2027 BMW 3 Series First Look: Tons of New Tech, $51,250 to Start

The eighth-generation 3 gets updated engines and the Neue Klasse interior.

We’ve already seen the electric 2027 BMW i3, and the new 2027 BMW 3 Series is coming in hot as the i3’s gas-fired counterpart. Both serve a similar mission as rear- and all-wheel-drive entry-level sport sedans, but the 3 Series should remain the choice for those not quite ready to give up gasoline. To that end, the eighth-generation 3 arrives with Neue Klasse technologies, styling, and updated hardware that keep it closely aligned with the i3.

2027 M350 xDrive (left) and i3 50 xDrive (right).

The headlights and signature kidney shapes are now all integrated into one unit that stretches across the entirety of the car’s face like a mask. Only the M Performance variants such as the M350 xDrive get the optional M Yellow Lights, which are inspired by BMW’s motorsports division.

In the back, slim horizontal taillights give everything a modern feel. A standard quad-pipe exhaust and rear spoiler set the M350 xDrive apart. The profile is made sleeker by the use of flush door handles just as the public and regulatory agencies around the globe have started looking at them with more critical eyes. The M Sport package, optional on everything except the M Performance models, brings body-color side skirts and unique bumpers.

Wheels for the gas 3 Series size between 19 and 20 inches with 245- and 255-section front and rear tires. The optional performance wheel and tire package bumps rear tires up to 275 sections.

Inside, the new 3 looks exactly like the i3 because they are exactly the same. Same pillar-to-pillar skinny screen, large central screen, and new steering wheel design with a central spoke running from 12 to 6 o’clock. However, to confirm a previous hunch we’ve had: All M Performance 3 Series cars come with a more traditional wheel, with the spokes at 4 and 8 o’clock. Drivers may also get that wheel in their non-M-Performance cars via special options packages.

At the heart of it all is the new BMW Operating System X based on the Android Open Source Project. It offers digital services and over-the-air updates, bringing the new 3 Series into the era of the software-defined vehicle. Not only can various users save their personalized settings to the car, but there’s also a BMW AI personal assistant that responds to voice commands and can suggest things based on what it picks up inside and outside of the vehicle.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard. BMW assures us all the seats in the new 3 Series are comfortable, and you can spring for more bolstered ones in the M350 xDrive. Three cabin themes are offered: Contemporary, BMW M, and BMW Individual.

At launch, the gas 3 Series will be offered in two variants. The first is the 330, available with rear-drive or xDrive all-wheel drive, both powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine assisted by 48-volt mild hybrid tech. The powertrain makes 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. For both 330 applications, BMW claims a 0–60-mph time of 5.9 seconds.

As we await the next BMW M3, the M350 xDrive is as close as you can get for now. The 3.0-liter turbo inline-six, also with 48-volt mild hybrid tech, now produces a claimed output of 437 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque—up from the previous version’s 386 hp. Acting as a crankshaft-mounted starter generator, the electric motor is integrated into the transmission housing itself and adds up to 17 hp.

As denoted by the xDrive in its name, the M350 xDrive sends power to all four wheels; it will hit 60 in an estimated 3.9 seconds, accompanied by a sporty roar from its quad tailpipes.

BMW updated these engines to be even more efficient through a more advanced variable valve-control system and switchable exhaust valves. It was able to reduce engine drag torque by 66 percent so more energy from the 48-volt battery can be utilized.

Of course, a 3 Series must handle like a 3 Series, and to ensure that’s the case, BMW has engineered the new cars with longer wheelbases and wider front and rear tracks. The cars maintain close to a 50/50 weight distribution, so handling should feel quite balanced. Improved anti-roll bar mounts are tasked with further taming body roll.

Engineers also revised the steering to make it more accurate, and the upgraded braking system is said to provide precise pedal feel and action.

On the M350 xDrive in particular, Adaptive M Suspension comes as standard, as do M Sport brakes, an M Sport differential, and variable sport steering. Plus, it includes front end bracing and spring and damper tuning unique to this model. Altogether, the M350 xDrive is said to have the highest vertical and torsional stiffness in the lineup.

Finally, the M350 xDrive gets a mode called “Drift Moment.” Essentially, the car will be able to send 100 percent of its power to the rear wheels so you can hoon it like a rear-drive drift machine. Once you’re done, you can set the car back to all-wheel drive and go about your merry way. Drift Moment won’t be available at launch, but BMW says those who buy the car before the feature launches will be able to get it via a software update.

As we previously reported, the all-wheel-drive i3 50 xDrive will come out swinging with M3-like performance: 463 hp and 476 lb-ft of torque from its dual-motor setup. Its 0–60 sprint happens in an estimated 4.5 seconds, and BMW also projects its maximum range to fall somewhere between 446 and 468 miles. We’re looking forward to getting one and running it through our instrumented testing and 70-mph Road-Trip Range test to see what it can do in the real world.

2027 BMW i3 50 xDrive in Le Castellet Blue

Thanks to its 800-volt architecture, the i3 50 xDrive will be able to add up to 200 miles of range in 10 minutes while hooked up to a DC fast charger. And like the rest of the current-generation BMW EVs, it will be able to perform bidirectional charging. Vehicle-to-home capabilities mean it can provide power during a blackout, though you’ll likely need special hardware to make this happen.

Later in 2027, the i3 M60 xDrive will join the pack and give us our first all-electric M-branded 3 Series. It will also utilize a dual-motor setup and wear 21-inch wheels. We can expect further details closer to the launch.

Central to how these two EVs will drive is BMW’s advanced Heart of Joy electronic control unit. After experiencing an iX3 SUV prototype running this latest electronic architecture—which controls everything from the chassis and telematics to entertainment and connectivity—we see it as a promising foundation for BMW's next generation of vehicles, which kicks off with the i3 and this 3 Series.

So prices have gone up a couple of thousand dollars from 2026 in exchange for an entirely new generation with BMW’s latest suite of technologies. The new 3 Series will be built at BMW’s plant in its home city of Munich, Germany. The cars will launch here in the first quarter of next year.

Front-engine, RWD/AWD, 5-pass, 4-door sedan

2.0L/255-hp (est)/295-lb-ft (est) turbo DOHC 16-valve 4-cyl

3.0L/437-hp (est)/428-lb-ft (est) turbo 24-valve I-6

Fr: 165 hp/188 lb-ft (est) asynchronous induction front motor; R: 322 hp/321 lb-ft (est) electrically excited synchronous rear motor; 463 hp/476 lb-ft comb

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Kristen LeeI got into cars the way most people do: my dad. Since I was little, it was always something we’d talk about and I think he was stoked to have his kid share his interest. He’d buy me the books, magazines, calendars, and diecast models—everything he could do to encourage a young enthusiast. Eventually, I went to school and got to the point where people start asking you what you want to do with your life. Seeing as cars are what I love and writing is what I enjoy doing, combining the two was the logical next step. This dream job is the only one I’ve ever wanted. Since then, I’ve worked at Road & Track, Jalopnik, Business Insider, The Drive, and now MotorTrend, and made appearances on Jay Leno’s Garage, Good Morning America, The Smoking Tire Podcast, Fusion’s Car vs. America, the Ask a Clean Person podcast, and MotorTrend’s Shift Talkers. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, cooking, and watching the Fast & Furious movies on repeat. Tokyo Drift is the best one.