A new era is beginning for BMW’s most famous sedan.
BMW is preparing a major change for its best-selling sedan. The new generation of the 3 Series, which will arrive next year, will be available in two versions: classic with internal combustion engines (G50) and fully electric (i3, codenamed NA0).
Although they will use two different platforms, their design will be almost identical. BMW thereby continues the strategy already seen in larger models, offering customers a choice between gasoline power and electric efficiency while maintaining a distinctive look.
Half a century of tradition
The 3 Series has been the cornerstone of BMW’s offering for 50 years and is synonymous with a blend of sporty character and elegance.
Despite SUVs dominating the market, this compact business sedan still has a strong customer base and status as one of the most important premium sedans in the world. So it’s no surprise that BMW is so cautious, yet determined, to enrich its offering with something new.
New design: evolution, not revolution
Prototypes of the new generation have revealed both petrol and electric versions. Both follow the “Neue Klasse” design direction, with BMW’s signature “shark-nose” front end and redesigned grilles with smaller kidneys that now hide sensors and advanced driver assistance systems.
You can see a few unofficial design proposals in this article. We believe they are not far from the final look of the new 3 Series.
The petrol model has a longer bonnet, steeper windscreen and a more pronounced wheelbase, while the LED rear lights are inspired by the Vision Neue Klasse concept. The sporty look is further emphasised by wide bumpers and quad exhaust pipes on the M version.
Interior inspired by the iX3
The new 3 Series will get a completely redesigned interior modeled after the iX3 SUV . At the center will be the Panoramic iDrive, a wide digital display that stretches across the entire instrument panel and displays all key information in front of the driver. The system allows for a personalized display of data for the driver and front passenger, while an additional head-up display with animated navigation instructions provides even greater visibility.
The center console features an asymmetrical touchscreen, along with several physical buttons for basic functions.
Two platforms, two technologies
BMW will separate the powertrain technologies within the 3 Series for the first time. The electric i3 will be based on the Neue Klasse architecture, while the petrol version of the G50 will remain on the proven CLAR platform, the same one used by the new X3 (G45).
The new petrol models will receive mild hybrid upgrades, alongside the proven 2.0-litre four-cylinder and 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engines. The latter will form the basis for the future M350.
The new M3 becomes a mild hybrid
The legendary sports sedan, the BMW M3, is also entering the electrified era. The new generation will retain the petrol engine but add a mild hybrid system that will increase power and efficiency while reducing weight compared to plug-in systems like the one in the M5.
The M3 is expected to offer more than 523 hp, depending on the version (standard, Competition and Competition xDrive). At the same time, BMW is also developing a fully electric version, likely called the iM3, with four electric motors and an output of more than 700 hp. According to announcements, an experimental project with as much as 1,300 hp is also possible, although this would be a special limited series.
The biggest question, however, is how BMW will overcome the electric version’s biggest drawback, which is the added weight. The electric M3 could be up to 500 kilograms heavier than the current M3, so further adjustments to the suspension, control software and brakes are expected.
When is the new generation coming?
The current 3 Series (G20) was introduced in 2018, with minor redesigns arriving in 2022 and 2024. BMW has confirmed that the electric i3 will be introduced in 2025, while the new petrol 3 Series (G50) is expected next year as a 2027 model. Sales could start in early 2027.
The new generation of the 3 Series shows how BMW plans to combine tradition and future. The classic six-cylinder engine remains, but with an electric and fully digitalized vision of the brand that marks the beginning of a new era for the sports sedan in Munich.
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