 hp and 580 Nm (428 lb-ft), paired with an eight-speed automatic and xDrive all-wheel drive.
It reaches 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). Adaptive M suspension and 19-inch wheels are standard.
Then there’s Drift Moment, which allows engine power to be directed exclusively to the rear wheels. The sensible sedan still has some decidedly less sensible interests.
BMW i3 40 xDrive: The Electric Starting Point
The i3 40 xDrive pairs two electric motors with an 82.8 kWh usable battery, producing 374 hp and 520 Nm (384 lb-ft). Zero to 100 km/h takes 5.4 seconds, and the top speed is limited to 200 km/h (124 mph).
Its provisional WLTP range runs from 566 to 710 km (352–441 miles), depending on configuration. DC charging peaks at 300 kW, with a stated 10–80% charging time of 21 minutes under the specified conditions.
There’s a 420-liter (14.8-cu-ft) rear trunk and another 31 liters (1.1 cu ft) beneath the hood. A small consolation for anyone who still instinctively expects to find an engine there.
Like the i3 50 xDrive, the i3 40 xDrive supports 11 kW AC charging, with 22 kW optional, plus bidirectional charging capabilities.
BMW i3 M60 xDrive: One More to Wait For
The electric lineup will gain an M Performance flagship in 2027: the i3 M60 xDrive. BMW hasn’t supplied its output, acceleration, battery capacity, or range in the published specifications. A plug-in hybrid is also due in 2027.
The Interior
Inside the new family, Panoramic iDrive joins a driver-angled 17.9-inch central display and an optional 3D head-up display. Electrically adjustable seats with memory are standard, with M Sport seats and Harman Kardon audio among the options.
Pricing and Availability
As far as pricing goes, we have some numbers: the BMW 318 and 320 start at €49,900 and €54,900 [DE], respectively. Meanwhile, the BMW M350 xDrive commands a grand €80,900 or more [DE], depending on your desired configurations.
The previously revealed BMW i3 40 xDrive starts at €59,900 [DE], while the newly added model, the i3 50 xDrive, starts at €65,900 [DE]. No pricing yet for the i3 M60 xDrive, though. All models with pricing are available to configure in Germany as we speak.
Images: BMW [DE].
