New BMW 3 Series - Derry Motoring with Jim Mc Cauley
For more than 50 years, the BMW 3 Series has combined benchmark driving dynamics, everyday usability and distinctive design. More than 18 million examples have been sold worldwide since 1975, making it the most successful model in the history of the BMW brand. Now in its eighth generation, it features the design and technologies of the Neue Klasse to the core of BMW, with a broad choice of powertrain technologies.
The new BMW i3 brings fully electric drive to the BMW 3 Series for the first time, with customers initially able to choose between the BMW i3 40 xDrive and BMW i3 50 xDrive, offering up to 566 miles (WLTP) of single-charge range. An all-electric M Performance model, the BMW i3 M60 xDrive will join the lineup in 2027. Two petrol-powered variants will also be available from launch: the BMW 320 and the flagship, six-cylinder BMW M350 xDrive.
All versions of the new 3 Series share similar exterior and interior designs. The exterior maintains the hallmark BMW-saloon proportions characterised by a long wheelbase, short overhangs, a set-back cabin and prominently flared wheel arches.
At the front, the BMW kidney and twin headlights are integrated within a single horizontal design element. The daytime running lights are vertically arranged, while the shark-nose front profile highlights the model’s dynamic character.
The petrol-powered range launches here with two derivatives, both featuring the latest generation of BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and 48-volt mild hybrid assistance. The rear-wheel-drive BMW 320 combines a 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission, producing 211 hp and 330 Nm of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 7.4 seconds and reaches a top speed of 149 mph.
Meanwhile, the flagship M350 xDrive pairs a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system together producing 443 hp, an increase of 69 hp over its predecessor, and 580 Nm of torque. This returns a 0 to 62 mph of 4.1 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.
Revised front and rear axle settings are said to sharpen handling and steering feel, while stiffer chassis and anti-roll bar mounts improve body control and stability.
On the electric variants, the i3 features BMW’s eDrive technology, using highly efficient electric motors, 800-volt technology and bidirectional charging.
The BMW i3 50 xDrive produces 469 hp and 645 Nm of torque, accelerating from zero to 62 mph in 4.7 seconds. Its 108.7 kWh high-voltage battery provides a range of up to 566 miles (WLTP).
The BMW i3 40 xDrive develops 374 hp and 520 Nm of torque, completing the zero to 62 mph sprint in 5.4 seconds. Its 82.8 kWh battery delivers up to 441 miles1 (WLTP) of range, while a maximum DC charging rate of 300 kW can add up to 209 miles in ten minutes. AC charging at 11 kW is standard for both models, with 22 kW available optionally.
A rear mounted motor provides the primary source of drive, supported by a compact front axle motor when all-wheel drive is required.
First UK deliveries of the BMW i3 will commence in the autumn, with the BMW i3 40 xDrive priced from £47,925 OTR. Petrol-powered models will arrive in January 2027, with BMW 320 pricing starting from £44,975 OTR.