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 back in April 2026. The G50 3 Series will be available in global markets from early 2027, and is likely to be launched in India as well. 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; 318 develops 156hp and 250Nm, while the 320 sports a stronger 211hp/330Nm state of tune. Both variants get 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, respectively.
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, but produces 426hp and 540Nm – up 52hp and 40Nm over the M340i. The M350 also comes with a 48-volt mild hybrid system and 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
What community is saying on the 3 Series?
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 like retractable door handles, clean body panelling, wide wraparound LED tail-lamps, and blacked-out front panels incorporating illuminated surrounds, LED headlamps, and angled DRLs.
The only major visual differentiators of the ICE-powered 3 Series are its alloy wheel designs (318 and 320 get 18-inchers as standard, M350 gets 19-inchers) and bootlid badging. The M350 features some additional sporty design touches, like 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 interior of the G50 3 Series is very reminiscent of the i3's. Cabin elements like 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, auto park assist, dual-zone climate control, connected car tech, a panoramic sunroof, and more. Boot space is rated at 450 litres.
Dipan Sur
Dhruv Dhaka
