The all-new BMW 3-Series offers Petrol Power and new Tech
For more than 50 years the BMW 3-series has been serving its owners with a classic 2.5 box design, evolving, adapting and changing with each generation. But, for the first time, not only can you buy an electric 3-series badged as the BMW i3, but the new petrol-powered BMW 3 Series delivers the same striking Neue Klasse design language as its electric sibling.
BMW says “the fully electric BMW i3 and its sister models with internal combustion engine (ICE) differ only in details that reflect the drive system type at hand.”
What this means is that although the new 3-Series and i3 share the same visual looks, its a very different story underneath with each version built on bespoke architecture. This way, BMW can optimise the i3 for efficiency and dynamics, as noted with its 570 miles range EV, with the 3-Series retaining it’s internal combustion architecture for optimal performance and driving characteristics.
The combustion powered BMW 3 Series can be optioned with light-alloy wheels between 18 and 20 inches in size, and it can also be ordered with the M Sport package or M Sport package Pro. Both very popular trim choices.
Interior
Just like the recently revealed i3, the 3-Series gets the same interior treatment with BMW’s new Panoramic iDrive, first featured in the formidable iX3. This is a thin band that sits under the entire width of the windscreen and at the top of the dashboard displaying relevant data to the driver and passenger. This replaces the rotary knob allied to the central display that’s featured in BMW’s for over 20 years.
Along with the BMW Panoramic Vision, BMW has also announced a 3D Head-Up Display, plus there’s a new 17.9-inch, driver orientated, rhomboid Central Display as found in the iX3 and new i3.
The multifunction steering wheel can be optioned as either a two-spoke or four-spoke wheel. Both the central display and 4-spoke steering wheel have found criticism and acclaim.
Needless to say, it’s design at face value can be divisive, but like all things, context is key and sitting in the car might make more sense of it than the pictures.
Options
There are four different interior designs to choose from each offering a selection of colours and materials. The BMW ‘My Modes’ offers customers the option to customise their car’s displays, sound, lighting and drive system.
A large optional panoramic sunroof with climate comfort glazing (keeps out the suns rays) provides an extremely airy and light-filled interior whichever trim colour is picked.
BMW states that the standard seats provide strong lateral support and high comfort levels, plus they are electrically adjustable with a memory function, but upgrade to the M Sport and Multifunction seats can be specified as options. There’s also optional rear seat heating.
As for sound - and for those that value high quality sound systems - the usual, if not exceptional and optional Harman Kardon sound system is available.
Tech
This new range of BMW’s receives the new Operating System X. The Panoramic iDrive offers a combination of touch-based, haptic and voice-based interaction. Plus BMW’s Intelligent Personal Assistant integrates Amazon Alexa+ AI technology for natural languages voice commands.
BMW’s Operating System X will also receive regular over-the-air updates with upgrade capabilities adding new functions and digital services. The optional BMW Digital Premium package offers a Security Assistant and extended navigation functions included in BMW Maps.
Engines
As well as the usual array of 4 cylinder engine options, BMW flagships its new silky-smooth six-cylinder engine in the new BMW M350 xDrive.
BMW M350 xDrive
This is a 3.0-litre, combined with a 48v mild hybrid system that supports the crankshaft-driven starter generator.
And it’s not wanting for power with 443hp under that right pedal sprinting from 0-62 mph in just 4.1 seconds with a limited top speed of 155 mph.
However, if it’s more efficient motoring that customers are after, BMW offers the bread-and-butter four-cylinder petrol engines in two versions, although BMW says that “all petrol engines for the new BMW 3 Series feature the latest generation of BMW TwinPower Turbo technology.”
Engine/Electric Motor choices at launch are:
BMW 320:
WLTP combined: energy consumption 37 mpg (TBC); CO₂ emissions 169 g/km; CO₂ class F
BMW M350 xDrive:
WLTP combined: energy consumption: 34 mpg (TBC); CO₂ emissions 187 g/km; CO₂ class G
BMW i3 50 xDrive:
WLTP combined: energy consumption 3.45 - 4.64 miles per kWh (TBC); CO₂ emissions 0 g/km; CO₂ class A
BMW i3 40 xDrive:
WLTP combined: energy consumption 3.47 - 4.35 miles per kWh (TBC); CO₂ emissions 0 g/km; CO₂ class A
BMW i3 M60 xDrive:
Official WLTP consumption and emissions figures are not available yet.
Driving
For the die-hard BMW fans looking to optimise the driving pleasure of their BMW’s, customers can specify the optional adaptive suspension or adaptive M suspension. Adaptive M suspension comes as standard on the BMW M350 xDrive and is available as an option for the all-wheel-drive BMW i3.
Adaptive suspension combines the agility and precision expected from a high performance saloon with high levels of comfort for everyday use, but it can turn into a dynamic fun machine with its new Drift Moment feature. Drift Mode - which is activated on the touchscreen - is designed to enable some irresponsible sideways sliding through corners by only sending power to the rear wheels.
However, for customers looking to take a more relaxed approach to driving, especially when covering long distances, BMW offers their ‘SAE Level 2’ driver assistance systems. The Motorway Assistant enables hands-free driving up to 81 mph, albeit this is only available from 2027, but it has been confirmed for the U.K. The new assistance functions will offer navigation-guided, partially automated driving in urban areas, too.
Manufacturing
Next year, BMW’s ‘Plant Munich’ will switch entirely to the production of fully electric Neue Klasse models, whilst the new BMW 3 Series will be built at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing – the BMW Group’s largest European manufacturing facility.
Production of the core components for the fully electric drive system and combustion engines powering the new BMW 3 Series is handled by BMW Group Plant Steyr in Austria. The high-voltage batteries will be supplied by the new BMW Group Plant Irlbach-Straßkirchen in Bavaria.
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About the Author
Graeme Cobb is a lifelong car enthusiast with a passion for writing about cars, EVs, industry updates and more.
You can find Graeme on 𝕏 at @graeme_cobb
