08:00 | 01 October, 2026 BMW has revealed the eighth-generation 3 Series as the gasoline-powered sibling to the electric i3, Autocar reports.

The series will be topped by the M350 xDrive version, with a 3.0-litre inline-six engine and all-wheel drive, developing 437 horsepower.

Moreover, it is faster than the electric i3 50 xDrive in accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h. Production of the new 3 Series will begin in November. It will be launched as a saloon, but a Touring estate variant will follow later next year.

The full-fledged M3 should be released in 2027. Unlike the electric i3, which is built on the new Neue Klasse platform, the 3 Series with an internal combustion engine retains the CLAR architecture of the current G20 generation.

At the same time, BMW has brought the two models as close as possible in terms of appearance, interior design, and electronic architecture. The M350 has a new version of the xDrive all-wheel drive system. In 2027, the Drift Moment function will become available for it, which enables to direct engine power exclusively to the rear wheels.

The new 3 Series has familiar proportions with a long folding hood, a rearward-shifted interior, and pronounced rear wheel arches. The length of the sedan is 4,765 mm, which is 52 mm longer than its predecessor. Width is 1,850 mm, height is 1,455 mm, and the wheelbase has increased by 9 mm to 2,880 mm.

Externally, the gasoline-powered 3 Series almost completely repeats the styling of the electric i3: the wide front graphics combine the traditional BMW radiator grille and double headlights, along with flush door handles. At the same time, the M350 is distinguished by yellow daytime running lights, a small spoiler on the trunk lid, and four exhaust pipes.

Also, BMW has considerably improved the chassis of its gasoline-powered version. It has a new front suspension geometry, a retuned multi-link rear suspension, increased camber of the rear wheels, and stiffer mountings of the chassis elements. Adaptive and adaptive M-suspension with electronically controlled shock absorbers are available for an additional fee.