BMW has pulled the covers off the eighth generation of its all-time bestseller, the 3 Series. This combustion-powered model, codenamed the G50, was previewed by the i3 EV in March 2026. At present, BMW has revealed details only about three petrol variants of the G50 3 Series, namely the 318, 320 and M350 xDrive.
2027 BMW 3 Series engine and gearbox
The 318 and 320 variants of the G50 3 Series are powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder direct-injection turbo-petrol engine paired with a 48-volt mild hybrid system; the 318 develops 156hp and 250Nm, while the 320 gets a stronger 211hp/330Nm state of tune. Both variants have an 8-speed torque-converter automatic and rear-wheel drive, with the 318 claiming a 0-100kph time of 9.5 seconds and a 215kph top speed, whereas the 320 boasts 7.4 seconds and 240kph.
Then comes the range-topper of the G50 3 Series line-up: the M350 xDrive. It replaces the current M340i xDrive and uses the same 3.0-litre direct-injection turbo straight-six. However, it produces 426hp and 540Nm – up 52hp and 40Nm over the M340i. The M350 also comes with a 48-volt mild hybrid system and an 8-speed automatic, but power is sent to all four wheels via BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system. This enables a claimed 0-100kph time of 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 250kph.
BMW has not released any details on potential diesel versions of the G50 3 Series – the current 3 Series can be had with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel making 190hp and 400Nm. However, the German carmaker has confirmed that a plug-in hybrid variant will be added to the 3 Series line-up over the coming year.
2027 BMW 3 Series exterior design
Stretching the tape at 4,765mm long, 1,850mm wide, 1,455mm tall, and with a wheelbase of 2,860mm, the G50 3 Series is longer and wider than the outgoing G20 model. In terms of styling, the G50 looks extremely similar to the i3, with its classic 2.5-box sedan proportions and Neue Klasse design elements such as retractable door handles, clean body panelling, wide wraparound LED tail-lamps, and blacked-out front panels incorporating illuminated surrounds, LED headlamps and angled daytime running lamps (DRLs).
The only major visual differentiators of the ICE-powered 3 Series are its alloy wheel designs (the 318 and 320 get 18-inchers as standard, whereas the M350 gets 19-inchers) and boot lid badging. The M350 features some additional sporty design touches, such as a quad-exhaust setup, bright-yellow DRLs, M badging, black alloys and a lip spoiler.
2027 BMW 3 Series interior and features
Much like the exterior, the G50’s interior is very reminiscent of that of the i3. Cabin elements such as a 17.9-inch rhomboidal infotainment touchscreen, pillar-to-pillar Panoramic Vision display, unconventional-looking four-spoke steering wheel and cylindrical drive selector are common between the electric and ICE versions of the sedan.
That said, the M350’s cabin differentiates itself with a unique M-spec steering wheel, M graphics in the Panoramic Vision display and a black colour scheme. In addition to everything mentioned above, BMW has loaded the G50 3 Series with goodies like configurable ambient lighting, Amazon Alexa+ AI integration, powered and heated front seats, Level 2 ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems), auto park assist, dual-zone climate control, connected car tech, a panoramic sunroof, and more. Boot space is rated at 450 litres.
2027 BMW 3 Series production and launch timeline
Production of the G50 3 Series will start in November 2026 at BMW’s Dingolfing plant in Germany, with global market launches planned from early 2027 onward. Expect the new 3 Series to land in India as well, though the timeline for the same remains unconfirmed. If the current 3 Series and BMW India's success with long-wheelbase models is any indication, we may get an LWB version of the G50 as well. BMW revealed an LWB derivative of the i3 for the Chinese market a few months ago, so an equivalent version of the 3 Series isn't all that unlikely.
Uday Singh
Dipan Sur
Saptarshi Mondal
Glenn Noronha
